First Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder Joins RM Sotheby’s Monterey

As we get closer to Monterey Car Week in August, more top consignments are being announced.

This week, RM Sotheby’s has announced that its annual Monterey sale will include the very first Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder produced in short wheelbase form, s/n 1795 GT.

This car is a 1960 model, and was the Geneva show car for the factory that year. This car features a competition-spec engine, covered headlights and factory hard top. It’s a Ferrari Classiche-certified example with Red Book: it has its original numbers-matching engine, gearbox, rear axle and bodywork. It’s had five owners from new.

“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,” said Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions. “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.”

RM Sotheby’s estimates the car to be worth from $16m to $18m when it crosses the auction block this August.

Also joining the Monterey sale are a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder and a 1960 Ferrari 400 Superamerica SWB Cabriolet.

The LWB California Spider, chassis 1217 GT, is the 19th of 50 long-wheelbase examples. It was 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. This car retains its matching-numbers engine and is presented in its original Nero over Rosso. It’s been with its current owner for 19 years, and wears a 1990s restoration by Phil Reilly & Company. RM Sotheby’s estimates it to be worth from $5,550,000 – $6,500,000.

The 400 Superamerica, chassis 1945 SA, is the third of seven short-wheelbase Superamerica Cabriolets. It’s a Classiche-certified car that’s been restored in its original colors to concours standards by US-based Ferrari specialists Classic Coach and Greg Jones. It was formerly part of the Oscar Davis Collection and has been seldom shown since its most recent restoration, presenting an exciting concours opportunity for potential bidders. RM Sotheby’s estimates it to be worth $6,000,000 – $7,000,000.

RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction is scheduled to take place August 16 and 17 at the Portola Plaza in Monterey, CA.

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Jim Pickering

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