Santa Monica, 10th July, 2021 |
1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione (Estimate: $10,000,000 – $12,000,000) |
The Ferrari 250 GT California Spider is, without a doubt, among the most recognizable, admired, and
collectible sports cars of all time. Initially developed at the behest of Ferrari’s West Coast representative,
John von Neumann, the California Spider was envisioned as an open-air counterpart to the dual-purpose 250
GT Tour de France Berlinetta and was aimed at the all-important North American market. Between 1957
and 1962, Ferrari built just 106 California Spiders: 50 examples of the original long-wheelbase (LWB) model,
and 56 of the later short-wheelbase (SWB) variant. Further, of the 50 LWB California Spiders built, only
about 10 were prepared new from the factory with competition features. |
Since 2004, this one-of-a-kind example has been cherished in a private collection, and under the current
owner’s care underwent a high-quality restoration by leading Bay Area specialists, including the renowned
Phil Reilly & Company of Corte Madera, California. Throughout the past 17 years, this Ferrari has been put
to good use on numerous local tours and organized rallies, such as the Colorado Grand – always
performing flawlessly in each event. Recently, the consigner decided to return this California Spider to its
original livery, entrusting Moal Coachbuilders in Oakland, California with its cosmetic restoration. As a
result, in the past year, 1235 GT has received an exacting bare-metal repaint, new upholstery, and fine
detailing, all presented in its classic Italian tricolore livery as it appeared new in 1959. |
|
Related Material |
|
1998 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK GTR Strassenversion (Estimate: $8,500,000 – $10,000,000) |
Since its inception in 1967, AMG became an ever-present organization in the story of Mercedes-Benz’s
performance and racing efforts, complementing the marque’s status of producing some of the world’s finest
motorcars. When the FIA and promoter Stéphane Ratel introduced a new series called the FIA GT
Championship in 1997, Mercedes-Benz and AMG were tasked with creating a car for the event based on
the new CLK coupe. In just 128 days, AMG had test mules on the track, developing what would become
one of Mercedes-Benz’s most iconic racing cars of the century – the CLK GTR. |
1957 Maserati 200 SI (Estimate: $4,000,000 – $4,500,000) |
Introduced in 1955, the Maserati 150, 200, and 250 series of sports racers were geared towards privateer
owners, featuring a four-cylinder engine connected to a four-speed, and later five-speed, gearbox. In 1956, a
larger-displacement variant was offered, called the 200S, which had a corresponding increase in capacity to
just under two liters, and increased horsepower by 45 bhp, now standing at 185. Soon after, a variant
named the 200 SI was introduced, with the “I” standing for Internazionale, denoting the model’s compliance
with new FIA Appendix C regulations. 200 SIs were generally fitted with five-speed gearboxes, larger
brakes, and an additional five horsepower. The 200S and SI were bodied by Fantuzzi, and the sleek shape
featured the coachbuilder’s long and low nose. |
The Pebble Beach Auctions |
1961 Aston Martin DB4 GT (Estimate: $3,400,000 – $3,800,000) |
Launched at the 1958 Paris Salon, the DB4 ushered in an exciting new era for Aston Martin and its road
models. It would also serve as the basis for the competition-oriented DB4 GT, which was crafted to defeat
the Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France. Developed under Aston Martin racing manager John Wyer, the DB4 GT
debuted at the London Motor Show in 1959 and was shorter, lighter, and more powerful than the standard
DB4. Of the 75 standard DB4 GTs built by Aston Martin between 1959 and 1962, 45 were right-hand-drive
cars and 30 were specified in left-hand drive for export markets. |
1958 BMW 507 Series II (Estimate: $2,400,000 – $2,800,000) |
Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in late 1955, the BMW 507 roadster, designed by Count Albrecht von
Goertz, stole the show. So pure and perfect from every angle, the new BMW roadster immediately took its
place among the greatest automotive designs of all time. Not only did the 507 look like a true sports car, it
also performed like one, too. With a rigid box frame, upgraded suspension, four-speed synchromesh
gearbox, and large Alfin drum brakes, the 507 possessed an ideal foundation for BMW’s robust twin-carb
V-8 engine. Production of the 507 commenced in 1956 and ended in 1959, with just 254 examples built.
The limited-production V-8 roadster quickly became the most desirable postwar model produced by the
Munich-based marque. |
1963 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (Estimate: $2,000,000 – $2,500,000) |
Mercedes-Benz introduced the 300 SL Roadster in 1957, building a total of 1,858 examples until production
ceased in 1963. Only 26 were built during the SL’s last year of production, with the final six completed in
the first week of February. Due to the efforts of Gull Wing Group member Dr. Frank Spellman, these
late-production Roadsters were all carefully documented with factory- and owner-supplied records,
representing the culmination of the extraordinary 300 SL project –– the most advanced and sophisticated
expression of an iconic model. |