Movie Star Ferrari 250 California Spider could fetch $14‑million

In the 1968 movie Sissignore, the Ferrari emerges unscathed after its public-road duel with a Lamborghini Miura – which is more than can be said for an unfortunate bus. Now, almost half a century later, it’s the centre of attention again at the Bonhams auction in Scottsdale on January 19^th, 2017.

It’s just as well the car did survive because it is of course, a California Spider –  now one of the world’s most valuable and sought-after classics. One was sold last year for US$17.1m.

The Cali Spider – unlike the movie – needs no introduction. Designed by Pininfarina, with coachwork by Scaglietti, the SWB convertible, with the 280bhp V12 aboard, came out in 1958 in response to demand in the US for an open-topped road-racer. 

Chassis number 2277 GT in the Bonhams sale is the eleventh of 56 SWB cars built, and one of the earliest of around 10 Spiders to have open headlights – one reason it is likely to be the car from the film.

Before its film career, it had been the Brussels Motor Show car, heading to the US in 1968. It returned to Europe in 2006, since when it has had a variety of restoration work done by GTO Engineering and Joe Macari, and Roelofs Engineering in The Netherlands.

It is not the only famous Ferrari to cross the auction block at Bonhams Scottsdale Car Week Sale, at the Western Kierland Resort near Phoenix, Arizona, January 19^th, 2017. There is also the small matter of the 1952 Ferrari 340 America Vignale Spider Competizione to consider – with its guide price of US$7.5-9m.

Photography courtesy of Bonhams