In the world of classic cars, few names evoke as much excitement as Ferrari. This year, at the highly anticipated Monterey Car Week Auction, RM Sotheby's will showcase a truly legendary model: the very first Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider ever produced. This iconic vehicle was the star attraction at the 1960 Geneva Motor Show and continues to hold a prestigious place in automotive history. Joining this extraordinary piece are two other remarkable Ferraris: the 1960 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Cabriolet and the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider, making this year's lineup a dream for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider, with chassis number 1795 GT, is not just any classic car, it is the first of its kind, setting the standard for Ferrari's iconic open-top sports cars. As the very first 250 GT SWB California Spider ever produced, this model holds an unmatched historical significance. Displayed as the flagship Ferrari at the 1960 Geneva Motor Show, it captured the hearts of car lovers worldwide with its stunning design by Scaglietti, which seamlessly blended elegance with a sporty aesthetic.
This particular example has been cherished by its current owner for 16 years, a period marked by a close friendship with Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher, deepening his passion for Ferrari. Underneath its beautifully maintained exterior lies a powerful competition-spec engine, covered headlights, and a sleek folding roof, features that perfectly combine beauty and functionality. The car retains its original engine, gearbox, rear axle, and bodywork, earning it the prestigious Ferrari Classiche Red Book certification.
Such authenticity and historical significance come with a price, of course. This masterpiece is estimated to sell for between 16,000,000 and 18,000,000 USD, reflecting its unmatched heritage and condition. As the first of its kind, it symbolizes the golden era of Ferrari and continues to captivate car enthusiasts worldwide.
While the first Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider is undeniably the star, it is accompanied by two other rare and historically significant Ferraris. First is the 1960 Ferrari 400 Superamerica SWB Cabriolet, one of only seven ever built. With chassis number 1945 SA, this car is an epitome of luxury and power, showcasing Ferrari's mastery of combining performance with elegance. Restored meticulously to its original colors by renowned specialists in the United States, it holds the Ferrari Classiche certification, preserving its authenticity. This model, favored by world leaders and industry magnates of its time, is expected to fetch between 6,000,000 and 7,000,000 USD at the auction.
Adding to this exceptional lineup is the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider, chassis number 1217 GT. As the nineteenth of only 50 long-wheelbase models ever made, it carries a glamorous legacy, having appeared in the 1967 Italian movie "Le Dolci Signore" and once owned by Swiss racing driver Jo Siffert. Presented in its original Nero over Rosso color combination, this car has been meticulously maintained over the past 19 years and still boasts its original engine. This rare and beautifully preserved example is estimated to be sold for between 5,550,000 and 6,500,000 USD.
The Monterey Car Week Auction promises to be a historic event, showcasing Ferraris that represent the pinnacle of automotive design and engineering. These extraordinary cars are not merely collectibles, they are symbols of a bygone era of luxury, power, and unparalleled craftsmanship. For collectors and enthusiasts, this auction is more than just a sale; it's an opportunity to own a piece of automotive history.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.