It has been well documented that RM Auctions, in association with Sotheby’s, recently sold a 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa for $12,402,500 at the Ferrari Leggenda e Passione auction to set a new world record for the most expensive car ever to be sold at auction.
While RM has seemingly made this an annual event (see 2008 record auction), the fact remains that selling a car for eight figures is a historic moment worthy of another look, especially on video.
The beautiful and immediately recognizable 250 TR was produced from 1957 to 1958 during which only 22 examples were constructed. The Ferrari 250 TRs entered 19 international championship races from 1958 through 1961 emerging with 10 victories and earning them legendary status among discerning collectors, as well as the honor of being one of the most desirable and competitive racing Ferraris ever built.
The record-breaking “pontoon fender” 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, chassis # 0714TR, was extensively campaigned in its day with significant finishes at the world’s most important racing events including the 1000 km Buenos Aires in January 1958. For more information on the 250 TR, click here. For a photo gallery on the 250 TR, click here.
Ferrari 250 TR Auction World Record Video
The cast of characters in the video include Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM Europe, Lead Auctioneer Peter Bainbridge and the star of the show, the Scaglietti-designed 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, chassis # 0714TR.
Since the auction took place at the Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy, bidding takes place in Euros. The bidding begins at 1:30 minutes for €4,000,000 ($5,500,000 USD) and barely two minutes later the reserve was off at €7,000,000 ($9,625,000). While the rest is known, we think you will enjoy watching the process unfold.
[Source: RM Auctions]
I have always loved this car! Ever since I saw the Bozo The Clown cartoon where it was called the Spumoni Special.