Monrovia, CA, August 1, 2008 – When it comes to offering the world’s finest Ferraris at auction, preeminent international auction house, RM Auctions, leads the field. Over the past 16 years, the Canadian-based auction house has had the privilege of offering some of the marque’s finest sports and racing cars, spanning every decade of Ferrari production. Attracting significant international interest, the RM offering has commanded top dollar on the auction block, accounting for numerous world records. “RM has sold more investment quality Ferraris than any other auction house in history,” says Ian Kelleher, Managing Director of RM Auctions. “Our clients have […]
Monrovia, CA, August 1, 2008 – When it comes to offering the world’s finest Ferraris at auction, preeminent international auction house, RM Auctions, leads the field.
Over the past 16 years, the Canadian-based auction house has had the privilege of offering some of the marque’s finest sports and racing cars, spanning every decade of Ferrari production. Attracting significant international interest, the RM offering has commanded top dollar on the auction block, accounting for numerous world records.
“RM has sold more investment quality Ferraris than any other auction house in history,” says Ian Kelleher, Managing Director of RM Auctions.
“Our clients have entrusted us over the years in acquiring the finest examples of the legendary Ferrari marque for their collections,” adds Kelleher.
RM’s record breaking sales run continued in May with another highly successful Ferrari Leggenda e Passione auction event in Maranello, Italy – the birthplace of Ferrari. Attracting discerning collectors from around the world, the single-day event offered over 45 of the legendary marque’s finest road and race models and set the new world record for the ‘most expensive car ever sold in auction history’. This prestigious title went to a stunning 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder, formerly owned by Oscar winning actor James Coburn, which sold to a UK buyer for an impressive $10.9 million USD.
For Ferrari enthusiasts who missed this year’s Italian sale, some 25 milestone Ferraris are set to cross the auction block at RM’s Sports & Classics of Monterey event, August 15th and 16th in California. Over the years this particular event has been witness to the sale of some of the hottest and most highly sought after Ferraris in the collector car market. This year’s line-up will be no exception as RM proudly presents their largest offering of Ferraris outside of Maranello.
“The Ferrari market is very strong for exceptional, documented cars and this (RM’s Monterey sale) is the place to purchase one, outside of RM’s Maranello event”, says noted Ferrari expert, Marcel Massini.
Highlighting RM’s Monterey Ferrari line-up is a sensational 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France Berlinetta with an impressive period racing career. Sold new on September 10th, 1956, this example (s/n 0563GT) was the eighth of only nine units built with the original body style and of only 72 models produced in total. 0563GT made its racing debut at the annual Tour de France Automobile event in September 1956, finishing 8th place overall. This was followed by numerous track successes over the ensuing two years, including a class win in the Grand Prix of Paris at Montléry and victory in both the USA Cup at Montléry and the Rallye Allier in Algier. The car came to the US in November 1959, and has since been fully restored and shown in various concours events and shows. It’s offering at Monterey is set to draw extensive international interest.
Another Ferrari set to garner widespread attention on RM’s Monterey block is a legendary, multi-award winning 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta (s/n 3087 GT). This spectacular left-hand drive example was the 117th of the total 165 units built. Assembled as a “Lusso” street version, it was sold new to its first owner Otello Feretti of Bologna, Italy before eventually being exported from Italy to the United States. Presented in show-quality condition, it has benefited from a no-expense-spared restoration at Shelton Ferrari at a reported cost of $600,000, and was honored with Platinum Awards and the prestigious Excellence Cup at several events, including the Cavallino Classic.
A further highlight of RM’s Ferrari offering is an ultra rare, magnificently restored 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Coupe Aerodinamica, s/n 2841 SA. The seventh of just 17 SWB models produced on the short chassis, this example was completed in September 1961, made its public debut in October 1961, and was delivered to its first owner in November of that same year. The car was imported to the US in the 1970s and has since passed through various hands, including those of renowned Ferrari collector and producer of the Dean Martin show in Hollywood, the late Greg Garrison. In 2003, the car underwent one of the most exhausting and comprehensive Ferrari restorations and was disassembled to every nut and bolt. It since been shown numerous times and accumulated a string of platinum and first in class awards.
Other notable Ferrari consignments for the event include: an ultra-rare 1953 Ferrari 212 Inter Coupe with coachwork by Vignale; a desirable, beautifully restored 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Ellena; a beautiful, documented 1964 Ferrari 250 GT/L Berlinetta, the property of former Major League baseball player, Reggie Jackson; and a rare 1953 Ferrari 375 America Coupe, the fourth of 12 Ferrari 375 Americas built.
Additionally, to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the Daytona Spyder, a stunning 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder and a beautifully restored, multi-award winning triple black 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spyder, and a will also cross the block in Monterey.
RM Auctions’ Sports & Classics of Monterey auction event will be held August 15th and 16th at the Portola Hotel and Spa and Monterey Conference Center, in Monterey, California. Admission to the Sports & Classics of Monterey auction event is $40 per person, with children 12 and under admitted free of charge. An auction catalog is available for an additional $100 US, including shipping and handling within North America.
In addition to onsite bidding, RM Auctions also offers the option to bid via phone or online. For further information on online bidding, please visit www.rmauctions.com/onlineauctions or contact our Client Services department. The auction can be viewed live on auction day at www.liveauctioneers.com
For further information, please call (800)-211-4371 or visit www.rmauctions.com