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1962 Rare Ferrari Sold For Nearly R$ 100 Million Becomes The Most Expensive Car Ever Auctioned By Gooding & Co

Written by Roberta Souza
Published on 15/03/2023 at 13:15
Updated on 16/03/2023 at 20:14
Ferrari - leilão - carro
Ferrari 250 GT California Spider de 1962 – Leilão Divulgação
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The Supercar Was Sold For US$ 18.1 Million, Nothing Less Than R$ 95 Million

Gooding & Co. is a classic car auction company based in Santa Monica, California (USA). Just now, at the beginning of the year, the company auctioned a car that will likely be among the most expensive cars auctioned in 2023: the 1962 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider.

The supercar was sold for US$ 18.1 million, nothing more nothing less than R$ 95 million. According to Autoesporte, this is the most expensive car sold at auction in Gooding & Co’s history, founded 20 years ago. Recently, a Bugatti Chiron became the most expensive new car auctioned in history, sold at the famous RM Sotheby’s auction house for over R$ 50 million.

Only One Unit of the Ferrari 250 GT California Spider in Azzurro Metallizzato Was Manufactured

Unveiled at the 1962 New York Auto Show, the 250 GT California Spider was the only Ferrari car made in the color Azzurro Metallizzato, which is similar to turquoise blue. Besides the model being exclusive, Ferrari still retains the original body, engine, chassis, and transmission.

If we consider other colors, only 52 units were manufactured from 1959 to 1962 in total, with a design by Pininfarina. The exclusive Ferrari boasts an iconic Colombo 3.0 V12 engine with 266 hp. And for the enthusiasm of rare and vintage car enthusiasts, the transmission is a manual 4-speed.

The Ferrari Changed Hands 5 Times Before Reaching The Auction

At the end of 1957, the American automotive market was on the rise. Thus, while the Cabriolet Series I was already in production, Ferrari began designing a new convertible 250 GT model for the United States.

Luigi Chinetti and John von Neumann, who were the main Ferrari dealers in the country, convinced the manufacturer to develop the 250 GT Spider with two parallel aims: a car that could be used for everyday commuting during the week and to race on weekends.

The 52 units produced of the Ferrari were exclusive to the United States, hence they are named California. And, over all these years, the car passed through the hands of only five owners before going to auction, with the last one having it since 2008.

Roberta Souza

Author for the Click Petróleo e Gás portal since 2019, responsible for publishing over 8,000 articles that have garnered millions of views, combining technical expertise, clarity, and engagement to inform and connect readers. A Petroleum Engineer with a postgraduate degree in Industrial Unit Commissioning, I also bring practical experience and background in the agribusiness sector, which broadens my perspective and versatility in producing specialized content. I develop content topics, disseminate job opportunities, and create advertising materials tailored for the industry audience. For content suggestions, job vacancy promotion, or advertising proposals, please contact via email: santizatagpc@gmail.com. We do not accept resumes

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