It is expected to fetch up to $14 million at auction.
One of the most significant Ferrari competition cars ever built, a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione, is set to cross the auction block at The Amelia Auction 2025. With an estimate of $10 million to $14 million, this Ferrari Classiche-certified masterpiece is expected to be a centerpiece of the prestigious event at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island on March 7-8.
A Ferrari Born for the Track
Chassis 1451 GT is the second of only eight aluminum-bodied Competizione models, making it one of the rarest California Spiders ever produced. Its racing pedigree is unmatched, having achieved fifth overall and third in class at the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans—the most successful racing result of any 250 GT California Spider. Originally campaigned by Ferrari’s North American Racing Team (N.A.R.T.) and driven by Bob Grossman and Fernand Tavano, the car went on to secure multiple SCCA victories across the U.S. in 1959 and 1960.
The California Spider was originally developed in the late 1950s at the request of West Coast Ferrari importer John von Neumann and Luigi Chinetti, Ferrari’s U.S. distributor. The goal was to create a dual-purpose sports car—one that could be equally at home on the racetrack or cruising the streets of Hollywood.
Historic Restoration & Pebble Beach Accolades
Following its period racing career, 1451 GT changed hands several times before undergoing multiple meticulous restorations. In 2011, a complete overhaul by Motion Products Inc. returned it to its original Le Mans metallic silver livery, a decision that helped secure numerous concours accolades, including:
- Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance (Three-Time Participant)
- Ferrari Classiche Certification (2008)
- N.A.R.T. Award at Ferrari Club of America National Meet (2016)
- Platino Award at Cavallino Classic (2011)
A Defining Example of Ferrari Racing History
As the first California Spider equipped with a competition-spec Type 128 F engine, 1451 GT is considered one of the most significant dual-purpose Ferraris ever produced. Its Le Mans history, extensive U.S. racing success, and concours-winning pedigree place it among the most coveted Ferraris in existence.
With Ferrari collectors always eager for provenance-rich competition models, this California Spider is expected to command strong bidding at The Amelia Auction 2025. Will it set a new benchmark for vintage Ferrari race cars? All eyes will be on Amelia Island this March.
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