$14-million Ferrari at local car show ‘a work of art’
What do you get in a $14 million car these days? A classic Ferrari with sporty Italian lines, handmade aluminum body, simple mechanics and room enough to pack one kid off to school at a time.
Organizers at the Vancouver International Auto Show are calling the Ferrari — a 250GT SWB Berlinetta Competition Coupe — the most expensive car on display, with an estimated value of up to US$14 million.
“It’s a beautiful car, a work of art,” said Brian Ross, owner of the Ferrari Maserati dealership of Vancouver, which arranged for its appearance for the duration of the six-day show. “These were true racers. They were not factory cars.
“We’re really excited to have it here. It shows our young clients the beauty and history of the Ferrari brand,” he said.
The car comes from a private collection and was made available by its American owner.
Ross said the owner takes it out for a spin and drops the kids off at school.
“Believe it or not, there are people who will drive this car on a daily basis. It’s quite easy to drive,” he said.
Ross said it is worth so much because it is so rare, just one of 75 competition versions completed in 1960 which were designed by the legendary Enzo Ferrari. This one was sold to a doctor whom Ferrari knew and enjoyed a long racing career, at one point placing second overall in the La V Coppa Sant Ambroeus in Monza, Italy.
The engine is a water cooled V12 with a single overhead cam that produces 280 horse power.
In the 1970s, the car was bought by a German Formula One driver who entered it in long-distance races, assisted by a fuel tank in the trunk compartment.
The American who bought it in the 1970s has owned it ever since, said Ross.
He said the definitive value of the car is not known, but judging by recent sales in the lucrative world of private auto collectors, up to US$14 million is a reasonable estimate.
“They’re a valuable car because people love the beauty of them. They’re a step back in time,” he said.
“You can’t go to a local store and find one. The people who have these hang onto them.”
Jason Heard, executive-director of the auto show, called it a “museum piece.”
“There aren’t a lot that still exist. Car culture is a massive industry. It’s someone’s Picasso. Everyone wants to get a glimpse of it,” he said.
The auto show is running all week at the Vancouver Convention Centre West.