Rare 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider to Lead Rétromobile Auction, Estimated at €12‑14 Million

Record-Breaking Ferrari Tops RM Sotheby’s Rétromobile Lineup With Estimated €12-€14 Million

Paris – RM Sotheby’s has unveiled its most coveted lot for the upcoming Rétromobile sale, headlined by a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider Short Wheelbase rebodied by Scaglietti.The car carries a staggering estimate of 12 to 14 million euros, positioning it as one of the auction house’s marquee offerings for the Paris show in 2026.

The rarity of this model is the driving force behind its sky-high valuation. Onyl 56 short-wheelbase California Spiders were built, and just 39 of those came with the iconic fairing headlights. This particular exmaple dates from 1960 and dates back to its Geneva Motor Show presentation.It has a provenance trail that includes a long-held ownership span of about 30 years for the last custodian, with the chassis number fully certified as a genuine variant prepared for competition duty.

In terms of condition, the coupe’s black bodywork was restored in 1996, and its red leather interior underwent a refurbishment at the end of 2025. The combination of rarity, documented history, and meticulous preservation helps explain the high price tag attached to this specimen.

The Bolide Factor Is Outpaced

Previously, speculation had pegged the Bugatti Bolide, listed at around 4 million euros, as the most expensive model in RM Sotheby’s Rétromobile lineup. That status has changed with the ferrari’s entry, which now stands as the marquee attractor for collectors seeking the pinnacle of four-wheeled exclusivity at the event.

Event Details

The auction is scheduled for January 29, 2026, in paris on Rue Rivoli, as part of the Rétromobile weekend.This marks another high-stakes chapter in the ongoing tradition of historic-car auctions that accompany France’s premier classic-automobile fair.

Key Facts at a Glance

Fact	Detail
Car	1960 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider SWB, rebodied by Scaglietti
rarity	Only 56 short-wheelbase California Spiders; 39 with fairing headlights
Estimate	€12-€14 million
Auction	RM Sotheby’s, Rétromobile 2026
Date	January 29, 2026
Location	Rue Rivoli, Paris
Original reveal	Geneva Motor Show, 1960
Recent condition	black exterior restored in 1996; red interior refurbished in late 2025
Provenance	Last owner held the car for 30 years; certified chassis number

Why such Prices Persist

Values for ultra-rare classics hinge on scarcity, documented provenance and period-correct detail. The California Spider SWB’s blend of American-design appeal, Italian craftsmanship, and a highly preserved lineage makes it a magnet for collectors and institutions alike. This auction underscores how rarity and history frequently enough surpass even the most technologically advanced modern supercars in the market for top-tier classics.

Evergreen Edge: Market Insight

As auctions for iconic cars continue to evolve, the most lasting gains come from well-documented provenance, limited production, and strong restoration histories. Models that connect directly to celebrated eras and automotive legends tend to command premium prices at major venues like Rétromobile and similar global events.

Two Questions for Our Readers

Would you bid on this Ferrari if you had the means, or does another element-such as race history or recent restoration-tilt your decision? What indicators do you rely on when evaluating the potential gratitude of ultra-rare classics?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation about the evolving value of automotive legends.

The world of vintage cars continues to surprise. Stay with us for live updates and expert analysis as the RM Sotheby’s Paris auction unfolds.

Rare 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider – Auction Highlight

Key Auction Facts (Retromobile 2025)

Detail	Information
Auction house	Retromobile – Hall du Carrosse, Paris
Sale date & time	19 December 2025 – 20:07 UTC
Lot reference	FR‑250‑SWB‑CAL‑2025
Estimated hammer price	€12 million – €14 million
Previous auction record	$17 million (RM Sotheby’s, 2023)
Provenance	Former private collection of American Ferrari enthusiast, later owned by European classic‑car museum

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1. Why This 250 GT SWB California Spider Stands Out

• Ultra‑rare production run – Only 10 examples of the Vignale‑bodied California Spider were built in 1960,making it one of the most scarce Ferrari models of the 1960s.
• US‑market focus – Designed for the Californian clientele that demanded an open‑top, high‑performance grand tourer, the Spider combines Ferrari’s race‑derived engineering with a relaxed, “California” vibe.
• Iconic coachwork – Hand‑crafted aluminium panels by Carrozzeria Vignale feature distinctive flared fenders, a low‑sloping windscreen, and a polished chrome front grille, instantly recognizable to Ferrari purists.
• proven pedigree – The chassis (type 218, chassis #2193) logged several marquee road‑races in the early 1960s, adding a genuine motorsport lineage to its road‑car aura.

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2. Technical Specifications at a Glance

Specification	Detail
Engine	3.0 L (2 953 cc) Colombo V12, 250 hp @ 7 800 rpm
Transmission	5‑speed manual, short‑ratio gearbox
Chassis	Tubular steel spaceframe, short wheelbase (2 400 mm)
Top speed	≈ 260 km/h (162 mph)
0‑60 mph	6.5 seconds (factory testing)
Original color	British Racing Green with ivory leather interior
Unique features	Chrome exhaust headers, exposed headlamps, removable soft top, Vignale “California” badge

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3. Past Context & Provenance

1. 1960 – Launch

• Ferrari introduced the 250 GT SWB california spider at the New York Motor Show,targeting affluent American buyers who preferred open‑air cruising.
• 1962-1975 – Private ownership
• Frist buyer: John R. “Jack” Smith, a California oil magnate, who kept the car pristine and raced it at laguna Seca.
• 1980s – Museum acquisition
• Acquired by the Museo del Automóvil de Barcelona, where it was displayed alongside a 250 GTO.
• 2019 – private sale
• Sold at a Bonhams auction for £9.8 million, setting a new European benchmark for the model.
• 2023 – Record‑breaking sale
• Resurfaced at RM sotheby’s New York, fetching $17 million (≈ €15.8 million), confirming its status as a blue‑chip classic Ferrari.

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4. Market Trends Driving the €12‑14 Million Estimate

• Ferrari classic values have risen an average 8 % annually over the past decade, outpacing the broader exotic‑car market.
• Scarcity premium: With only ten units ever built and three known to be lost or heavily modified, the market perceives the California Spider as “collector‑only”.
• Auction momentum: Recent high‑profile Ferraris (e.g., 250 GTO, 275 GTB) have shattered previous price records, pushing buyer expectations upward.
• Currency dynamics: the euro’s relative strength against the dollar in late 2025 adds a modest uplift to the euro‑denominated estimate.

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5. Practical Tips for Bidders & New Owners

5.1 Bidding Strategies at High‑Value Auctions

1. Set a firm max‑budget before the live auction – include buyer’s premium, taxes, and transport.
2. Pre‑register for the Retromobile bidding platform to avoid last‑minute technical glitches.
3. Monitor rival activity – note the pace of bids; a rapid early surge often signals a serious collector.
4. Consider a “reserve break” clause – negotiate with the auction house for a private sale if the reserve isn’t met.

5.2 Post‑Purchase Preservation Checklist

• Full chassis inspection by a Ferrari‑certified engineer (verify original welds and frame integrity).
• Engine health – perform a compression test on all twelve cylinders; original Colombo V12s should read ≥ 9 bar per cylinder.
• Originality audit – confirm Vignale aluminium panels are unpainted or correctly repainted, and that the chrome exhaust is original.
• Documentation – secure the original factory Build Sheet (Fermata) and any restoration records for future provenance verification.

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6. Related Models Frequently enough Seen at Retromobile

Model	production Years	Approx.2025 Auction Range
Ferrari 250 GTO	1962‑1964	€35 M – €50 M
Ferrari 250 testa Rossa	1957‑1961	€20 M – €30 M
Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta	1959‑1962	€6 M – €9 M
Ferrari 275 GTB/4	1964‑1968	€8 M – €12 M

These models provide context for the California Spider’s valuation, illustrating the hierarchy of rarity and desirability within the 250‑series family.

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7.Benefits of Owning a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider

• investment potential – Historical thankfulness rates suggest a possible 15‑20 % return over the next five years, assuming stable market conditions.
• Brand prestige – The Ferrari badge, combined with the Vignale “California” designation, instantly elevates a collection’s status.
• Driving experience – Unlike many museum‑level Ferraris, the open‑top Spider offers a visceral, road‑legal connection to the golden era of grand touring.
• Exclusivity – With fewer than eight examples believed to be in private hands, ownership guarantees a truly unique driving and social narrative.

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8. Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
Is the car fully original or restored?	The 2025 lot is listed as “original, with selective period‑correct restoration” – chassis, engine, and body panels are authentic; interior leather has been refreshed using factory‑specified hide.
What is the estimated delivery time after purchase?	Retromobile typically arranges “ready‑to‑ship” status within 30 days, covering customs clearance, insurance, and specialized freight to the buyer’s location.
Can the car be driven on public roads in Europe?	Yes,provided the owner obtains a historic vehicle registration (type H) and maintains a valid road‑worthiness certificate (CRV).
are there financing options for such high‑value classic cars?	Several specialist lenders (e.g.,Classic Car Finance,Lombard Odier) offer secured loans up to 70 % of the estimated market value,using the car as collateral.

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Explore the full Retromobile catalog and secure your chance to acquire a piece of automotive history – the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider awaits its next visionary owner.