Broad Arrow Auctions will be offering a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider with Scaglietti coachwork, chassis number 1451 GT for sale during its third annual Amelia Auction on March 7th & 8th 2025. This auction will take place at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island in Florida, and the vehicle is estimated to sell for between $10 million and $14 million (around £8 million – £10 million).
A Unique and Historic Ferrari
The car is the second of just eight aluminium-bodied 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione models ever built. It carries an incredible history, including participation in the iconic Le Mans race. This was actually the first California Spider equipped with the competition-spec Type 128 F engine, producing 262.5 horsepower. It also features a Type 508 D ribbed gearbox, a 9.6:1 compression ratio, an external oil cooler, enhanced suspension, and a 35-gallon fuel tank with an external filler cap.
“This is the crown jewel of all open Ferraris and arguably the gold standard of desirability for any road-going collectible convertible. Chassis no. 1451 GT’s existence helps define the very essence of what makes the 250 GT California Spider so revered—a car equally capable of securing podium finishes at Le Mans and best-in-show awards on the world’s most exclusive show fields. The car’s stand-alone significance and combination of Le Mans and U.S. racing history make it a perfect fit for The Amelia weekend at the racer’s concours.”
Barney Ruprecht, VP of Auctions, Broad Arrow
Racing Pedigree
Completed just five days before the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans, chassis 1451 GT made its debut under the banner of Luigi Chinetti’s N.A.R.T. team. Driven by its first owner, American car dealer and racer Robert “Bob” Grossman, along with co-driver Fernand Tavano, the car achieved an impressive fifth-place overall finish and third in the GT class. This result remains the most successful competitive outing for any 250 GT California Spider.
After its racing debut, the car was returned to the Ferrari factory, where it was finished in its current metallic silver livery. Grossman continued to race it extensively in the U.S. throughout 1959 and 1960.
Iconic Status
Under subsequent owners, chassis 1451 GT continued to shine in both historic racing and Concours events. It has been a regular feature at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance for several decades, most recently appearing in 2024. Its status is further enhanced by its Ferrari Classiche certification, which confirms the preservation of its original components through multiple restorations.
Potential buyers can learn more about the vehicle at broadarrowauctions.com.
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