Seen the perfect classic car and wondering how to convince your wife to let you buy it? Let her start the engine. That’s what Michael Stehle, and it worked for him. Of course, it helps that the car in question was what Michael describes as the most important Ferrari of 1952…
NOV 10th 2016
Video: This Ferrari 340 America Spider could sell for £9,000,000
It’s a Ferrari 340 America Vignale Spider Competizione. All four of those names each adds its own unique magic ingredient to make this 340 an absolute blinder, one that is going to make it the star of an already-glittering Bonhams Scottsdale sale line-up in January. The Ferrari’s pre-sale estimate is $7.5-9.0 million.
Yes, this ex-Scuderia Ferrari team car, Piero Taruffi’s race-leading steed from the 1952 Mille Miglia and works car in that year’s Le Mans and Targa Florio, is for sale. For a taste of it, watch this super video from our chums at Petrolicious, which we definitely recommend. Apart from the beauty of the simple Vignale body, it’s also a great video for fans of that V12 music that Michael’s wife found so persuasive…
Italians don’t need to fall in love with this car, they already revere it, as Michael found when he drove it in his first Mille Miglia. “They kiss the body because they appreciate the car so much. In 1952, this was the most important car for Ferrari… they didn’t make too many cars; they didn’t have too much money. So they invested time, money and all the effort in this car.
“For me, it’s an honour to drive this car because it’s part of this fantastic history of Ferrari.”
The Bonhams Scottsdale Car Week Sale, at the Western Kierland Resort near Phoenix, Arizona, is on 19 January 2017. The Ferrari may be centre of attention but will be joined by a stunning array of top drawer classic cars and racers.
From the few lots announced so far, what about a 1964 matching numbers Porsche 904 GTS (one owner past 28 years, estimate $2.0-2.6 million); a Ferrari 275 GTB Long Nose to be sold without reserve; a 1955 Austin-Healey 100S that’s been in the same ownership since 1966; and for lovers of Americana, a 1954 Hudson Hornet Convertible, fully restored and also to be sold without reserve.
Lots more on this important auction coming soon!

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