SANTA MONICA, Calif. (February 26, 2010) – Gooding & Company, the internationally-celebrated auction house, announces that six exceptional Pininfarina-styled cars will be offered for sale in two weeks. Strengthening the European character of the company’s debut Amelia Island Auction, the automobili belissime being offered include four Ferraris – a 1965 500 Superfast Coupe, a 1968 330 GTS, a 1973 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta, and a 1985 288 GTO, as well as a unique 1956 Nash Rambler “Palm Beach” Coupe Special and a 1953 Nash-Healey Roadster. These six Pininfarina designs join a number of other rare collector cars being offered by Gooding […]
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (February 26, 2010) – Gooding & Company, the internationally-celebrated auction house, announces that six exceptional Pininfarina-styled cars will be offered for sale in two weeks. Strengthening the European character of the company’s debut Amelia Island Auction, the automobili belissime being offered include four Ferraris – a 1965 500 Superfast Coupe, a 1968 330 GTS, a 1973 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta, and a 1985 288 GTO, as well as a unique 1956 Nash Rambler “Palm Beach” Coupe Special and a 1953 Nash-Healey Roadster. These six Pininfarina designs join a number of other rare collector cars being offered by Gooding & Company on the grounds of the Amelia Island Plantation at 5 p.m. on March 12, including the previously-announced 1938 Peugeot Darl’Mat Roadster and 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS.
“Pininfarina has created some of the most beautiful automotive forms in history and the examples we’re presenting in Amelia Island are among the benchmarks of these designs,” says David Gooding, president and founder of Gooding & Company.
Ferrari by Pininfarina
When Italy was at the height of its economic boom, Ferrari sought to produce the fastest, most powerful and most exclusive model of all time – the result was the magnificent 500 Superfast created in 1964. Gooding & Company’s 1965 Ferrari 500 Superfast Coupe by Pininfarina is one of only 36 examples created, boasting a mere four owners from new, including Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan and Pierre Bardinon, owner of the famed Mas du Clos racetrack. With an impressive degree of originality, low mileage and an unmatched pedigree, this Italian masterpiece is expected to sell between $800,000 – $1 Million.
Widely considered as one of the most well-rounded sports cars Ferrari ever produced, the 1968 Ferrari 330 GTS offered a revised styling that incorporated the front-end treatment of the 500 Superfast with an improved drivetrain. The exquisite silver 330 GTS being offered by Gooding & Company in Amelia Island is number 35 of only 100 constructed and is expected to sell between $650,000 – $800,000.
The 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta being offered is a desireable European-spec example finished in black. In 2006, this car placed first in the vintage class of the Ferrari North American Challenge Rally and won an award at Concorso Italiano. Gooding & Company estimates that this car will sell between $250,000 – $325,000.
Ferrari’s innovative 288 GTO is widely recognized as the manufacturer’s first modern supercar. The Rosso Corsa 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO being offered is one of 272 models ever built and has been previously certified for use in California, a very desirable characteristic due to restrictions in some states. With low mileage and a well-documented history, this 288 GTO is expected to sell between $550,000 – $650,000.
Pinin Farina and American Motoring History
The stunning emerald green 1956 Nash Rambler “Palm Beach” Coupe Special is a one-off, fully-functioning production prototype, an exceptional oggetto d’arte with Pinin Farina’s 1950s jet-age styling. The “Palm Beach” was constructed to be a cutting-edge sports car with the running gear of the Rambler. After many years of high-profile ownership, public displays around the world and a recent showing at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, this rare and significant collector’s car is being presented at auction in Amelia Island and will be expected to sell between $700,000 – $900,000.
A silver over burgundy, Pinin Farina-designed 1953 Nash-Healey Roadster being offered is equipped with the upgraded Le Mans Dual Jetfire Ambassador Six engine, a special offer at the time following the manufacturer’s third place finish in the 1952 24 Hours of Le Mans. Adding a touch of panache to its provenance, Bill Emerson states in the registry of his book The Healey Book that this Nash-Healey Roadster may have been originally owned by Dick Powell and is reputedly the car was driven by George Reeves in the Adventures of Superman television series. This Roadster is expected to sell between $250,000 – $325,000.
Amelia Island Auction catalogues cost $75 and admit two to the viewing and auction. General admission tickets can be purchased for $30 per person. The auction will be broadcast live from the Amelia Island Plantation at 5:00pm (EST) on Gooding & Company’s web site at www.goodingco.com.