Plus Ferrari
The lots below do not currently have a position in a thematic page.
Except otherwise stated, all results include the premium.
Except otherwise stated, all results include the premium.
1953 Ferrari 250 MM
2014 SOLD for $ 7.3 M$ by Bonhams
Two new models confront in the 1952 Mille Miglia. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL is the fastest but the race is won by the prototype of the Ferrari 250 S coachworked in berlinetta by Vignale. The exceptional driving stability of the Ferrari had compensated such a disability.
The history of motorsport enables to observe a process of continuous improvement, especially at that time. Ferrari develops an evolution of the 250 for the 1953 Mille Miglia: the 250 MM. This race will be won, however, by a more powerful Ferrari, a 340 MM coachworked in spider by Vignale.
Behind the scenes, another event took place in 1951 in a "neutral ground" halfway between Milan and Turin: the successful negotiation between Ferrari and Pinin Farina. Until then, according to the pre-war practice, Ferrari had no assigned bodybuilder. Its cars were processed by Zagato, Touring, Ghia and Vignale, among others. The co-operation with Scaglietti is slightly later.
On August 14, 2014, Bonhams sold for $ 7.3M a 250 MM berlinetta made in 1953, lot 6. This superb early example of a co-operation between Ferrari and Pinin Farina already displays the elegance of shape that will make the charm of the future grand touring 250, until the GTO through TdF and GT.
Vignale built 12 Spiders for competition on the 250 MM chassis. A Series II made in 1953 had an extensive racing history up to 1955 in the hands of its owner based in Detroit. Keeping its matching numbers engine and its original chassis, gearbox and coachwork, it was sold for $ 5.4M by Gooding on January 18, 2019, lot 42.
The history of motorsport enables to observe a process of continuous improvement, especially at that time. Ferrari develops an evolution of the 250 for the 1953 Mille Miglia: the 250 MM. This race will be won, however, by a more powerful Ferrari, a 340 MM coachworked in spider by Vignale.
Behind the scenes, another event took place in 1951 in a "neutral ground" halfway between Milan and Turin: the successful negotiation between Ferrari and Pinin Farina. Until then, according to the pre-war practice, Ferrari had no assigned bodybuilder. Its cars were processed by Zagato, Touring, Ghia and Vignale, among others. The co-operation with Scaglietti is slightly later.
On August 14, 2014, Bonhams sold for $ 7.3M a 250 MM berlinetta made in 1953, lot 6. This superb early example of a co-operation between Ferrari and Pinin Farina already displays the elegance of shape that will make the charm of the future grand touring 250, until the GTO through TdF and GT.
Vignale built 12 Spiders for competition on the 250 MM chassis. A Series II made in 1953 had an extensive racing history up to 1955 in the hands of its owner based in Detroit. Keeping its matching numbers engine and its original chassis, gearbox and coachwork, it was sold for $ 5.4M by Gooding on January 18, 2019, lot 42.
1957 Ferrari 500 TRC
2022 SOLD for $ 7.8M by RM Sotheby's
In the mid-1950s, Ferrari tried various combinations of engines and volumes to have more chances to win competitions in all their diversity. In 1954 the four-cylinder in-line engines from the ex Lampredi product line simultaneously power the 500 Mondial (2 liters), the 750 Monza (3 liters) and the 860 Monza (3.5 liters).
In 1956 the 500 Mondial is replaced by another 2 liters 4 cylinders, the 500 TR, produced in 16 units bodied by Scaglietti. This model is the first to receive the qualifier TR for Testa Rossa describing a gloss red paint finish on the cylinder block.
Its follower in 1957 is the 500 TRC, made in 19 units bodied as spiders by Scaglietti, modified from the TR model to match the Annex C of the racing code, referred by the C in the suffix. The figure of 19 includes the two 625, narrated below.
The cockpit is widened, a passenger side door is added, a full width windscreen with wipers is fitted, a 120 liter fuel tank and an optional convertible top are installed. The lower hood and reshaped wheel arches and fenders combined with the longer wheelbase make it a masterpiece of Scaglietti.
The penultimate 500 TRC was sold for $ 7.8M by RM Sotheby's on August 19, 2022, lot 230. It was raced up to 1963 including SCCA championship and 1957 Le Mans 24. It has been re-united with its original engine and is accompanied by a previously fitted engine.
Two TRC were prepared together in 1957 by the factory with the 2.5 litre 625 LM Lampredi type engine made of 4 cylinders on line. 2,500 cc was the largest displacement authorized at Le Mans after the 1955 accident.
Both Testa Rossas had been specifically ordered by Ferrari Californian importer John von Neumann. They were raced by him and by his daughter Josie in Ladies races. Neumann appreciated them as the best handling and easiest of all Ferraris to drive in a race.
The second of von Neumann's 625s is the 9th TRC. It was sold for € 5M by RM Auctions on May 12, 2012, lot 345. Completely restored in the 1980s, it is fitted with a 3 liter V-12 but the original engine in matching numbers had just been re-united with the lot. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
The 500 TRC was the last 4 cylinder racing car built by Ferrari. The Testa Rossa tradition was continued on the V 12-powered 250 TR.
In 1956 the 500 Mondial is replaced by another 2 liters 4 cylinders, the 500 TR, produced in 16 units bodied by Scaglietti. This model is the first to receive the qualifier TR for Testa Rossa describing a gloss red paint finish on the cylinder block.
Its follower in 1957 is the 500 TRC, made in 19 units bodied as spiders by Scaglietti, modified from the TR model to match the Annex C of the racing code, referred by the C in the suffix. The figure of 19 includes the two 625, narrated below.
The cockpit is widened, a passenger side door is added, a full width windscreen with wipers is fitted, a 120 liter fuel tank and an optional convertible top are installed. The lower hood and reshaped wheel arches and fenders combined with the longer wheelbase make it a masterpiece of Scaglietti.
The penultimate 500 TRC was sold for $ 7.8M by RM Sotheby's on August 19, 2022, lot 230. It was raced up to 1963 including SCCA championship and 1957 Le Mans 24. It has been re-united with its original engine and is accompanied by a previously fitted engine.
Two TRC were prepared together in 1957 by the factory with the 2.5 litre 625 LM Lampredi type engine made of 4 cylinders on line. 2,500 cc was the largest displacement authorized at Le Mans after the 1955 accident.
Both Testa Rossas had been specifically ordered by Ferrari Californian importer John von Neumann. They were raced by him and by his daughter Josie in Ladies races. Neumann appreciated them as the best handling and easiest of all Ferraris to drive in a race.
The second of von Neumann's 625s is the 9th TRC. It was sold for € 5M by RM Auctions on May 12, 2012, lot 345. Completely restored in the 1980s, it is fitted with a 3 liter V-12 but the original engine in matching numbers had just been re-united with the lot. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
The 500 TRC was the last 4 cylinder racing car built by Ferrari. The Testa Rossa tradition was continued on the V 12-powered 250 TR.
1957 Cabriolet Prima Serie
2014 SOLD for $ 6.8M by Bonhams
Ferrari's GT 250 chassis with a V12 engine is at first intended to improve the Europa coupe. A 250 GT Europa prototype built by Pinin Farina is exhibited at the Salon de l'Auto in Paris in 1954.
The creation of a Grand Touring (Gran Turismo) class in competition is one of the consequences of the disaster at Le Mans in 1955. For the often tortuous roads of the Tour de France Automobile, Ferrari designs the 250 GT TdF. The name is well chosen: in 1957, Gendebien and Bianchi actually won the competition with a TdF.
Pinin Farina is more motivated by development than by production. In 1956 he leaves to Boano the first attempt to industrialize his design for the 250 GT coupe. Encouraged by the success of this 250 GT, Boano builds the very first 250 GT cabriolet that comes on display at the Salon de l'Automobile in Geneva.
These motor shows perfectly meet their target of offering to the manufacturers the reactions of the public. Pinin Farina and Chinetti observe the keen interest generated by the Boano convertible but their vision is different. Chinetti is aiming for a spectacular car that will appeal Hollywood and the jet set. Pinin Farina imagines a luxury cabriolet for demanding customers.
Both projects are accepted by Ferrari. The California Spider is built by Scaglietti on a Pinin Farina design. The Prima Serie cabriolet is a long series of one off designed and manufactured by Pinin Farina, with small differences from one car to another. The price tags leave no doubt : the cabriolet is the high end.
Motor shows continue to display the progress of automotive brands. The 8th Prima Serie car is exhibited in 1957 at the Salone dell'Automobile in Torino. It then resided in Venezuela for three decades. It was sold for $ 6.8M by Bonhams on August 14, 2014, lot 5. It is accompanied with its removable hardtop.
The creation of a Grand Touring (Gran Turismo) class in competition is one of the consequences of the disaster at Le Mans in 1955. For the often tortuous roads of the Tour de France Automobile, Ferrari designs the 250 GT TdF. The name is well chosen: in 1957, Gendebien and Bianchi actually won the competition with a TdF.
Pinin Farina is more motivated by development than by production. In 1956 he leaves to Boano the first attempt to industrialize his design for the 250 GT coupe. Encouraged by the success of this 250 GT, Boano builds the very first 250 GT cabriolet that comes on display at the Salon de l'Automobile in Geneva.
These motor shows perfectly meet their target of offering to the manufacturers the reactions of the public. Pinin Farina and Chinetti observe the keen interest generated by the Boano convertible but their vision is different. Chinetti is aiming for a spectacular car that will appeal Hollywood and the jet set. Pinin Farina imagines a luxury cabriolet for demanding customers.
Both projects are accepted by Ferrari. The California Spider is built by Scaglietti on a Pinin Farina design. The Prima Serie cabriolet is a long series of one off designed and manufactured by Pinin Farina, with small differences from one car to another. The price tags leave no doubt : the cabriolet is the high end.
Motor shows continue to display the progress of automotive brands. The 8th Prima Serie car is exhibited in 1957 at the Salone dell'Automobile in Torino. It then resided in Venezuela for three decades. It was sold for $ 6.8M by Bonhams on August 14, 2014, lot 5. It is accompanied with its removable hardtop.
1959 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione
2010 SOLD for $ 7.3M by Gooding
In August 2010, Gooding sold for $ 7.3M a Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione of 1959.
1959 250 GT SWB by Bertone
2013 SOLD for $ 7M by RM Auctions
Enzo Ferrari would never cooperate with Carrozzeria Bertone. The reason is simple: this workshop in Turin had contributed to the success of the Giulietta range of Ferrari's arch-rival Alfa Romeo.
Enzo Ferrari had also friends. When he developed the chassis 250 GT SWB in 1959, he accepted that one of the first units should be reserved to Dr. Wax. This Italian industrialist loved the spectacular coachworks. Rather than going to regular contributors of Ferrari, Pinin Farina and Scaglietti, he selected Bertone for creating a one-off berlinetta.
The choice was significant. Nuccio Bertone was one of the visionaries of the Italian design. The Wax Ferrari was conceived by Giorgetto Giugiaro, hired in the same year by Bertone at the age of 21, who was to become one of the most famous designers.
This first SWB by Bertone and Giugiaro already displays their vision to create berlinettas with the aggressive shapes of a Grand Prix car. This car was sold for $ 7M by RM Auctions on November 21, 2013.
Enzo Ferrari had also friends. When he developed the chassis 250 GT SWB in 1959, he accepted that one of the first units should be reserved to Dr. Wax. This Italian industrialist loved the spectacular coachworks. Rather than going to regular contributors of Ferrari, Pinin Farina and Scaglietti, he selected Bertone for creating a one-off berlinetta.
The choice was significant. Nuccio Bertone was one of the visionaries of the Italian design. The Wax Ferrari was conceived by Giorgetto Giugiaro, hired in the same year by Bertone at the age of 21, who was to become one of the most famous designers.
This first SWB by Bertone and Giugiaro already displays their vision to create berlinettas with the aggressive shapes of a Grand Prix car. This car was sold for $ 7M by RM Auctions on November 21, 2013.
1960 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Semi Competition
2015 SOLD for £ 7.4M by H and H
Two early 250 GT SWB berlinettas had been commissioned in 1960 to start the Maranello Concessionaires Ltd in England. Both are bespoke semi-competition right hand drive units, built on a steel chassis but fitted with competition engine, cams, gearbox, tank, seats and carburetors. Their weight is about 60 kg heavier than the Competizione variant. The RHD had not been made available on the LWB.
One of them which had been the first to be acquired by a private customer was sold for £ 7.4M by H and H on October 14, 2015, lot 146. The 99,999 miles limit of the odometer had been reached in 2008.
The car has its engine, gearbox and rear axle in matching numbers and its red-red exterior-interior combination is in line with the ex factory colors. The engine had been rebuilt and many minor pieces of equipment were replaced at various times by the careful eighth British owner, a Maranello Concessionaires staff member who maintained it in road going condition from 1976 and never departed from it until his passing nearly 40 years later.
Its sister car had served as a demonstration car for Maranello Concessionaires until 1961 and had an extensive use in historic competitions from 2003 to 2010.
One of them which had been the first to be acquired by a private customer was sold for £ 7.4M by H and H on October 14, 2015, lot 146. The 99,999 miles limit of the odometer had been reached in 2008.
The car has its engine, gearbox and rear axle in matching numbers and its red-red exterior-interior combination is in line with the ex factory colors. The engine had been rebuilt and many minor pieces of equipment were replaced at various times by the careful eighth British owner, a Maranello Concessionaires staff member who maintained it in road going condition from 1976 and never departed from it until his passing nearly 40 years later.
Its sister car had served as a demonstration car for Maranello Concessionaires until 1961 and had an extensive use in historic competitions from 2003 to 2010.
1960 250 GT SWB California Spider
2023 SOLD for $ 8.25M by RM Sotheby's
The second SWB was completed in August 1960. This transition California Spider with a steel body is one of only two fitted with the Tipo 128F engine of the 250 GTE 2+2 Series 2 and one of only three without side vents. It does not have the covered headlights.
It was sold after auction for $ 8.25M by RM Sotheby's on August 19, 2023, lot 354. Please watch the video shared by the auction house. It was refinished before the sale to its livery of the 1962 Targa Florio which had been the only racing event in its early period. Its engine, gearbox and rear axle are in matching numbers. Its original soft top and hard top accompany in separate cases.
It was sold after auction for $ 8.25M by RM Sotheby's on August 19, 2023, lot 354. Please watch the video shared by the auction house. It was refinished before the sale to its livery of the 1962 Targa Florio which had been the only racing event in its early period. Its engine, gearbox and rear axle are in matching numbers. Its original soft top and hard top accompany in separate cases.
1961 250 GT SWB California Spider
2008 SOLD for € 7M by RM Auctions
On May 18, 2008 RM Auctions in association with Sotheby's sold for € 7M the 1961 SWB that had belonged to the actor James Coburn from 1964 until his death in 2002.
1962 Ferrari 268 SP
2021 SOLD for $ 7.7M by RM Sotheby's
The success of a sports car requires the mastery of chassis, engine and aerodynamics. A synergy between Formula 1 and Grand Touring is of course suitable. In 1961, Ferrari goes even further in its expertise by developing new models for the category of sports prototypes (SP).
The name of Dino is attached to these new products, both for the car models and for the engines. A motorist engineer in the company of his father, Dino Ferrari had died at age 24 of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 1956.
The model designation of the Dino range is new. The first two digits denote the displacement in deciliters and the third digit is the number of cylinders.
The press conference of February 1962 unveils an accumulation of wonders. The 156 had dominated the Formula 1 throughout 1961. The new 250 GTO demonstrates Ferrari's full control in Grand Touring. Beside them, Ferrari displays the already known 246 SP along with the 196 SP and 286 SP widening the range of the 6 cylinders, and the very new 248 SP.
Body development for the new prototypes is entrusted to Fantuzzi. The protruding nose is validated by wind tunnel testing. These small lightweight spiders with a very low center of gravity are designed for top speed and endurance.
The experimental phase goes on with an overall total of only six cars. The 248 SP is not powerful enough. Ferrari upgrades the two 248 SP cars into a new standard, 268 SP, embedding one of the rarest Ferrari engines, a V-8 2.6 liters of which only 4 units were made.
One of these cars remains in the 268 SP configuration. It was sold for $ 7.7M by RM Sotheby's on August 13, 2021, lot 234. Please watch the video prepared by RM before it passed on August 20, 2016, lot 240.
Also in 1962 the only other 248/268 was once again modified, to 196 SP. It passed at RM on August 16, 2019, lot 244.
The name of Dino is attached to these new products, both for the car models and for the engines. A motorist engineer in the company of his father, Dino Ferrari had died at age 24 of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy in 1956.
The model designation of the Dino range is new. The first two digits denote the displacement in deciliters and the third digit is the number of cylinders.
The press conference of February 1962 unveils an accumulation of wonders. The 156 had dominated the Formula 1 throughout 1961. The new 250 GTO demonstrates Ferrari's full control in Grand Touring. Beside them, Ferrari displays the already known 246 SP along with the 196 SP and 286 SP widening the range of the 6 cylinders, and the very new 248 SP.
Body development for the new prototypes is entrusted to Fantuzzi. The protruding nose is validated by wind tunnel testing. These small lightweight spiders with a very low center of gravity are designed for top speed and endurance.
The experimental phase goes on with an overall total of only six cars. The 248 SP is not powerful enough. Ferrari upgrades the two 248 SP cars into a new standard, 268 SP, embedding one of the rarest Ferrari engines, a V-8 2.6 liters of which only 4 units were made.
One of these cars remains in the 268 SP configuration. It was sold for $ 7.7M by RM Sotheby's on August 13, 2021, lot 234. Please watch the video prepared by RM before it passed on August 20, 2016, lot 240.
Also in 1962 the only other 248/268 was once again modified, to 196 SP. It passed at RM on August 16, 2019, lot 244.
1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica
2015 SOLD for $ 7.6M by RM Sotheby's
The beautiful Ferrari 400 Superamerica cabriolet arrived too late on the market. This stylish car bodied by Pinin Farina had all the technical qualities to appeal the wealthy amateurs of powerful sports cars, but the road speed limits reduced the enthusiasm for this model which was the most expensive in the catalog of the brand.
Very few 400 Superamerica were assembled on a SWB chassis. The third of these cars, made in 1960, was sold for $ 6.4 million including premium by RM Sotheby's on 14 March 2015.
The seventh car left the factory in 1962. It was exhibited by Ferrari at the Geneva Motor show and then by Chinetti at the New York Auto show. Hopes for a development in that market were disappointed. Only one customer had a desire to own this model: he bought that unit, which was the last.
His name was Gus Stallings. His passion was to push the most powerful cars to their maximum possible speed on the Bonneville Salt Flats. Its 400 Superamerica reached 233 km/h at the end of 1962.
This ultimate 400 Superamerica SWB was sold for $ 7.6M by RM Sotheby's on May 2, 2015, lot 222.
Very few 400 Superamerica were assembled on a SWB chassis. The third of these cars, made in 1960, was sold for $ 6.4 million including premium by RM Sotheby's on 14 March 2015.
The seventh car left the factory in 1962. It was exhibited by Ferrari at the Geneva Motor show and then by Chinetti at the New York Auto show. Hopes for a development in that market were disappointed. Only one customer had a desire to own this model: he bought that unit, which was the last.
His name was Gus Stallings. His passion was to push the most powerful cars to their maximum possible speed on the Bonneville Salt Flats. Its 400 Superamerica reached 233 km/h at the end of 1962.
This ultimate 400 Superamerica SWB was sold for $ 7.6M by RM Sotheby's on May 2, 2015, lot 222.
