The Amelia Island auction, one of the largest in the world and which collects the most exclusive cars with the largest number of potential buyers, this year had a gem that shone above all: a 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider that wanted to be. auctioned for about 20 million dollars.
A price that corroborates the price of an authentic gem made between Ferrari and Scaglietti. Because from that collaboration with Carrozzeria Scaglietti came some of the most famous sports cars of the aforementioned Cavallino brand; with special attention to the extremely elegant 250 GT, which in the treatment of simple lines – well-equipped of course – show an ambiguous synonym of distinction.
The Ferrari 250 was launched in the American market
1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB The California Spider is a rare bird in the 250 GT family because it was built specifically for the US market and was based on a long wheelbase (LWB) chassis, in which Ferrari introduced a variation with a short wheelbase (SWB). ) in 1960 to complement the launch of the Berlinetta, which was also based on a very short wheelbase. That led to an urban chassis, with four-wheel drive, Dunlop tires and a finer suspension. More new machines.
This body was made by Scaglietti to present a more aggressive and playful appearance, with elegant but resonant lines, curved stories or more delicate interiors. And on this basis, production of the 250 GT California Spider reached 106 units between 1957 and 1963. Fifty of them were made in the long platform and 56 in the final SWB variant.
And this particular unit had two features that were even more unique because it was one of only 37 examples to feature the elaborate design. Not to mention that it had a very special color, an aquamarine tone that he called Azzurro Metallizzato.
18 million dollars are paid for this Ferrari
There was enough evidence to achieve the valuation, although the reported 20 million dollars was not reached in the end. But the eighteen million this model achieved is the record number that Gooding & Company achieved with this car, the number of auctions on Emily Island.
The culmination of a vital trajectory, the restoration of this Ferrari was completed in 2004, and this unit with chassis number 3099 GT made its debut at the ’40th Annual Ferrari Club of America National Concours’ at Quail Lodge in the Californian town. of Carmel
From there she began to be on the show, in which she won admiration and awards all over the world. Two years later, in 2006, it was exhibited at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the Classic Cavallino in Palm Beach, where it won the Platinum Award and the prestigious Judge’s Cup.
Not only the awards, but also the recognition of the restoration preserves the essence and characteristics of the original model. In 2008 it was awarded the Ferrari Classiche Red Book certification confirming that it still has the original chassis, bodywork, engine, engine, axle and rear axle.
Since then it has held a place in Ferrari’s main collections in the United States, and has rarely been shown publicly. Now, it will be its new owner who can enjoy without reservation, this authentic gem created between Ferrari and Scaglietti.
