The 11 most expensive cars headed to the 2019 Scottsdale auctions
There’s a lot of excitement surrounding Scottsdale’s 2019 auctions, with 20 or so vehicles expected to bring in more than $1M. We’ve assembled the top 10 estimates according to the auction houses, as well as one suggested by our own valuation team (where an official figure was unavailable). It’s no surprise that Ferrari dominates the top of the list.
There are some potential records to be made, but unlike Monterey Car Week, we don’t expect anything earth-shattering. Still, there are a few new marks that could be set, and if you’re a fan of Italian style or German-French excess, it should shape up to be an interesting ride.
1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4
Estimate: $2.8M–$3.2M
The long hood of the 275 GTB/4, covering a quad-cam V-12, is a nice match for the flared rear fenders and short trunk. It’s a style pairing that worked well for countless other GT and sports cars, but perhaps was perfected by Ferrari. This particular example is completely numbers-matching and features a wonderful color scheme of blue on blue with gray carpet and black dash.
2018 Bugatti Chiron
Estimate: $2.8M–$3.3M
If your idea of luxury is being swaddled in a herd’s worth of supple leather while cruising at 200 mph, then a Chiron should be on your list. This quad-turbo, W-16 road rocket is limited to 500 production models, so if it has the right specs for you and you don’t mind that someone else has already been thrusted into said cowhide by the Chiron’s 1500 horsepower, you could have yourself a deal.
1951 Maserati A6G/2000
Estimate: $2.8M–$3.4M
Only three Maserati A6G spiders were built on the short-wheelbase chassis of the A6 1500, making this early-production model, featuring coachwork by Carrozzeria Frua, quite rare. Its flowing bodywork, inset door handles, and three-headlight façade make for an elegant package that is highlighted by Maserati’s first use of its 100-horse, 2.0-liter engine.
1985 Ferrari 288 GTO
Estimate:$3.2M–$3.6M
The 288 GTO was produced as a homologation for FIA’s Group B racing, yet it never got the chance; the series ended before Ferrari could ever field the twin-turbo, fuel-injected, 400-hp monster. This example has fewer than 3000 miles on the odometer and looks to be in excellent condition, ready to live out your Group B fantasies with the comfort of air-conditioning.
1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial
Estimate (by Hagerty): $5M–$6M
If you’ve got a hankering to race in the Mille Miglia in a car that was once piloted by legendary racers, here’s your chance. The original 160-horsepower four-cylinder powering chassis 0438 is long gone, but if it’s any consolation, Phil Hill was the one who greneded it and Ferrari had an identical replacement engine installed. That story alone has got to be worth something. Several celebrities have also been linked to the car, including James Dean, who admired the car and sat behind the wheel while taking a break from racing his Porsche.
1953 Ferrari 250 MM Spider
Estimate: $5.5M–$6.5M
Originally sold to Cunningham racing team manager Alfred Momo, chassis 0348 MM was used extensively as a race car in the 1950s, reaching the podium numerous times before taking six SCCA regional races in Georgia. It maintains its original engine, chassis, gearbox, and Viganle body. Each of the 10 Series II MM Spiders was slightly unique, with this version, the second to last produced, featuring headlight placement that evokes the 340 MM.
1958 Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France
Estimate: $5.75M–$6.5M
After being sold in Venezuela, this beautifully striped GT TdF had a successful racing career in South America and the Bahamas, where it competed in rallies. Despite class wins and podium finishes in several grueling long-distance races, the racer has managed to keep its original engine. We have a #4 (Fair) car valued at around $9M, so considering its notable racing provenance, this car could reach above its estimate.
1964 Ferrari 275 GTB
20190104182742 "1964 Ferrari 275 GTB Prototype front 3/4")
Estimate: $6M–$8M
The 275 GTB was the successor to the 250 GT SWB and the model heralded in several firsts for a production road-going Ferrari, including rear-mounted transaxle and alloy wheels. As this was the very first prototype 275, owned by Ferrari for testing, it lays claim to being the first road-going Ferrari to both of those advancements.
1963 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berinetta
Estimate: $6M–$8M
From its final year of production, and in fact the fourth from last of all 166 short-wheelbase 250 GTs produced, this example has all of the late-production traits—like improved seats and a leather-covered dash—that make it among the most desirable of Ferrari’s class-winning SWB GTs. Its well-documented history includes a stint in Nicolas Cage’s collection.
2017 Ferrari LaFerrari
Estimate: $6.5M–$8.5M
The Aperta, with its removable top and slightly modified doors, represents the pinnacle of 21st-century Ferrari open-air motoring, thanks to its nearly 1000-horsepower hybrid drivetrain and cutting-edge technology. In 2016, a hardtop LaFerrari sold for $7M, making it the most expensive car built this century, so this Aperta could take the mantle.
1957 Ferrari 250 GT Speciale
Estimate: $11M–$13M
Not really no such thing as a “garden-variety” Ferrari 250 GT—their low production numbers and beautiful craftsmanship make each and every one a prize—but this particular 250 GT is truly unique. A one-of-one custom coachbuilt body by Pinin Farina commissioned for Lilian, Princess of Réthy, it combines styling cues from the 250 GT Tour de France and later Pinin Farina coupes. It was restored in 1997 and has aged nicely since then, so barring any major surprises, it should make for the biggest sale of Scottsdale.
