2017 RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island (Ferrari 250 GT Pre-Sale)

1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta
1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta – Erik Fuller ©2016 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

A 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta is the latest highlight announced for the 2017 RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island, Florida, classic car auction. This dual-purpose grand tourer is one of the most-expensive cars ever announced for the Amelia Island auction week

RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island Sale 2017

RM Sotheby’s, the official auction house of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, will return for the 19th year to Amelia Island, Florida, for a classic car sale on 10 and 11 March 2017. In contrast to previous years, a second sales day has been added to the auction during which nearly 60 cars from the Orin Smith collection will be sold. Around 80 cars will be on offer in the regular auction.

In 2016, RM Sotheby’s earned $38.6 million with a high sell-through rate of 89%. In 2015, RM Sotheby’s earned $60 million at Amelia Island with a remarkably high 98% sell-through rate.

1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta at Amelia Island 2017

1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Front
Erik Fuller ©2016 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

The latest highlight announced for the RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island 2017 sale is a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta. Early expectations are a result in excess of $9.5 million or around a million more than is expected for the previously announced 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Cabriolet by Vanvooren.

The Amelia Island auction record is $17,160,00 for a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider sold by Gooding in 2016. This was the only car ever sold for over $10 million at Amelia Island.

1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta

1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Interior
Erik Fuller ©2016 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

An outstanding example of one of Ferrari’s most beloved berlinettas, the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta, chassis no. 2639 GT, was completed by the Factory in 1961, outfitted as a luxury street version with several competition-style features including a steel body with aluminum hood and deck lid, as well as roll-up windows.

Sold new to Marion Dall’Orso of Genoa, Italy, the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta was soon thereafter exported to the United States, where it spent much of its early life in California and Texas, before returning to Europe in the 1980s. It was eventually acquired by its current owner in 2011, who promptly commissioned the renowned Ferrari specialists at Motion Products of Neenah, Wisconsin, to conduct a comprehensive restoration. Beautifully presented, the quality of the restoration has earned 2639 GT numerous accolades, including Best of Show at Concorso Italiano, as well as Platinum Awards at the Ferrari Club of America International and the Cavallino Classic.

1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta rear quarter
Erik Fuller ©2016 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

Highly eligible and complete with the all-important Ferrari Classiche Red Book certification, 2639 GT is expected to command in excess of $9.5 million when it takes center stage at RM’s Ritz-Carlton sale in March. Ahead of the Amelia Island auction, the car will be on preview at the 26th annual Cavallino Classic, January 25-29 in Palm Beach Florida.

“It is easy to see why the SWB tops many enthusiast’s lists; a true dual-purpose car, it combines sensational looks with incredible driving dynamics, and its versatility means you could race it at Laguna Seca, take on the roads of the Colorado Grand and everything in between,” says Gord Duff, Car Specialist, RM Sotheby’s. “From its various unique features to the incredible quality of its restoration – confirmed by a string of awards – 2639 GT is a car worthy of close inspection. The fact that it is eligible for virtually every important motoring event on the planet and will outperform nearly everything in its class makes it all the more attractive.”

Other early highlights already announced for the RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island 2017 auction include a 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Cabriolet by Vanvooren and the Orin Smith Collection.

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