The world of classic car enthusiasts is about to witness a historic event. In January 2026, one of the greatest private Ferrari collections ever assembled will go up for auction at Mecum in the United States. Built over four decades by American businessman Phil Bachman, this collection features 48 of the rarest and most pristine Ferraris ever made. Bachman’s passion for the Italian marque turned his garage into a living archive, and now, for the first time, collectors have a chance to own a piece of his legacy.
Phil Bachman’s fascination with Ferrari began back in 1984 when he purchased his first car from the legendary brand. This was never just about buying and selling; it was about seeking perfection in every detail. Over the years, Bachman’s dealership handled many brands, but Ferrari became his lifelong obsession. He personally selected every car, color, and configuration, turning his collection into a rolling museum that chronicles the evolution of Ferrari design and engineering.
Bachman’s approach was all about passion. He kept most of his cars in near-factory condition, many with barely any mileage. The result is a collection where almost every car looks and feels brand new, spanning models from the 1950s classics to the most advanced hybrids of the modern era.
Bachman’s collection is a timeline of Ferrari’s finest creations. It starts with a 1953 Ferrari 166 MM/53 Vignale Spyder, the oldest in the lineup, representing the golden age of Italian automotive craftsmanship. The 1960s are showcased with legends like the 250 GT/L Berlinetta Lusso and the 275 GTB/4 Alloy. The 1970s bring rare models including an ultra-low-mileage 365 GT4 BB from 1975.
The 1980s and 1990s offer even more exclusives. A 1989 Testarossa shows just 257 miles, while the stars of the sale are two Ferrari F40s from 1992, both in classic Rosso Corsa red. One of these F40s has driven only 456 miles and could fetch more than 3 million dollars at auction.
Phil Bachman did not stop with vintage Ferraris; he also gathered the ultimate modern icons. The collection features a Ferrari F50 with just 251 miles, an Enzo Ferrari with only 645 miles, and a one-of-a-kind yellow Ferrari FXX, the only example finished in that color at the factory. Modern masterpieces like the 599 GTO and 599 SA Aperta have barely crossed the 200-mile mark.
The crown jewels are two LaFerraris: a coupe with just 157 miles and an Aperta with only 96 miles, making them among the rarest hybrid supercars on the planet. Each car in Bachman’s lineup reflects not just engineering brilliance but a dedication to keeping Ferrari’s legacy alive. This auction is more than a sale; it is a chance for collectors to claim a piece of automotive history, curated by a man whose life was defined by the pursuit of perfection.
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.