RM Sotheby’s Monterey Car Week Auction

As the excitement builds for this year’s Monterey Car Week, RM Sotheby’s has unveiled some of the highlights of the auction, set to take place in August. The main event of this has to be the very first Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider ever produced, which also served as the 1960 Geneva Motor Show car. Alongside this incredible car, two other legendary Ferraris will be up for sale: a 1960 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Cabriolet and a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider.

1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider, Chassis 1795 GT

Among the rarest and most coveted vehicles in the automotive world, the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider is an icon in its own right. However, this particular model is the very first of its kind ever built and was Ferrari’s factory show car at the 1960 Geneva Motor Show.

For the past 16 years, the car has been in the care of a passionate owner who shared a deep friendship with Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher. This relationship not only deepened his love for the Ferrari brand but also his appreciation for the finest examples of classic Ferraris, ultimately leading him to acquire this exceptional California Spider.

Designed by Scaglietti, this Spider is equipped with a competition-spec engine, competition-style covered headlights, and a factory removable hardtop, which together enhance its aesthetic and performance. Presented in its original delivery colours, chassis 1795 GT has been beautifully preserved, maintaining its timeless appeal. The car comes with a Ferrari Classiche Red Book certification, confirming its original ‘numbers matching’ engine, gearbox, rear axle, and bodywork.

Only five people have had the privilege of owning the car since new, with three long-term custodians over the past six decades. Estimated to sell for between $16,000,000 and $18,000,000 USD (approx £12,571,000 – £14,143,000) this really is a very special car!

Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions said “We’re always aiming to bring to market the highest quality examples when we prepare for our flagship Monterey auction, and this year is no different. Chassis 1795 GT is beyond special among an already legendary model, the California Spider; this is the very first California Spider ever produced, a true icon of automotive history,”

“The California Spider is one of the rare models that transcends generations; with a timeless beauty that appeals to both young and old, and a driving experience that evokes a lasting impression on all of the body’s senses, this is a rare opportunity to acquire the very best. Stay tuned as we announce other exciting cars and collections for our Monterey lineup.”

1960 Ferrari 400 Superamerica SWB Cabriolet by Pinin Farina

The third of seven short-wheelbase Superamerica Cabriolets, this Classiche-certified 400 Superamerica, chassis 1945 SA, has been fully restored in its stunning original colors to concours standards by US-based Ferrari specialists Classic Coach and Greg Jones and well maintained by Autofficina Omega in its current ownership. Formerly part of the Oscar Davis Collection, it has been seldom shown since its most recent restoration, presenting an exciting concours opportunity for potential bidders. Ferrari’s 400 Superamerica models of the late 1950s and early 1960s were truly the pinnacle of sporting excellence, offering unmatched driving performance and luxury, making them highly sought after by heads of state, barons of industry, and other discerning enthusiasts Estimate $6,000,000 – $7,000,000 USD (approx £4,713,000 – £5,500,000)

1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider by Scaglietti

This LWB California Spider, chassis no. 1217 GT, is the 19th of only 50 long-wheelbase examples. It was famously used in the 1967 Italian film “Le Dolci Signore,” known internationally as “Anyone Can Play,” and was once owned by the renowned Swiss racing driver Jo Siffert. It retains its matching-numbers engine and is presented in its original factory-appointed color combination of Nero over Rosso. Offered from 19 years of meticulous care under its current ownership, this car continues to benefit from a 1990s restoration by Phil Reilly & Company. It stands as a handsome and faithfully preserved example of Ferrari’s most celebrated spider Estimate $5,550,000 – $6,500,000 USD (approx £4,358,700 – £5,104,775)