BLENHEIM, Ontario – A rare 1958 Ferrari 250 ‘Pontoon Fender’ Testa Rossa, serial number 0738 TR, will be presented at RM Auctions’ 25th anniversary Sports & Classics of Monterey event in August, making it the most significant and valuable motor car ever offered during Monterey’s famed collector car auction week.
Considered one of the most highly-sought-after and iconic of all Ferrari racing cars, the beautiful and unmistakable Scaglietti-designed ‘Pontoon Fender’ 250 Testa Rossa was produced from 1957 to 1958 during which only 21 were constructed, including 0738 TR. Delivered new to Brazilian Jean-Louis Lacerda Soares, 0738 TR was raced for several seasons in South America under the Esquardari Largatixa banner where it recorded a number of successful finishes. For the past 14 years, 0738 TR has had numerous wins and podium finishes at the world’s most prestigious historic racing events. (Estimate Available Upon Request).
“RM’s recent record-breaking Monaco sale coupled with the steadily improving economic climate demonstrates the ideal time for the debut of this rare and coveted Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa at auction in Monterey this August,” says Rob Myers, Chairman and CEO, RM Auctions. “In May 2009, during a period many considered the depths of the global recession, RM set the current world record price for a car sold at auction with another pontoon-fender TR selling for $12.4 million. That result was a true testament to the demand for these iconic Ferraris and is indicative of the strong potential for this example to set yet another auction record.”
Continuing RM’s global leadership in the presentation of historic Ferraris at auction – holding seven of the top 10 all-time auction records for the marque – 0738 TR is joined by no less than 22 other exceptional vintage Ferraris in Monterey. Notable entries include: a highly-desirable, covered headlamp 1959 Ferrari LWB California Spyder, s/n 1489 GT, (Est. $2,750,000 – $3,250,000) delivered new to Prince Vittorio Emanuele di Savoia; a rare 1959 Ferrari 410 Superamerica, s/n 1323 SA, (Est. $1,600,000 – $2,200,000) one of only 12 Series III Superamericas built; a fully-restored 1957 Ferrari 250 Pininfarina Spyder Series I, s/n 0979 GT, (Est. $1,600,000 – $1,900,000); and a stunning, multi-award-winning 1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast, s/n 8565 (Est. $800,000 – $1,000,000).
In addition to this stellar selection of Ferraris, RM’s Sports & Classics of Monterey sale presents an unparalleled collection of blue-chip automotive marques, from sports and racing to the best of American classics and European coachbuilt automobiles. For a full list of auction offerings, visit www.rmauctions.com/montereycarlist or call +1 519 352 4575.
For those unable to attend the event in person, Internet, absentee and telephone bidding options are available, and the auction will stream live online at www.rmauctions.com, providing real-time coverage of the event.
Event Details – Sports & Classics of Monterey
Sale dates:
August 12, 2010, 7:00pm – 10:00pm PT
August 13, 2010, 6:00pm – 12:00am PT
August 14, 2010, 6:00pm – 12:00am PT
Preview dates:
August 11, 2010, 9:00am – 6:00pm PT
August 12, 2010, 9:00am – 6:00pm PT
August 13, 2010, 9:00am – 6:00pm PT
August 14, 2010, 9:00am – 6:00pm PT
Location:
Portola Hotel & Spa and Monterey Conference Center, 2 Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA 93940
Admission:
$50 event pass admits one to the preview only; $200 bidder registration admits two to preview and auction. An official auction catalog is available for an additional $120 US, although does not constitute admission to the sale.