A rare 1959 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider Competizione leads Broad Arrow’s Amelia Auction, expected to sell for up to $14 million.
A highly coveted 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione is set to command attention at Broad Arrow Auctions’ upcoming Amelia Auction, scheduled for March 7-8 at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. Estimated to fetch between $10 million and $14 million, the race-bred classic is regarded as one of the most significant examples of its kind.
Broad Arrow, a subsidiary of Hagerty (NYSE: HGTY), recently released a video showcasing the historic Ferrari in action, featuring Barney Ruprecht, the company’s Senior Car Specialist and Vice-President of Auctions. The video provides a firsthand look at the car’s performance capabilities and its unique competition-focused upgrades, including an aluminum body, stiffer suspension, and a 36-gallon long-range fuel tank.
“This is one of only 10 Competizione variants built, with every detail optimized for racing,” Ruprecht said in the video. “From the moment you start it, the experience is dominated by the engine—it’s a completely different beast compared to a standard California Spider.”
Chassis no. 1451 GT has a storied past, having placed fifth overall at the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans under the ownership of American privateer Bob Grossman. The car continued its racing career in the United States before eventually becoming a prized collector’s piece. Presented in its original silver metallic Le Mans livery, the Ferrari comes with Ferrari Classiche certification and has made multiple appearances at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
The California Spider leads an impressive lineup at the Amelia Auction, where 166 collector cars will be offered, alongside two tractors and a child’s go-kart. Other highlights include a 1954 Jaguar D-Type Works Competition car, a 1990 Ferrari F40, and a 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder.
With many vehicles offered without reserve, Broad Arrow’s Amelia Auction is expected to be one of the most anticipated collector car events of the year.