RM Sotheby's Monterey 2025 Featured Ferraris
RM Sotheby’s will present an extraordinary sampling of Ferrari’s most iconic period at its highly anticipated flagship Monterey 2025 auction. These consignments represents the pinnacle of Maranello’s craftsmanship during the pivotal decades of the 1950s and 1960s. Among the many other high-end collector and classic cars that will be offered by RM Sotheby’s in August, a quartet of remarkable Ferraris stands out, each exemplifying the marque’s unparalleled performance and artistry at the zenith of its coachbuilt V12 production.
This stunning lineup is spearheaded by a legendary 1955 Ferrari 375 Plus Spyder, a one-of-a-kind competition car with an unblemished track record and the incredible provenance of being driven in period by racing titans such as Carroll Shelby, Dan Gurney, Jack McAfee, and Ken Miles. Complementing this racing thoroughbred are three exquisite open-top grand tourers: a 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series I, its evolutionary successor, a 1962 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series II, and the elegant 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS.
From the refined elegance of Pininfarina’s open-top designs, crafted for discerning connoisseurs, to a ferocious competition machine etched into the annals of motorsport history, this collection magnificently captures the extraordinary breadth and vision of Ferrari’s post-war era under the direct guidance of Enzo Ferrari. Each of these magnificent examples is powered by a legendary V12 engine, boasts bespoke coachwork by the era’s finest craftsmen, and carries a provenance that underscores its unique place in automotive history.
This Ferrari 375 Plus Spyder stands out from other classics; it’s a bespoke “Factory hot-rod” crafted for competition. Its history is marked by its creation, featuring a Scuderia Ferrari Works 375 Plus engine initially intended for the esteemed American racing team, Scuderia Parravano, which underscores its serious competitive ambitions.
The car’s racing credentials are highlighted by its impressive performance on the track. It secured six wins and multiple top-three finishes at prominent West Coast racing circuits in America. The fact that legendary drivers like Carroll Shelby, Dan Gurney, Jack McAfee, and Ken Miles were behind the wheel adds significantly to its appeal and historical importance.
As one of only two Tipo 102 Plus chassis ever produced by the factory, the 1955 Ferrari 375 Plus Spyder is extremely rare. What sets it apart is that it was specifically prepared for racing, making it a unique part of Ferrari’s competitive legacy. Notably, the vehicle retains its original components, including its chassis, engine, and rear axle, which is crucial for collectors and historians.
The car’s story is further enriched by its re-bodying, carried out in period by English/American racing-special coachbuilder Jack Sutton. This modification was done during its active racing life, a common practice at the time to enhance aerodynamics or repair damage, and contributes to its singular nature.
The 1955 Ferrari 375 Plus Spyder by Sutton is an extraordinary piece of automotive heritage. It offers a chance to own a one-of-a-kind Ferrari race car that has been driven by some of the most skilled drivers. RM Sotheby’s will offer this for sale at their Monterey 2025 auction later this year.
Estimate: $5,500,000 – $7,500,000
This particular Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet is a rare find, being the 17th of only 40 examples ever built in the Series I production run. What makes it even more special is its configuration, which includes features like covered headlamps and front bumperettes – details that have become highly sought after by collectors due to their classic look.
As a 1958 model, this 250 GT Cabriolet Series I has a notable place in Ferrari’s history, having been showcased at the prestigious 1958 Geneva Salon. Initially, it boasted a sophisticated Grigio Metallizzato paint job, paired with a luxurious Rosso leather interior – a color combination that epitomized elegance back then and remains highly prized today.
The car’s backstory is also marked by its first owner, the renowned Italian opera singer Giuseppe Di Stefano. The fact that someone so prominent once owned it adds another layer of allure to its history, highlighting its status as a symbol of luxury from day one.
In 2024, the vehicle underwent an extensive restoration, handled by Motion Products Inc., experts in the Ferrari brand. Every aspect was meticulously returned to its original state, including the reinstallation of its matching-numbers engine – a move that ensured the car’s genuineness and preserved its mechanical integrity.
Given its rarity, historical significance, and the recent restoration work, this Ferrari stands out. Its limited production, desirable features, exhibition history, famous ownership, and meticulous restoration make it a standout piece for any serious collector of classic Ferraris.
Estimate: $5,750,000 – $6,500,000
This 1962 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet is part of the Series II lineup, an open-top grand tourer that was crafted by the esteemed Italian design house Pininfarina. The Series II models marked a development from their predecessors, the Series I, with updates to the design and functionality that preserved the classic appeal and capabilities that define the 250 GT series.
It is the 157th example out of 200 built and was originally delivered via Luigi Chinetti Motors in a rare color combination of Oro Longchamps over Naturale, one of only four completed in this color scheme.
Ferrari Classiche certified this 250 GT retains its matching-numbers engine, gearbox, and rear axle and its coveted Red Book will be included in the sale. It also includes a factory hardtop and benefits from a restoration completed in 2020.
It will be offered with no reserve by RM Sotheby’s at their 2025 Monterey auction in August.
Estimate: $1,400,000 – $1,800,000
The 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS is a stunning open spider that showcases the refined and elegant design aesthetic of Pininfarina, one of Italy’s most renowned coachbuilders. Its unique styling sets it apart from its GTB coupé counterpart, with features like exposed headlamps, delicately sculpted triple-louvered fenders, and a rear end that tapers elegantly to create a sophisticated and enduring look. The classic Borrani wire wheels that typically came standard on this model only add to its timeless Italian appeal.
This particular car is a rare discovery, given that only 200 examples of the 275 GTS were produced over an 18-month period. This limited production run significantly enhances its desirability among collectors. Although the bodywork is primarily made of steel, the use of aluminum for the doors, hood, and trunk lid helps to reduce weight while maintaining durability.
While the 275 GTS has distinct open-top bodywork, it shares the same mechanical components as its high-performance sibling, the 275 GTB. Notably, this includes the powerful V12 engine and a rear transaxle. The incorporation of a transaxle was a forward-thinking engineering solution at the time, aimed at reducing unsprung weight and optimizing mass distribution for better handling and balance. This shared mechanical foundation means the GTS offers a driving experience that’s just as engaging as the GTB.
To sum it up, the 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS by Pininfarina is a gorgeous and elusive open-top Ferrari that brings together stylish design and robust engineering. With its limited production, Pininfarina’s design touch, and shared mechanics with the 275 GTB, it stands as a highly collectible example of Ferrari’s classic excellence.
Estimate: $1,250,000 – $1,500,000