Engineering, design, luxury and performance. It is amazing that Ferrari has built such an impressive legacy in less than 100 years of history, a brand that has become the most desired globally, sharing the Olympus with other iconic brands of success and excellence.
We present the most iconic and coveted models of the brand by collectors around the world.
Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione (1959)
In the late 1950s, Ferrari was looking to expand in the United States. The name 'California' was not chosen at random, but as part of a successful marketing strategy to penetrate the American market.
Finding one of these models in good condition is tricky. In 2017, one unit sold at auction in New York for $18 million; it was the same one that came fifth overall at Le Mans in 1959.
Ferrari 375-Plus Spider Competizione (1954).
Created for the racetrack, the 1954 Ferrari 375-Plus Spider Competizione participated in emblematic competitions such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Carrera Panamericana and the 1,000 km of Buenos Aires.
Few units were produced and it is not clear how many are preserved in good condition. This car, which is smaller than a first generation Miata, was powered by a V12 engine with 3 Weber carburetors. The last public sale of this model fetched $18 million.
Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider (1961)
Similar to the model mentioned above, but with a short wheelbase. A total of 37 units were produced. In good condition, this Ferrari has an estimated value of $17 million according to the latest auctions.
This model concealed a powerful 3-liter V12 engine with 240 hp, coupled to a 4-speed manual gearbox.
Ferrari 412 P Berlinetta (1967)
A legend of a time when Italian engineering was unrivaled. The Ferrari 412 P Berlinetta was derived from the competition P3. This unique unit was notable for its 420-horsepower 4-liter V12 engine, fed by six Weber carburetors. It was a racing car adapted for the streets.
Before being sold, it was restored for 9 years. Paying $30 million for this unique piece seems reasonable.
Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale (1964)
We motoring enthusiasts enjoy browsing through images of prototype cars that never made it to production. Some manufacturers keep them secret, but Ferrari has nothing to hide. Many of their experiments are priceless.
The 275 GTB/C Speciale was the first racing version of the 275, successor to the 250 GTO. Only 4 units were produced, and each one had a different bodywork to experiment with aerodynamic configurations.
Although the FIA put obstacles to its homologation, today these units are highly valued. In 2014, one of them was auctioned at RM Sotheby's for $26.4 million.
Ferrari 275 GTB/4 N.A.R.T. Spider (1967).
This car was practically a commission for the United States. Although Ferrari's North American division was willing to produce more units, sales were low, making these cars extremely valuable today.
The acronym N.A.R.T. referred to the North American Racing Team. The last unit that changed hands did so in 2014 for $27.5 million. This car belonged to a collector for decades and had suitors such as Steve McQueen.
Ferrari 290 MM Scaglietti Spider (1956).
The 290 MM Scaglietti Spider was destined to be a classic. This model was built for the 1956 Mille Miglia, hence the acronym 'MM'. Four examples were built, but only one has survived intact to the present day.
Although it is a racing car, many collectors would like to have it in their garage. In 2015, the best preserved unit was auctioned for $28 million thanks to its excellent condition and Ferrari Classiche certification.
Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti (1957).
This car won the 1958 Cuban GP, was second in the 1957 Mille Miglia and also in the Swedish and Venezuelan GPs that same year.
Driven by Stirling Moss, this Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti has a great historical and material value. It is estimated to be worth $35 million.
Ferrari 250 GTO (1962)
In a top 5 of the most expensive Ferraris, they would all have one thing in common: they would be Ferrari 250 GTO. Not coincidentally. In the 1960s, buying one required Enzo Ferrari's personal approval.
The difficulty of access in its day has been key to establishing its current value. The most expensive unit was sold for $51.7 million; it was the same one that came second in the 1962 Nürburgring endurance test.
Ferrari 250 GTO (1963)
The 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO is even more coveted. In 2018, David McNeil, founder of WeatherTech and Ferrari collector, purchased a unit for $70 million, making it the most expensive public sale to date.
This Ferrari is considered a work of art not only for its captivating lines and V12 engine, but for its pedigree. Few classic cars can boast of having survived the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it came fourth.