Paul Fraser Collectibles... Top Five most expensive Ferrari's ever auctioned

 

The classic car markets once again proved that old automobiles are bucking the economic recession, when a 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Prototype sold for a $16.39m World Record price at Gooding and Company's recent Pebble Beach sale.

It's now the most expensive Ferrari ever auctioned - but can you name the others? Here is Paul Fraser Collectibles' run down of the Top Five most valued of Enzo's classics. Have we overlooked any sales? Then please let us know by emailing newsdesk@paulfrasercollectibles.com.


#5 - 1962 Ferrari 330 TRI/LM Testa Rossa

Auctioned in May 2007 for $9.4m, this 330 Testa Rossa - which literally translates as "Red Head" - was the last car of its series. Its past successes include being overall winner of the 24 Heures du Mans, cementing its legendary status.

As well as being the only 4-litre ever built and also the last Testa Rossa, the 330 TRI/LM was last ever front-engined sports racer built by Ferrari, and the last front-engined car to win victory at Le Mans.


#4 - 1958 Ferrari 250 "Pontoon Fender" Testa Rossa

Collectors really can't get enough of Testa Rossas, it seems. This one, sold for $10.7m in 2010, is a matching numbers "Pontoon Fender" example and one of only 21 of its kind ever built. Beneath its bonnet is a Colombo-designed 300 hp, 2,953 cc SOHC V12 engine.

The Pontoon versions were built when Ferrari's lead drivers voiced their complaints about fading brakes when racing up against Aston Martins and Jaguars.

The result was a car with larger bodywork to improve the brakes' performance - and today stands as an example of automotive design at its finest.


#3 - 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder

Sold for €7.04m - then equivalent to $10.9m - in May 2008, the car was purchased by BBC Radio broadcaster and renowned car collector Chris Evans. And he wasn't the California Spyder's first owner of note. It was previously driven by Hollywood legend James Coburn.

Designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti, this car also has a 2,953cc V12 engine, producing 280bhp which adds power to its pedigree.


#2 - 1957 250 Testa Rossa (formerly the world's most expensive car)

Until recently the world's most valuable Ferrari, this stunning motor was sold by RM Auctions and Sotheby's for $12.1m in May 2009, at the time beating collector and UK broadcaster Chris Evans's 1961 250 Gran Turismo.

The racing 250 Testa Rossa is one of the most successful Ferrari racing cars in history, with three wins at Le Mans, four wins at Sebring and two wins at Buenos Aires. The car is one of just 21 of its exact kind made, and the fourth Testa Rossa ever built.

This 250 was also, for a time, the most expensive car ever sold at auction, before a Bugatti Atlantic later sold for what is believed to be more than $28m. 


#1 - 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Prototype

Chassis number 0666 TR was the model for all future Testa Rossas, making it invaluable to classic sports car collectors. Making its racing debut at the Nürburgring 1000km, it retains the original V12 engine used to power it around the circuit.

"Being in the presence of the 1957 Ferrari Testa Rossa Prototype is a visceral and breathtaking experience unlike anything I've ever known," commented David Gooding, president and founder of Gooding, ahead of the auction.

Other bidders apparently felt the same. There was a palpable sense of excitement in the air when 0666 cruised to $16.39m (including premium). It is today the world's most valuable Ferrari.

 

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