We come across plenty of classic cars valued in the
seven-figure range. It’s a far rarer proposition
to see one that could crack eight figures (tens of millions). But that’s just
what we have here.
Coming up for auction in Monaco in a couple of weeks
is a rare Ferrari that could sell for US$ 10 million or more. It’s a 250 GT
Competizione Tour de France from 1957. That’s the model that inspired the
ultimate version of the modern F12. And it’s one of only 72 made.
The Tour de France took its name from the epic
racing marathon that Ferrari won nine times back to back between 1956 and 1964.
The car was longer than the short-wheelbase 250 GT that followed, and more
sporting than the Lusso.
The 250 TdF packed a 3.0-liter V12, capable of
producing 258 horsepower. That might not seem like a lot these days, when you
can get a Ford Mustang for $25k with a turbo four kicking out more power than
that. But back in the late 1950s, that was a heck of a lot. The Mercedes 300 SL
of that era offered just 212 hp. And it would be another couple of decades
before Porsche would put out a version of the 911 – the original 930 Turbo –
that would be capable of that level of output.
This example was the 15th of 17 made in the third of
four series. That means it has the louvered vents and covered headlights.
Having fared no better than a second-place finish at Spa in ’58, it isn’t the
most decorated of TdFs. But that won’t stop it from fetching big bucks when it
crosses the auction block in Monte Carlo on Saturday, May 12.
RM Sotheby’s estimates it will sell for between € 7
and € 9 million. That works out to about US$ 8.5-10.9 million. So if it lands
somewhere in the upper half of that range, the winning bidder will be looking
at an eight-figure bill. That could make it the most expensive car sold at
auction this year, following another Ferrari – Battista Pininfarina’s 275 GTB
Speciale – which rival auctioneer Gooding & Company sold at Scottsdale in
January for just over US$ 8 million.
