2017 Monterey Auctions – Top Ferraris (Preview)

The top Ferraris on offer at the Monterey Week 2017 auctions are a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/C and a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta.

1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/C
1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/C © Gooding

More than 40 Ferraris are expected to sell for over a million dollar each at the Monterey Week 2017 auctions in California. The top Ferrari is a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/C that Gooding expects to achieve $12 to 16 million while RM Sotheby’s predicts $8,500,000 to $10,000,000 for a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta. Bonhams released no estimate for a 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France Alloy Berlinetta but it should sell for similar money. Mecum is offering two LaFerraris with the 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari expected to achieve near $5 million.

Top Ferraris at Monterey Week Auctions 2017

The following are the top Ferraris on offer during the Monterey Week 2017 auctions in the sales of Bonhams, Gooding, Mecum and RM Sotheby’s:

Year Car Estimate Auction House
1 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/C 12,000,000 – 16,000,000 Gooding
2 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta 8,500,000 – 10,000,000 RM Sotheby’s
3 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France Alloy Berlinetta Refer to department Bonhams
4 1955 Ferrari 121 LM Spider 6,500,000 – 7,500,000 RM Sotheby’s
5 1959 Ferrari 250 GT Series I Cabriolet 5,000,000 – 7,000,000 Gooding
6 1950 Ferrari 166 MM / 212 Export “Uovo” by Fontana 5,000,000 – 7,000,000 RM Sotheby’s
7 1959 Ferrri 410 Superameica Series III Coupe 5,500,000 – 6,500,000 RM Sotheby’s
8 1954 Ferrari 500/735 Mondial Spider 4,000,000 – 5,500,000 RM Sotheby’s
9 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari 4,500,000 – 4,700,000 Mecum
10 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari 3,300,000 – 3,900,000 Gooding
11 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari 3,300,000 – 3,800,000 RM Sotheby’s
12 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari Call for estimate Mecum
13 1963 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Coupe Aerodinamico Refer to department Bonhams
14 1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Series I 3,000,000 – 3,800,000 Gooding
15 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 3,000,000 – 3,500,000 Gooding
16 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C Alloy 2,900,000 – 3,400,000 RM Sotheby’s
17 1969 Ferrari 365 GTS 2,800,000 – 3,200,000 RM Sotheby’s
18 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 2,750,000 – 3,250,000 RM Sotheby’s
19 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB Alloy Long-Nose 2,700,000 – 3,000,000 Bonhams
20 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider 2,700,000 – 3,000,000 Bonhams
21 2003 Ferrari Enzo 2,700,000 – 3,000,000 Mecum
22 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 2,500,000 – 3,000,000 Bonhams
23 1952 Ferrari 342 America Cabriolet 2,250,000 – 3,000,000 RM Sotheby’s
24 1954 Ferrari 250 Europa GT Coupe 2,000,000 – 2,800,000 RM Sotheby’s
25 2003 Ferrari Enzo 2,000,000 – 2,500,000 Bonhams
26 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB 2,000,000 – 2,400,000 Gooding
27 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO 1,900,000 – 2,200,000 Bonhams
28 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB Long Nose 1,900,000 – 2,200,000 Mecum
29 1966 Ferrari 275 GTS 1,850,000 – 2,200,000 Bonhams
30 1966 Ferrari 275 GTS 1,700,000 – 2,000,000 Gooding
31 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider 1,600,000 – 2,000,000 RM Sotheby’s
32 1951 Ferrari 212 Inter Coupe 1,500,000 – 1,800,000 Gooding
33 2011 Ferrari 599 SA Aperta 1,400,000 – 1,550,000 Mecum
34 2017 Ferrari F12tdf 1,350,000 – 1,500,000 Mecum
35 1991 Ferrari F40 1,300,000 – 1,500,000 RM Sotheby’s
36 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona (raced at Le Mans) 1,250,000 – 1,650,000 Mecum
37 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta 1,100,000 – 1,400,000 Bonhams
38 1990 Ferrari F40 1,000,000 – 1,300,000 Bonhams
39 1980 Ferrari 312 T5 Single Seater Formula 1 (Jody Scheckter) Refer to department Bonhams
40 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona 850,000 – 1,050,000 Mecum
41 1962 Ferrari 250 GT Series II Cabriolet 800,000 – 1,200,000 Gooding
42 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta 750,000 – 1,000,000 Bonhams
43 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona “Harrah Hot Rod” 750,000 – 900,000 RM Sotheby’s
44 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona 750,000 – 850,000 Gooding
45 1965 Ferari 330 GT 2+2 Shooting Break 700,000 – 900,000 Gooding
46 1959 Ferrari 250 GT Coupe 700,000 – 900,000 RM Sotheby’s
47 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta 700,000 – 750,000 RM Sotheby’s
48 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta 500,000 – 700,000 Bonhams

Most-Expensive Ferraris at Monterey Week Auctions 2017

Eight Ferraris on offer during the Monterey Week 2017 auctions have upper estimates exceeding $5 million:

1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/C

1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/C
© Gooding

A 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/C, chassis 09051, estimate $12,000,000 to $16,000,000, on offer at Gooding is likely to be the most-expensive Ferrari, and one of the three most-expensive cars overall, at the 2017 Monterey Week classic car sales.

Although ten Ferrari 275 GTB cars in various versions will be on offer, this 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/C is by far the most valuable. It was the sixth of only 12 examples of the Competizione version ever built. The car was designed for racing with weight saving techniques including the thinnest of aluminum bodies and Perspex instead of glass for some of the windows. This Ferrari participated in 20 in-period races that included several class wins. It is fully restored to its original appearance with original body, chassis and engine. It has not been shown since the 2007 Pebble Beach concourse where it received 99 points.

1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta

silver 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta
Theodore W. Pieper © 2017 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

Although expensive Aston Martins are playing a leading role at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2017 sale, the Canadian auction house could not resist offered a few really expensive Ferraris too. The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta by Scaglietti, chassis 2985, estimate $8,500,000 – $10,000,000, was the 110th of 165 and one of 90 lusso versions. The car is Ferrari Classiche certified and was awarded a Platinum Award at the Cavalilino Classic in 2016. The car was owned for nearly four decades by Charles Betz and Fred Peters, the Southern California Ferrari experts, who participated in various historic races with the GT.

1958 Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France Alloy Berlinetta

The top Ferrari result at Bonhams Quail Lodge 2017 sale is likely from a 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France Alloy Berlinetta, chassis 0899 GT, that was the 42nd of 77 Tour de France berlinettas made.

This Tour de France was successfully raced in period by amongst others Ed Lualdi Gabardi, Nando Pagliarini and Paul Mournier. The car achieved a first overall at the 1958 Coppa Sant’ Ambroeus at Monza and was also extensively campaigned in Algeria and France.

No estimate was released but Tour de Force berlinettas sold for $6 to $8 million in recent years.

1955 Ferrari 121 LM Spider

1955 Ferrari 121 LM Spider by Scaglietti
Darin Schnabel ©2017 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

The 1955 Ferrari 121 LM Spider, chassis 0546 LM, estimate $6,500,000 – $7,500,000, was the third of only four 121 LM cars built. It participated as a Scuderia Ferrari entry in both the 1955 Mille Miglia and 24 Hours of Le Mans but retired from both races after around 10 hours. It subsequently had more success at shorter races in California under private owners resulting in several podium finishes. A crash in 1956 killed its driver, Ernie McAfee, the first fatality in SCCA racing. It led to the end of racing at Pebble Beach and the retirement of several drivers. The repaired car was rarely seen in the past two decades.

1950 Ferrari 166 MM/212 Export “Uovo”

1950 Ferrari 166 MM 212 Export Uovo front quarter
Remi Dargegen ©2017 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

The 1950 Ferrari 166 MM/212 Export “Uovo” by Fontana, estimate $5,000,000 to $7,000,000, may not be the most expensive but surely is the most-exiting Ferrari on offer at RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2017. It has a one-off coachwork with its egg shape absolutely looking the part.

The unique egg-shaped body was designed by sculptor Franco Reggiani for Count Giannino Marzotto. The car was raced in period in both Europa and North America, although reliability often led it down in the longer races.

The Uovo participated in the Mille Miglia historico several times since 1986 – a race it was prepared for in 1953 but where the owner preferred to race a 340 MM Spider instead. Enticingly for the new owner, the Uovo has not been shown at major concourse events.

1959 Ferrari 250 GT Series I Cabriolet

1959 Ferrari 250 GT Series I Cabriolet
© Gooding

The second Ferrari at the 2017 Gooding Pebble Beach sale is a beautiful 1959 Ferrari 250 GT Series I Cabriolet, chassis 1475 GT, estimate: $5,000,000-$7,000,000. In contrast to the Scaglietti California Spiders, this cabriolet by Pinin Farina had cleaner lines and already hinted at designs that would follow in the 1960s.

The Ferrari is very original with the original engine and gearbox but beautifully presented in dark metallic blue over tan rather than the original sun yellow over brown.

1959 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Series III Coupe

1959 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Series III Coupe
Darin Schnabel ©2017 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

The 1959 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Series III Coupe by Pinin Farina, chassis 1305 SA, estimate $5,500,000 -$6,500,000, is an entirely different car from the racing Ferraris. It offered near racing car performance but with style and finesse. This Ferrari was the fourth of only 12 Superamerica Series III cars ever built. The car has a known ownership history from new with owners including prominent New York socialites and Ferrari collectors. The car has rarely been seen in public since the late 1990s.

1954 Ferrari 500/735 Mondial Spider

The 1954 Ferrari 500/735 Mondial Spider by Pinin Farina, chassis 0448 MD, $4,000,000 – $5,500,000, was the 12th of 13 first series 500 Mondial Spiders by Pinin Farina. For unclear reasons, the engine was upgraded to a 735 version before the car was delivered to Anthonz Parravano in California. Parravano competed successfully with the car before selling it to a Mexican and himself disappearing without a trace – he had tax problems with the IRS. The car was seldom seen or shown since it racing days.

Four Ferrari LaFerraris at Monterey Week 2017

Black 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari Doors Open
David Bush ©2017 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

Ferrari built only 500 LaFerraris with the last car sold new for $7 million by RM Sotheby’s in a charity auction. Thus far, only two “used” LaFerraris have been sold at public auction – both in Monterey in 2016. Bonhams sold a LaFerrari for $3,685,000 and a few hours later Mecum achieved a hammer price of $4.7 million. Two LaFerraris failed to clear reserve margins at auctions earlier in 2017.

Four Ferrari LaFerraris will be on offer at the Monterey Week 2017 classic car auctions – conveniently, these cars are also easy to distinguish by being in four different colors.

Expectations are highest for the white 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari at Mecum that has a pre-auction estimate of $4,500,000 to $4,700,000 on the car. It has been driven for only 209 miles. Mecum is offering a second LaFerrari in the same sale but this red 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari with 566 miles on the clock comes with a “call for estimate” guidance.

The yellow 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari at Gooding is also nearly new with only 200 miles on the clock. Gooding expects a more modest $3,300,000 to $3,900,000 for this hypercar.

The black 2015 Ferrari LaFerrari that RM Sotheby’s is offering is well used in comparison – the owner actually drove the car for nearly 4,000 miles. The guide price is similar to the nearly new example at Gooding at $3,300,000 to $3,900,000.

Modern Million-Dollar Ferraris at Monterey 2017

In addition to the LaFerraris, several further modern Ferraris are expected to sell for over a million dollar each at the Monterey 2017 auctions:

Two Ferrari F40s are available as well as two Enzos. The 2003 Ferrari Enzo at Mecum is basically unused with only 151 miles on the clock and a resulting whopping $2,700,000 to $3,000,000 estimate.

Mecum will also offer a basically new 2017 Ferrari F12tdf with only 84 miles.

Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytonas at Monterey 2017

1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider by Scaglietti
Karissa Hosek ©2017 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

Nine of the around 1400 Berlinettas and 123 Spiders ever produced in the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona series will be on offer at the Monterey auctions. The two Spiders on offer should achieve well above a million dollar, although the $2,700,000 to $3,000,000 estimate for the 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider at Bonhams is very much top end

Only a handful of Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinettas ever achieved over a million dollar at auction. Three of seven cars on offer at the Monterey Week auctions have upper estimates above a million dollar but only the 1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona with in-period race provenance that Mecum is offering is likely to breach that mark.

More Information on the Monterey Week Classic Car Auctions 2017

  • Monterey Week – Updates on all Monterey week 2017 auctions
  • Pebble Beach – Updates on Gooding auction announcements, previews and results
  • Monterey – Updates on RM Sotheby’s auction announcements, previews and results
  • Quail Lodge – Updates on Bonhams auction announcement, previews and results