Ferrari’s long-awaited Purosanque SUV, scheduled for launch in early 2022, is not the marque’s first “family” car. Ferrari’s discontinued GTC4 Lusso was preceded by a number of “2+2” coupes; notably its 250 GTE Series, introduced in 1960. RM Sotheby’s will offer two at Scottsdale: a silver 1963 Series III and a red 1962 Series II.
The 599 GTB Fiorano design by Jason Castriotta at Pininfarina channeled 50 years of Ferrari spirit. There probably is not a better bang-for-the-buck V-12 model in the Ferrari catalog than the 599 GTB.
Getting a 918 Spyder when new was difficult, as just 918 of these hypercars were made. It cost $845,000 before options. Getting one today is not much easier. The RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island auction in late May sold this 2015 model for $1.182m, right around the middle of its of $1m-$1.25m pre-sale estimate.
The Ferrari Testarossa burst onto the scene for 1985, starring in Miami Vice alongside Don Johnson. It competed against Magnum P.I. starring Tom Selleck, his famous mustache and Ferrari 308 GTS. The Testarossa is an iconic 1980s wild child that belongs in every Ferrari collection.
At the 2020 Scottsdale Auction, RM Sotheby’s is offering a 2017 Ferrari F12berlinetta that happens be one of the 70 offered with a 70th-Anniversary livery. It is just 109 miles from new. The pre-sale estimate is $400k-$450k.
Automobili Pininfarina’s 1,900-horsepower electric hypercar, the Battista will be sold in the U.S. The company said it would build just 150 of the $2m+ cars, splitting the allocation three ways between Europe, North America and the rest of the world.
The 2011 Ferrari 599 SA Aperta, based on the 599 GTB and with just 80 built, exemplifies that continuing devotion to the ultra-special car for the most dedicated customers. Those clients, Ferrari knows, understand they are purchasing rare automotive artworks, which are usually pre-sold even before they’re unveiled to the public.
Ferrari built its reputation on dual-purpose machines, the sports and GT cars one could drive on the road during the week and to the track on the weekend. There were more comfort-oriented models, such as the 250 GT Lusso, but the 250’s immediate successor, the 275 GTB and 275 GTB/4, skewed closer to the pure sports car side of the family.
Attending Cavallino Classic should be considered mandatory for every Ferrari driver and anyone planning to become one. It should also be on the bucket list of every sports car enthusiast. The event, which is celebrating its 25th year, honors this great marque in an enjoyable, accessible way for owners, buffs and the general public.
