Unique Ferrari collection auctioned for £12.8m

A single-owner collection of 13 of the most iconic road-going Ferraris has been auctioned by RM Sotheby’s during Monterey Car Week for a total of $16.5m (£12.8m).

Representing more than 50 years of Ferrari history, the cars were offered almost entirely without reserve.

The ‘Ferrari Performance Collection’ was headlined by a Platinum Award-winning 1961 250 GT SWB and a 1967 275 GTB/4.

Additional highlights included a low mileage 1991 F40, joined by a 481-mile 2011 599 GTO and a 1984 512 BBi which has covered just 553 miles.

The two-day flagship sale took place on August 18-19 during the famed Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

The concours-level restored 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta was one of the last Ferraris made that was eligible to be raced at events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans with little or no modification in period, and one of the most iconic road cars produced.

Chassis no. 2985, a GT variant, is the 110th of 165 ever built. Benefiting from Ferrari Classiche certification and with notable history, including a Platinum award at Cavallino in 2016, the SWB sold for $8,305,000 after an extended bidding contest.

Joining the 250 GT SWB was another respected and famed Sixties Ferrari road car, a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta by Scaglietti, chassis No 10147, which went for $3,250,000.

Imported to the US in 1967, and presented in factory-correct Rosso over Pelle Nera with matching-numbers status, this example is complete with original tool roll, handbook and Ferrari Classiche certification.

Enthusiasts of modern performance were drawn to a two-owner, 2,800-mile 1991 Ferrari F40, chassis No 87895.

One of just 213 US specification F40s ever produced, complete with luggage, tools, books, its original invoice and in exemplary condition. It went under the hammer for $1,540,000.