Just 10 days ago, we highlighted the extraordinary 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider by Scaglietti, a car steeped in automotive history and revered for its unmatched pedigree. Now, this iconic vehicle has made headlines once again, selling for an impressive $17,055,000 at the Monterey auction by RM Sotheby’s. This remarkable sale underscores the enduring allure and value of the California Spider, particularly in its short-wheelbase (SWB) iteration, which continues to be celebrated as the pinnacle of Ferrari’s open-top sports cars.
SWB: The Ultimate California Spider
Ferrari’s 250 GT series achieved remarkable success in the 1950s, with the California Spider emerging as a true race-and-road car that could be driven to the track, raced, and then driven home. This concept, proposed by California-based Ferrari importer John von Neumann and supported by Luigi Chinetti, led to the creation of the California Spider, designed and built by Sergio Scaglietti. The SWB version, introduced after 50 long-wheelbase (LWB) models were produced, featured significant performance enhancements, including a wider track, Koni adjustable telescopic shock absorbers, four-wheel disc brakes, and the latest version of Ferrari’s V-12 engine.
The SWB California Spider, with only 56 examples produced, quickly became the car of choice for celebrities and racing enthusiasts alike. Its blend of breathtaking design and thrilling performance made it the ultimate open-top sports car of its time, earning it a revered place in automotive history.
Chassis 1795 GT: A Remarkable Legacy
Chassis 1795 GT, the very first of the 56 SWB California Spiders produced, is a particularly significant example. Fitted with a competition-specification Tipo 168 engine, covered headlights, and a factory removable hardtop, this car was initially finished in Grigio over a red leather interior. It was displayed by Ferrari at the 1960 Geneva Motor Show before being delivered to its original owner, British-born racing driver John Gordon Bennett.
Throughout its life, 1795 GT has been meticulously cared for by a series of discerning owners, including Bob Grossman, Chandler Kibbee, and Michael Alessandro. The car has participated in numerous prestigious events, from the Nürburgring to the Le Mans Classic, and has been a frequent sight at West Coast concours and Ferrari Club of America events.
A Historic Sale at Monterey
The recent sale of 1795 GT at Monterey for $17.05 million reflects the car’s unmatched provenance, originality, and historical significance. As the first SWB California Spider, fitted with a competition engine and boasting a unique factory history, it stands as one of the most important Ferraris ever built. With its stunning original colors, Ferrari Classiche Red Book certification, and a legacy that includes appearances at some of the world’s most prestigious automotive events, 1795 GT is not just a car but a piece of automotive art and history.
This sale reaffirms the SWB California Spider’s status as one of the most desirable classic cars in the world, continuing to captivate collectors and enthusiasts across generations. The buyer of this extraordinary vehicle has not only acquired a stunning piece of Ferrari’s legacy but also made a significant investment in automotive history.
RM Sotheby’s Monterey Auction Highlights
RM Sotheby’s achieved $161.2 million in sales at Monterey Car Week, with 87.25% of all lots sold, including 33 lots over $1 million and 5 lots over $5 million. Bidders from 39 countries participated, adding to the auction’s international appeal. The 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider led the sales, setting the highest price of the event at over $17 million.
Other notable sales included the Ferrari 410 Sport Spider, which fetched $12.985 million, and the Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider, which sold for $5.615 million. The auction featured a wide range of vehicles, from American classics to European supercars, with record-breaking sales such as a 1995 Ferrari F50 at $5.5 million and a 1996 Porsche 911 GT2 Clubsport at $2 million.
The Monterey auction also set several world records, including the sale of a 1989 Lamborghini LM002 for $703,500 and a 2023 Porsche 911 Sport Classic for $764,000. The event once again demonstrated RM Sotheby’s ability to attract top-tier collectors and achieve exceptional results, solidifying its status as a premier auction house in the classic and collector car market.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
This Article use tools from Chatgpt
