From Jalopnik · Peter Nelson · · 1m 20s
Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder Breaks 20-Year Auction Record
A 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder sold for $10.9 million at auction, shattering a 20-year-old record.
In brief
A 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder sold for $10.9 million at auction, shattering a 20-year-old record. A 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder sold for $10.9 million at an RM Sotheby's auction in Maranello, Italy, breaking a 20-year-old auction record. Originally reported by Jalopnik.
Auction Record Shattered
A 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder sold for $10.9 million at an RM Sotheby's auction in Maranello, Italy, breaking a 20-year-old auction record.
Previous Record Holder
The previous record was held by a 1930 Bugatti Kellner Coach Royale that sold for £5,500,000 ($9,867,000) at a Christie's auction in November 1987.
James Coburn's Connection
The 1961 Spyder was once owned by actor James Coburn, known for roles in 'The Magnificent Seven' and 'The Great Escape'.
Historical Context
The Bugatti sold during the Great Depression in 1930, while the 1961 Spyder sold during the Great Recession in 2008.
Record Comparison
The 1961 Spyder's $10.9 million sale was slightly higher than the previous record of $10.7 million for a 1962 250 GTO sold in 1990.
Historic Significance
This sale set a precedent for high-value Ferrari auctions, with similar models later selling for up to $48.4 million in 2018.
The short version
A 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder sold for $10.9 million at an RM Sotheby's auction in Maranello, Italy, breaking a 20-year-old auction record.
