Tuesday, May 13, 2008

1961 Spyder California Ferrari


Some of the first and finest Ferraris ever produced will go on sale at the marque's Maranello factory on May 18. The star of RM Auctions' Ferrari: Leggenda e Passione is a 1961 250 GT SWB Spyder California (pictured) that belonged to tough-guy actor James Coburn. Estimated at $4.6 to $5.9 million, it's considered one of the most beautiful and valuable Ferraris ever made. (Coburn used to race it around the Hollywood Hills with his pal Steve McQueen.) Also on offer: a 1951 Inter Coupe PF 512 that director Roberto Rossellini bought as an anniversary present for his wife, Ingrid Bergman ($1-$1.3 million); and, on the more modern end, a 2004 Enzo made for a member of a Middle Eastern royal family—the only example ever produced in gray ($1.2-$1.5 million). If that's a little out of your range, there's also plenty of Ferrari memorabilia on offer, from blueprints to carburetors. Can't wait until Sunday? The house is taking bids now.