Is it any wonder why buying a classic Ferrari is one of the best ways you can spend an absurd amount of money? Luckily for you, one very special vintage Ferrari is about to cross the auction block.
This 1961 Ferrari 250GT SWB California Spider was designed as something of a gentleman’s racer, equal parts grand tourer and corner carver. This particular example is one of just 56 ever made. And as if it wasn’t rare enough, this is also one of 16 250GT SWBs to wear the highly desirable open-headlight design.
Finished in a gorgeous shade of dark blue, this 250GT SWB is powered by a 226-horsepower V12 engine with three Weber 40 carburetors and hooked up to a four-speed manual transmission. After the third and most recent restoration wrapped up in 2010, the car promptly made its rounds at some of the world’s most exclusive car shows and garnered a number of awards and recognition, including a Mention of Honour at the 2013 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Lake Como, Italy.
Since April 2014, the 250GT SWB has been parked at the Museo Ferrari. When it crosses the auction block, it’s expected to fetch anywhere between €11-million and €13-million, or up to $18-million, when it crosses the block at RM Auctions’ Villa Erba event in Italy on May 23.
Keep scrolling for a look at the other cars set to be featured in Villa Erba, including the least expensive (but most ridiculous) item – a cast bronze sculpture of a Bugatti Type 35 that costs more than a Jaguar F-Type. Seriously.
1952 Ferrari 212 Export Barchetta – €5.5 million to €7 million.
Handout, RM Auctions
1963 Ferrari 250 GT/L Berlinetta ‘Lusso’ – €1.8 million to €2.2 million.
Handout, RM Auctions
1985 Ferrari 288 GTO – €1.6 million to €2 million.
Handout, RM Auctions
1960 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series II – €1.4 million to €2 million.
Handout, RM Auctions
1950 Ferrari 195 Inter Berlinetta – €1.25 million to €1.65 million.
Handout, RM Auctions
1953 Fiat 8V Cabriolet – €1.1 million to €1.4 million.
Handout, RM Auctions
996 Ferrari F50 – €1.05 million to €1.35 million.
Handout, RM Auctions
1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Sport Lightweight – €950,000 to €1.35 million.
Handout, RM Auctions
1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 S – €900,000 to €1.4 million.
Handout, RM Auctions
1955 Austin-Healey 100S – €900,000 to €1.1 million.
Handout, RM Auctions
1958 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster – €850,000 to €1 million.
Handout, RM Auctions
2002 Ferrari Enzo – €800,000 to €1 million.
Handout, RM Auctions
1991 Ferrari F40 – €700,000 to €900,000.
Handout, RM Auctions
1949 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS Villa d’Este Coupé – €600,000 to €700,000.
Handout, RM Auctions
Bugatti Type 35 Sculpture – €50,000 to €60,000.
Handout, RM Auctions
