A super rare Ferrari is tipped to sell for over £9million at auction – the price of 47 brand new ones.
The vintage 1960 250 GT SWB California Spider was one of only 18 like it made.
It finished third in its class in the 1963 Targa Florio – the only Ferrari of its type to have raced in it.
The light blue, open top classic with red leather upholstery has had seven owners but has since been restored.
It can boast a top speed of 156mph and a 0-60mph in just 6.1 seconds.
Rare Ferrari set to sell for up to £9.1million (Credit: Jam Press/Stephan Bauer/Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s)
But for the same price, car enthusiasts could snap up 47 brand new Ferrari Romas – that cost a mere £193,000 – and still have some change.
The new model – which cost £193,000 – are quicker too as they can do 0-60mph in just 3.4 seconds and can go up to 198mph.
The Ferrari 1960 250 GT SWB California Spider is being sold by auctioneers RM Sotheby’s.
It is one 128 sports cards going under the hammer in Monterey, California, US between 17 and 19 August.
A spokesperson said: “RM Sotheby’s is thrilled to announce the offering of the sole 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider by Scaglietti to compete in period at the legendary Targa Florio.
“This remarkable Ferrari, known for its racing pedigree and unmatched elegance, presents an extraordinary opportunity for passionate collectors and automotive enthusiasts to own a piece of motoring history.
“Established in 1906, the legendary Targa Florio is celebrated as one of the most exciting endurance sports car races in the world.
“Held yearly through 1977 in the picturesque region of Sicily, the Targa Florio’s original course stretched over 92 miles, traversing breathtaking mountain roads and the streets of charming Italian villages.
“The race drew great popularity with famous drivers behind the wheel of factory-backed entries and privateers eager to put their newly purchased sports cars to the test.
1960 250 GT SWB California Spider being taken for a spin (Credit: Jam Press/Stephan Bauer/Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s)
“The 1962 event would see a very competitive field chock-full of Alfa Romeos, Porsches, Lancias, Ferraris, and Maseratis. One entry, however, caught the eye of many—the privateer team of Robert Fusina and Guido De Bonis in a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider, chassis 1883 GT.
“While at that time a two-year-old car, Fusina and De Bonis piloted the former show car to an impressive podium class finish, proving to all that this prancing horse was not ready to be sent out to pasture just yet.”
The RM Sotheby’s spokesperson added: “Chassis 1883 GT is the second of 56 short-wheelbase examples built and one of 18 built with uncovered headlamps as well as one of three built without side vents.
“Its rarity is further cemented as one of two examples fitted with a type 128 F engine.
“Chassis 1883 GT has since benefitted from a complete restoration by Carrozzeria Egidio Brandoli and Zanasi & Co. completed in 2016, with mechanical considerations completed by Joe Macari in London.”
The estimate on the Ferrari is between £7.5million ($9,500,000) and £9.1million ($11.5million).
Read the full article here
