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  3. THE ONLY FERRARI 250 GT CALIFORNIA SPIDER TO RACE THE TARGA FLORIO IN PERIOD HEADS TO AUCTION IN MONTEREY

THE ONLY FERRARI 250 GT CALIFORNIA SPIDER TO RACE THE TARGA FLORIO IN PERIOD HEADS TO AUCTION IN MONTEREY

30 Jun 2023
  • What is the history of the Chassis 1883 GT?

RM Sotheby’s is thrilled to announce the offering of the sole 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider by Scaglietti to compete in period at the legendary Targa Florio. This remarkable Ferrari, known for its racing pedigree and unmatched elegance, presents an extraordinary opportunity for passionate collectors and automotive enthusiasts to own a piece of motoring history at RM Sotheby’s 26th Monterey sale.

Established in 1906, the legendary Targa Florio is celebrated as one of the most exciting endurance sports car races in the world. Held yearly through 1977 in the picturesque region of Sicily, the Targa Florio's original course stretched over 92 miles, traversing breathtaking mountain roads and the streets of charming Italian villages. The race drew great popularity with famous drivers behind the wheel of factory-backed entries and privateers eager to put their newly purchased sports cars to the test. The 1962 event would see a very competitive field chock-full of Alfa Romeos, Porsches, Lancias, Ferraris, and Maseratis. One entry, however, caught the eye of many—the privateer team of Robert Fusina and Guido De Bonis in a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider, chassis 1883 GT. While at that time a two-year-old car, Fusina and De Bonis piloted the former show car to an impressive podium class finish, proving to all that this prancing horse was not ready to be sent out to pasture just yet.

1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider by Scaglietti

1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider by Scaglietti

Chassis 1883 GT is the second of 56 short-wheelbase examples built and one of 18 built with uncovered headlamps as well as one of three built without side vents; its rarity is further cemented as one of two examples fitted with a type 128 F engine. Sold new through Turin-based dealer Garage Fontanella & Co. to Litex S.a.S. for then-company president Robert Fusina, Mr. Fusina allowed Ferrari to exhibit the car on their stand at the 1960 Turin Motor Show. Litex would sell the car to its second owner, Alessandro Terni, who go on to loan the SWB to Fusina and Guido De Bonis for use in the 1962 running of the Targa Florio. The team would prove a formidable pairing, impressively finishing 3rd in class and a respectable 19th overall. According to Cavallino magazine, chassis 1883 GT holds the unique distinction of being the only Ferrari 250 GT California Spider (Long or Short Wheelbase) to have raced in the legendary Targa Florio.

Chassis 1883 GT has since benefitted from a complete restoration by Carrozzeria Egidio Brandoli and Zanasi & Co. completed in 2016, with mechanical considerations completed by Joe Macari in London. Upon completion, 1883 GT was certified by Ferrari Classiche. It has been meticulously maintained and successfully campaigned on the Colorado Grand and the Ferrari Factory 70th Anniversary Cavalcade Classic. Additionally, it has been shown at prestigious global events, including the Cavallino Classic, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, and Retromobile. The Ferrari’s recent refinishing in its period Targa Florio configuration, down to its removable roll bar and racing numbers, further accentuates its racing pedigree. Short-wheelbase California Spiders are a rarity in public settings, making the auction of this period-raced, Classiche-certified example a truly special opportunity for nuanced marque collectors (Estimate: $9,500,000 – $11,500,000).

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2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1: The Fastest, Most Powerful Corvette Ever

26 Jul 2024
2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1: The Fastest, Most Powerful Corvette Ever

Chevrolet has unleashed the unthinkable in the Corvette ZR1. The King of the Hill returns with the most powerful V8 ever produced in America from an auto manufacturer, mind-bending specs, and iconic design to challenge the world’s best supercars in both coupe and convertible variants.

• Corvette ZR1 features a 5.5L, twin-turbocharged DOHC flat-plane crank V8 engine dubbed the LT7.

• The LT7 engine produces 1,064 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 828 lb-ft (1123 Nm) of torque at 6,000 rpm, per SAE guidelines — the most power ever from a factory Corvette and the most powerful V8 ever produced in America from an auto manufacturer.

• Corvette ZR1 boasts a GM-estimated top speed of over 215 mph (346 Kph) on the racetrack and will dispatch the quarter mile with a GM-estimated sub-10-second time1.

• Purposeful carbon fiber aero package creates over 1,200 pounds (544 Kg) of downforce at top speed.

• ZR1 revives one of the most iconic styles in Corvette history: the split rear window.

“The team that revolutionized Corvette with a mid-engine architecture took on another challenge: take ZR1 to the next level,” said Scott Bell, vice president, Chevrolet. “Corvette ZR1 is about pushing the envelope with raw power and cutting-edge innovation. From Stingray, to Z06, E-Ray, and now ZR1, the Corvette family continues to elevate with each new iteration — and challenge the best in the world.”

New 2025 Ram 1500 With More Powerful, More Fuel-efficient Hurricane Engine Family Unveiled

26 Jul 2024
New 2025 Ram 1500 With More Powerful, More Fuel-efficient Hurricane Engine Family Unveiled

The new 2025 Ram 1500 is now available in the Middle East, featuring an all-new 3.0-liter Hurricane engine family that brings more power, performance, and improved fuel efficiency.

“The new 2025 Ram 1500 brings our customers more: more power, more performance and more fuel efficiency with our all-new 3.0-liter Hurricane engines,” said Chris Feuell, Ram brand CEO – Stellantis. “With a choice of new and proven gas engines or our upcoming electric truck offerings, Ram is built to serve truck buyers everywhere. Our new powertrain offerings add to the unique combination of bold styling, leading-edge innovation and technology, durability and capability Ram customers have come to know and love.”

The Street-Legal Red Bull RB17 Hypercar

25 Jul 2024
The Street-Legal Red Bull RB17 Hypercar

The automotive world is abuzz with the announcement that Lanzante, the renowned vehicle specialist known for transforming track-focused machines into road-going marvels, is set to convert the Red Bull RB17 hypercar into a street-legal version. This ambitious project aims to bring Adrian Newey’s V-10 beast from the racetrack to the public roads, and while the challenge is daunting, Lanzante's track record suggests they are up for it. The Red Bull RB17, designed by the legendary Adrian Newey, is a testament to cutting-edge engineering and performance. The track-only version of the hypercar weighs a mere 1,984 pounds, making it lighter than a Mazda MX-5 Miata ND. Yet, despite its featherweight design, it boasts a staggering 1,200 horsepower. This immense power allows it to lap Silverstone a second quicker than a Formula 1 car, according to recent simulations.