THE CAR dubbed “the most beautiful Ferrari ever built” could be yours – for an eye-watering price of £29million.
RM Sotheby’s is selling off the rare “Pontoon Fendered” 250 Testa Rossa race car at auction late next month.
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This “Pontoon Fendered” 250 Testa Rossa race car is, according to Sotheby’s, one of the most attractive Ferraris that have left Maranello.
The slick speed machine competed in nearly 20 races during its decade-long competitive career, claiming four winning victories along the way.
It’s also one of only 19 to leave the Ferrari Factory with the highly desired “pontoon fender” bodywork.
The automaker had built just 33 examples of the vehicle before production was complete in 1962.
The 250 Testa Rossa race car was introduced in late 1957 as a response to new competition rules over engine displacement.
The curved sports car quickly proved itself to be a winner, with variations claiming victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1958, 1960, 1961, and 1962, as well as helping Ferrari to four World Championships.
Some highlights of the car that Sotheby’s calls “the most beautiful Ferrari ever built” includes the two-seat interior covered in tan leather, with a wood-rimmed, three-spoke steering wheel.
The car was fully restored in 2013 by Ferrari Classiche, meaning the car looks almost brand new from the Maranello factory back in 1958.
It’s also been glossed with Ferrari’s trademark Rosso Corsa white racing gumball, with the number 81.
And for those petrol heads among you, the magnificent 3.0-liter Tipo 128 Colombo V-12 is certainly something to behold.
The mill produces 300 hp and was strong enough to have a top speed of 168 mph when it was new.
This 250 Testa Rossa will be auctioned off at the Sotheby’s Sealed three-day event that will kick off in Detroit on Feb. 21.
Forbes reported that the winning bidder should expect to pay between £26.6 million and £29.7 million if they want to own this blazing red racing machine.
“Fully restored by Ferrari Classiche in 2013, this example is one of the very few Testa Rossas to be Red Book certified as retaining both its matching-numbers engine and gearbox”, reads the listing.
“The Testa Rossa was the most successful sports racing car in Ferrari’s illustrious history, securing four World Championships and four overall victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 1958 to 1962.”
This comes just months after a 1967 Ferrari 412P Berlinetta sold for £24million at Bonham Auctions.
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Bonhams said of the car: “This exceptional car is unparalleled in its rarity, as it’s just one of two 412Ps constructed.
“The subject of an exhaustive nine-year restoration, this endeavour not only revitalised the car to its original glory but also rendered it fit for the open road.”
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