The 1957 Ferrari Testa Rossa Sets New Auction World Record

The new auction world record holder

Just as it was expected, the one of only 22 ever built, a legendary 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa made history this weekend at the Ferrari factory in Maranello, as it was sold for 9,020,000 euros ($12.15 mil.).

A new auction world record as the most expensive motor car ever to be sold at auction was set at the RM Auctions' “Ferrari Leggenda e Passione” event, as the 9,020,000 euro sale price represents 1,980,000 euros ($2.67 mil.) more than the previous world record which was set at the same sale last year. That was when James Coburn's 1961 250GT SWB California Spyder (the four-wheeled star from “Ferris Bueller's day off”) fetched 7,040,000 euros ($9.48 mil.).

"The historical significance of this car attracted a bidding war as collectors from around the world - both in the room and on the telephone - competed to secure one of the most alluring and iconic of all Ferrari racing cars," said Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM Europe.

"The eyes of the world were watching today's sale as cars of this quality are so rarely offered to the market. The rarity and the provenance of the Testa Rossa speaks for itself and the price we achieved today is testament to that. We are delighted with the result the car achieved today," he added.

The “pontoon fender” vintage Ferrari was designed by Scaglietti and it entered 19 international championship races from 1958 to 1961, taking 10 victories. The first owner of the car was racing driver and future coachbuilder Piero Drogo, who took delivery of it in December 1957. Just one month later the 250 TR debuted in the 1000 km Buenos Aires, managing to finish in fourth place.

After other entries in Cuban and Portuguese Grand Pris, the car was sold by famous American Ferrari agent Luigi Chinetti to Alan Connel, who also professionally raced it until 1963.

This time, the name of the buyer was not mentioned, though most of us are extremely curious to know where the 'pontoon fender' went. Hopefully, our curiosity will be satisfied soon.