RM Sotheby’s reveals quartet of multi-million-dollar Ferraris for Monterey

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The last unrestored 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider paces Prancing Horses for Monterey auction | RM Sotheby's photos by Darin Schnabel

With pre-auction estimated values of as much as $13 million, RM Sotheby’s has announced the featured vehicles in its Ferrari lineup for its annual Monterey auction. 

They include a 196 SP, the “last remaining unrestored” short-wheelbase California Spider, a Ghia-bodied 375 MM Coupe Speciale and a 225 Sport Spider, “each offered fresh to the market, all four cars represent some of the rarest models in the marque’s seven-decade history,” the auction house noted in its announcement.

“Leading the group is a 1962 Ferrari 250 SWB California Spider, chassis no. 4131, the second to last of all examples built and the only remaining unrestored SWB Cal Spider,” RM Sotheby’s said. 

“Undoubtedly the most original, well-preserved example in the world, the Cal Spider is presented in its original colors and with its original interior.

“Delivered new to Switzerland, in 1971 the car passed to Canadian George Carrick, who used the car as the inspiration for his book The Spyder California, one of the first Ferrari books ever published on a particular model, which would go on to become the go-to resource for the car. 

“Having had just four owners in the last 50 years, the SWB California Spider is offered in Monterey from more than 25 years of single ownership, in fully numbers-matching, Ferrari Classiche Certified condition.”

The auction company expects the car to sell for eight figures.

The other featured Ferraris include:

1962 Ferrari 196 SP, chassis 0806 and the last of six produced (of which five survive). The car was raced by the North American Racing Team in the 1962 12 Hours of Sebring and was the Ferrari works entry in the 1,000-kilometer race at the Nurburgring, where it was driven by the Rodriquez brothers. 

“The SP cars were Ferrari’s first mid-engine prototype cars and were integral to the evolution of the marque’s famed P-car series,” RM Sotheby’s adds. 

“This example is the last of its breed and has had just four private owners in the last 50 years, including time spent in some of the most significant private collections in the world, such as Pierre Bardinon’s former Mas du Clos Collection. The 196 SP is presented in concours-quality, race-ready condition, complete with its matching-numbers engine.

The pre-sale estimated value is $8 million to $10 million.

1955 Ferrari 375 MM Coupe Speciale, with a one-off, alloy body by Ghia, is the final Ferrari bodied by that coachbuilder. One of only four 375 MM Berlinettas featuring special coachwork, the car is built on a racing-spec 375 MM chassis and drivetrain. It is finished in its original configuration and retains its original interior. Pre-sale expectations: $5 million to $7 million.

1952 Ferrari 225 Sport Spider, chassis 0214 ED, is one of only 12 such cars built with Vignale Spider coachwork. The car was raced in England by Irish publisher William Baird and then sold to an owner in Argentina, where it also raced successfully. The car is one of three Ferrari models eligible for Tour Auto, the Le Mans Classic, the Mille Miglia and the Grand Prix Historique at Monaco. Anticipated price: $4 million to $5 million.

“Our Monterey sale has long been a venue associated with some of the rarest, most important Ferraris ever built, and 2019 continues the tradition,” RM Sotheby’s global head of auctions, Gord Duff, is quoted in the news release. “The Cal Spider is fascinating as the most original example in existence, and the 196 SP is an incredible racing machine that I’ve had the chance to drive and can say it’s on the button and ready to race again. 

“Adding these special Ferraris to the already announced SWB Berlinetta—offered without reserve, the modern performance of the Ming Collection, the LaFerrari, the 275 GTB, 365 GTS, and more, has allowed us to put together a lineup of nearly 30 of the most significant Ferraris, period.”

The auction is scheduled for August 15-17 at the Monterey Conference Center.

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