The Only Ferrari 250 GT California Spider To Race The Targa Florio In Period Heads To Auction In Monterey

June 29, 2023 by RM Sothebys

RM Sotheby's adds a significant blue-chip Ferrari to its Monterey Car Week lineup: the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider by Scaglietti, chassis 1883 GT, will be offered 17 – 19 August

• Exhibited by Ferrari at the 1960 Turin Motor Show

• Finished 3rd in class and 19th overall at the 1962 Targa Florio; holds the unique distinction of being the only Ferrari 250 GT California Spider (Long or Short Wheelbase) to have raced in the legendary Targa Florio according to Cavallino magazine

• Beautifully restored example recently refinished in its stunning period livery from the 1962 Targa Florio

• Ferrari Classiche certified as a matching-numbers example

• Successfully campaigned on the Colorado Grand and the Ferrari Factory 70th Anniversary Cavalcade Classic, in addition to being exhibited at the Cavallino Classic, the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, and Retromobile

RM Sotheby's is thrilled to announce the offering of the sole 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider by Scaglietti to compete in period at the legendary Targa Florio. This remarkable Ferrari, known for its racing pedigree and unmatched elegance, presents an extraordinary opportunity for passionate collectors and automotive enthusiasts to own a piece of motoring history at RM Sotheby's 26th Monterey sale.

Established in 1906, the legendary Targa Florio is celebrated as one of the most exciting endurance sports car races in the world. Held yearly through 1977 in the picturesque region of Sicily, the Targa Florio's original course stretched over 92 miles, traversing breathtaking mountain roads and the streets of charming Italian villages. The race drew great popularity with famous drivers behind the wheel of factory-backed entries and privateers eager to put their newly purchased sports cars to the test. The 1962 event would see a very competitive field chock-full of Alfa Romeos, Porsches, Lancias, Ferraris, and Maseratis. One entry, however, caught the eye of many—the privateer team of Robert Fusina and Guido De Bonis in a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider, chassis 1883 GT. While at that time a two-year-old car, Fusina and De Bonis piloted the former show car to an impressive podium class finish, proving to all that this prancing horse was not ready to be sent out to pasture just yet.

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1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider by Scaglietti

Chassis 1883 GT is the second of 56 short-wheelbase examples built and one of 18 built with uncovered headlamps as well as one of three built without side vents; its rarity is further cemented as one of two examples fitted with a type 128 F engine. Sold new through Turin-based dealer Garage Fontanella & Co. to Litex S.a.S. for then-company president Robert Fusina, Mr. Fusina allowed Ferrari to exhibit the car on their stand at the 1960 Turin Motor Show. Litex would sell the car to its second owner, Alessandro Terni, who go on to loan the SWB to Fusina and Guido De Bonis for use in the 1962 running of the Targa Florio. The team would prove a formidable pairing, impressively finishing 3rd in class and a respectable 19th overall. According to Cavallino magazine, chassis 1883 GT holds the unique distinction of being the only Ferrari 250 GT California Spider (Long or Short Wheelbase) to have raced in the legendary Targa Florio.

Chassis 1883 GT has since benefitted from a complete restoration by Carrozzeria Egidio Brandoli and Zanasi & Co. completed in 2016, with mechanical considerations completed by Joe Macari in London. Upon completion, 1883 GT was certified by Ferrari Classiche. It has been meticulously maintained and successfully campaigned on the Colorado Grand and the Ferrari Factory 70th Anniversary Cavalcade Classic. Additionally, it has been shown at prestigious global events, including the Cavallino Classic, the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, and Retromobile. The Ferrari's recent refinishing in its period Targa Florio configuration, down to its removable roll bar and racing numbers, further accentuates its racing pedigree. Short-wheelbase California Spiders are a rarity in public settings, making the auction of this period-raced, Classiche-certified example a truly special opportunity for nuanced marque collectors (Estimate: $9,500,000 – $11,500,000).

View 1883 GT's recent return to Sicily in a very special video here.