A monumental barn find discovery has taken place, with the unearthing of a collection of 20 vintage Ferraris. This incredible assortment will soon be heading to auction, facilitated by RM Sotheby’s, who plan to sell the lot coinciding with the highly anticipated 2023 Monterey Car Week in mid-August.
Remarkably, this treasure trove of classic cars had remained hidden for decades in Speedway, Indiana, situated just across the street from the renowned Indianapolis Motor Speedway. For years, these vehicles were securely housed in a barn until 2004, when the structure suffered partial collapse due to Hurricane Charley. At that point, the Ferrari collection was moved to a secure warehouse in Indianapolis, where it has been guarded and preserved ever since.
Among the many standout vehicles within this valuable collection is a 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Coupe Speciale. This particular model, one of only four crafted with Pininfarina Superamerica-style coachwork, was originally sold brand new from the factory to King Mohamed V of Morocco. Furthermore, a 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C is another prized possession from this newfound assemblage. This Ferrari competed in the highly esteemed 1966 Targa Florio race. Lastly, a 1978 Ferrari 512 BB Competizione, notable for participating in the 24 Hours of Le Mans that same year, is another remarkable inclusion. This specific vehicle, entered by U.S. Ferrari importer Luigi Chinetti, successfully completed 19 hours and 232 laps before ultimately retiring.
RM Sotheby’s CEO, Rob Myers, expressed his excitement for the upcoming auction, stating, “Most of these lost Ferraris remain untouched, preserving their purity and original condition since the day they were acquired.” This sentiment is a testament to the extraordinary state in which these classic cars have been preserved throughout the years.
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Furthermore, due to their extended period of storage, many of these vehicles possess a remarkable amount of patina. An example that personifies this worn beauty is the 1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Spider Series I, which, despite its appearance as a crumpled husk of a car, is still highly sought after. Its value is derived from its scarcity, with only 20 of these models ever produced, as well as its extensive racing history. Notably, it achieved a 4th-in-class (14th overall) finish at the 1954 Mille Miglia race and made an appearance at the 1956 Targa Florio.
While this extraordinary collection remained relatively unknown to the wider world, Ferrari collectors have been aware of its existence. As a result, they are expected to seize this golden opportunity to acquire these rare and highly coveted vehicles. Even the severely damaged 1954 Mondial Spider is anticipated to fetch a substantial price, with estimates suggesting a sale price ranging between $1.2 million and $1.6 million.
The unveiling of this barn find has caused a significant stir within the automotive community, capturing the attention of both car enthusiasts and collectors alike. The sheer rarity and storied history of these vintage Ferraris make them truly one-of-a-kind. As the auction approaches, anticipation for the opportunity to own an iconic piece of automotive history continues to build, ensuring a memorable event during the highly regarded 2023 Monterey Car Week.
In conclusion, the discovery of this expansive collection of vintage Ferraris is undeniably a momentous occasion within the automotive world. The cars’ decades-long confinement in a barn followed by their relocation to a secure warehouse has allowed for their preservation and original condition to remain largely intact. The upcoming auction by RM Sotheby’s provides an exclusive chance for Ferrari collectors and enthusiasts to acquire these unparalleled vehicles, ensuring a remarkable event during the esteemed Monterey Car Week.
