1999 Ferrari F333 SP Roadster

The Ferrari 333 SP was a purpose-built sports racing prototype, and the first since Ferrari's 312 P of the early 1970s. The 333 SP was developed in partnership with Dallara and features a rigid carbon-fiber monocoque that made us of F1-style suspension, a sequential gearbox and a four-litre engine mounted mid-ship. It had a two-place composite bodywork, and a V-12 engine derived from the road-going F50, itself a variation of the Formula 1 power plant. It had five-valves per cylinder and twin overhead camshafts that produced 650 horsepower and had a rev-limit of 12,000 RPM.

The Ferrari 333 SP was actively campaigned for eight seasons by a number of private teams with little support from the factory. They claimed 56 outright wins, 69 poles and multiple Team, Constructor and Driver's Championships in both the IMSA GT an the FIA Sportscar series. It captured wins at the 24 Hours of Daytona as well as the 12 Hours of Sebring, and set the fastest lap at Le Mans.

This example was purchased by Mr. Caiola. In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was estimated to sell for $800,000 - $1,000,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $781,000 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2011