It’s billed as RM Sotheby’s “most historic Monterey lineup to date”, with ultra-rare and super-expensive Ferraris going under the hammer. “The 29 Ferraris set for Monterey span key moments in the marque’s history, from 1950s sports racing through to the most advanced supercars of today,” said Gord Duff, head of auctions. The F40 needs no introduction, but it’s not the most desirable Ferrari at the Monterey sale.
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
In truth, this is the headline act. We featured the Ferrari 250 GTO back in June, as it’s expected to be the most valuable car ever sold at auction. This is the third of only 36 GTOs built, and one of four re-bodied in period by Scaglietti with Series II GTO/64 coachwork. With its original engine, gearbox and bodywork, not to mention genuine race pedigree, the 250 GTO has a pre-auction estimate of $45 million (£34 million).
2017 Ferrari California T 70th Anniversary
If a quick rummage down the back of the sofa hasn’t revealed enough coins for the 250 GTO, this Ferrari California T 70th Anniversary is likely to be significantly cheaper. Built to mark Ferrari’s 70th anniversary, this is livery number 20 – The Redhead – inspired by the 250 Testa Rossa prototype. Offered with delivery mileage, the California T is, predictably, in showroom condition.
2014 Ferrari LaFerrari
This LaFerrari is being offered with no reserve, with the proceeds benefiting the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. The LaFerrari is one of the so-called ‘Holy Trinity’ – the others being the McLaren P1 and Porsche 918 Spyder – with this particular example delivered new to New Jersey. From there, it went straight into a private collection and has been used sparingly – the odometer is showing 150 miles.
2011 Ferrari 599 GTO
Built as a road-going version of the 599 XX, the 599 GTO was powered by a 5,999cc V12 engine developing 670hp at 8,250rpm. Just 599 were built, each one aimed at the firm’s most exclusive clientele, with 125 destined for the US. This example was delivered new to California, where it accumulated a mere 5,100 miles. The current mileage is 6,400 miles.
2005 Ferrari 575 Superamerica
Another low mileage Ferrari, with this 575 Superamerica accumulating just 4,400 miles in the past 13 years. Based on the 575M Maranello, the Superamerica’s ‘Revocromico’ folding roof can adjust between its lightest and darkest setting in less than a minute, as well as converting the car from closed to open roadster in just 10 seconds.
1995 Ferrari F512 M
In 1994, Ferrari launched the third and final iteration of the Testarossa, a decade after the star of a million bedroom walls was unveiled in Paris. Unlike the original, the F512 M features exposed headlights, while the ‘grilled’ rear lights were replaced by two pairs of circular units. The iconic slatted side intakes remained and were flanked by alloy wheels inspired by Pininfarina’s Mythos concept of 1989. This 1995 example is one of 75 produced for the US and has had the same owner since new.
1989 Ferrari Testarossa
Launching the Testarossa at the Paris Lido on the eve of the 1984 Paris motor show was a stroke of genius, as it set the tone for one of the most iconic and glamorous cars of the 80s. Adults aspired to it, children dreamt about it, but everyone recognised the Pininfarina design. This is a 1989 example complete with factory Schedoni fitted luggage and 14,000 miles on the clock.
1988 Ferrari Testarossa
If a red Ferrari is a tad predictable for you, this 1988 Testarossa is finished in Oro Chiaro Metallizzato. We suspect it will be a ‘Marmite’ colour, but having spent too many minutes ogling the photos on the RM Sotheby’s website, we’re firmly in the ‘love’ camp. It shows off the Testarossa’s many fine details, although it helps that this car is in pristine condition. Another low-mileage example – 4,300 miles – we wonder if any of the cars in the Monterey sale are destined to spend time on the road.
1984 Ferrari 288 GTO
With 13,200km on the clock, this Ferrari 288 GTO has some miles under its belt, many of which were completed in Japan. Indeed, it was the first GTO to be exported to Japan, where it was enjoyed on the roads around owner Yoshiho Matsuda’s home. By the time it left Japan, bound for the US, the GTO had accumulated 9,500km. According to RM Sotheby’s, it’s one of the finest GTOs available.
1984 Ferrari 512 BBi
When the Ferrari 512 BB was given Bosch fuel injection in 1981 it became the 512 BBi, widely considered to be the most civilised of the Berlinetta Boxers. This left-hand-drive example was delivered new in Europe but subsequently federalised for American roads and sold to the original owner in Miami. The Grigio Scuro paint over Rosso Bordeaux seats is a rare combination.
1976 Ferrari 308 GTB
Launched in 1975, the Pininfarina-designed Ferrari 308 remained in production until 1985, by which time a GTS version had joined the fold. They were hugely successful, combining to deliver total sales of 12,000 – far exceeding Ferrari’s forecast. This Giallo Fly example has covered 14,000 miles and is offered without reserve.
1974 Dino 246 GTS
Built exclusively for the American market, the Dino 246 GTS went on sale in 1972 and, like the 246 GT, remained in production until 1974. Which makes this 1974 GTS one of the last to roll out of Maranello, as well as being one of the lowest mileage examples in the world. It was acquired by its current owner in 1989 and there are just 8,300 miles on the clock. In 2016, it was treated to $55,000 worth of mechanical maintenance.
1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona
You have a choice of two Ferrari 365 GTB/4s at the Monterey sale, both dating from 1973. Dubbed ‘Daytona’ in honour of Ferrari’s 1-2-3 finish at the Florida circuit in 1967, the 365 GTB/4 was one of the finest grand tourers of a generation. One of only 30 examples finished in Nero, the car was restored to its original specification and has covered 15,594 miles.
1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona
Finished in Argento Metallizzato over a Nero Connolly leather interior, this Daytona was delivered new in 1973 and fitted with air conditioning and electric windows. Today, the car has covered just under 44,000 miles, which just goes to prove that it is possible to buy and enjoy driving a Ferrari.
1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Spider Competizione
If there was a prize for the greatest journey to Monterey, this 365 GTB/4 Spider Competizione would be in with a shout. Having been converted to compete in the 1975 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Ferrari was showcased on the Michelotti stand that same year, before competing at Le Mans and Daytona. It was fully rebuilt in 2002 to its original Le Mans specification and was entered in the 2018 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, celebrating both 50 years of the Daytona and 60 years of NART (North American Racing Team).
1969 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2
Back in 1967, when the Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 was unveiled at the Paris motor show, it was probably the greatest grand tourer… in the world. The styling was unmistakably the work of Pininfarina, while power was sourced from a 4,390cc V12 developing 320hp. This 1969 example was delivered new to a customer in Salt Lake City and was the 25th US car of its kind.
1968 Dino 206 GT
Pininfarina built six different prototypes between the 1965 Paris motor show and the 1967 Frankfurt show, before settling on the final design for the Dino 206 GT. Unveiled in Turin, the 206 GT was built by Scaglietti in Modena, and just 152 were produced. This is number 30, completed in 1968 and sold the following January to a dealer in Milan.
1968 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2
Another Ferrari 365 GT 2+2, with this one looking resplendent in its fresh Giallo Fly paint. Indeed, this 1968 example was the subject of a recent extensive restoration, including refinishing the Borrani wire wheels, rebuilding the engine, drivetrain, brakes and suspension, and complete rechroming.
1966 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Series II
Introduced in 1964, the 330 GT 2+2 was Ferrari’s second production four-seat grand touring car, and more than a thousand were built. The original cars featured a controversial twin-headlight design, but they were replaced by more traditional single lights in 1965. This is one of just 455 Series II examples built and it was fully restored in 2015.
1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast Series II
When the 400 Superfast went out of production in 1963, Ferrari was in need of a new flagship for its most exclusive clientele. That car was the 500 Superfast – the last generation of the original Ferrari super-coupes. Pininfarina built one with a 330 GT engine, while the others were powered by a 5.0-litre V12 developing 400hp. Clients included Prince Sadruddin, Aga Khan, Barbara Hutton and John von Neumann. This is one of just 12 Series II Superfasts built.
1963 Ferrari 250 GT/L Berlinetta Lusso
In 1962, Ferrari unveiled one of the most beautiful cars ever to wear the Prancing Horse, making it one of Pininfarina’s greatest hits. This is believed to be number 21 of 350 built, originally finished in Amaranto Italver and trimmed with a beige interior. In 1970, the car was repainted silver-grey metallic and reupholstered in black. It has changed hands numerous times, including a spell under the ownership of Wayne Carini of Chasing Classic Cars fame.
1961 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series II
Only 200 examples of the 250 GT Cabriolet Series II were built, and this is one of just seven delivered in Grigio Fumo over Beige Pelle interior. This is number 131, completed in July 1961, and a direct sale to a Frenchman living in California. It was painted red in the late 80s, before being restored to its former glory under its current ownership.
1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB
Unveiled in 1959, the 250 GT SWB featured a shortened wheelbase, Dunlop disc brakes and Ferrari’s Tipo 168 engine. Configurable to the client’s request, the cars were available in street or competition spec, with the latter receiving all-aluminium coachwork, competition carburettors and revised camshaft profiles.
1960 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series II
Formerly owned the CEO of Coca-Cola, this 250 GT Cabriolet Series II is expected to put the fizz into the Monterey sale. Lame puns aside, the Series II was unveiled at the 1959 Paris motor show and it showcased a raft of changes, including open headlights, a slightly more rounded nose and new rear lights. This is the 53rd second series cabriolet produced and is said to present “only minor patina” to its restoration.
1959 Ferrari 250 GT Coupe
By now, you’ve probably had your fill of Ferraris, but we’ll continue with the final four. Different sources claim different numbers, so this is either the 120th of 335 or the 120th of 355, delivered new a year after the car made its debut at the 1958 Paris motor show. It’s one of three delivered new in the stunning shade of Blu Genziana.
1958 Ferrari 250 GT Coupe
The first series of 250 GTs included 82 cars coachbuilt by Carrozzeria Boano, with a further 50 completed after the company changed its name to Carrozzeria Ellena. This is car number 23, delivered new through the Ferrari representative in Hollywood to Beverly Hills resident Cy Yedor.
1954 Ferrari 375 America Coupe
This is the actual car of the 1954 Geneva motor show and is one of just 12 375 Americas produced. In the words of RM Sotheby’s: “Each Vignale body was as tailored to its original purchaser as a fine suit, and unique as a snowflake.” This example features curving, torpedo-like flanks and a light, airy greenhouse with a wrap-around rear window. In addition to the Geneva show, it was also shown at the New York World Motor Sports Show at Madison Square Garden.
1953 Ferrari 250 MM Berlinetta
The final car, and also the oldest car in the Ferrari sale, this is a 1953 250 MM Berlinetta. Number 15 of 18 built, this car was displayed at the 1954 Swedish motor show and finished third in class at the Helsinki Grand Prix that same year. Remember, the RM Sotheby’s sale is part of Monterey Car Week and takes place on the 24 and 25 August 2018.
Read more:
- Ferrari 250 GTO: meet the most valuable car in the world
- Leftfield legends: cool cars that weren’t on brand
- ‘Box of bits’ Ferrari 250 GTO heads to auction
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