Monterey, August 20, 2023 – A piece of automotive history has found a new owner and a chance at revival as a severely fire-damaged 1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Spider Series I was sold at auction for a staggering £1.5 million. The anonymous buyer has ambitious plans to restore the iconic racing car to its former glory, igniting excitement among car enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
The Ferrari in question, once piloted by legendary racers including Alberto Ascari, Phil Hill, and Richie Ginther, suffered a dramatic setback during a race in Nassau, Bahamas, back in 1964. Owned at the time by Dominican diplomat Porfirio Rubirosa, the car fell victim to a blaze that consumed the engine and cockpit, leaving only the resilient chassis and the elegant bodywork intact.
After enduring decades of obscurity within a garage, the resilient 1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Spider Series I emerged from its long slumber when it was stumbled upon by a collector in 2017. Recognizing its historical significance, the collector decided to part with the fire-charred gem, setting the stage for a thrilling auction at RM Sotheby’s in Monterey, California, on August 18, 2023.
Described by the auction house as “a rare opportunity to acquire and restore one of Ferrari’s most significant early sports racing cars,” this restoration project has captured the imagination of automobile aficionados globally. The estimated value of the car, if meticulously brought back to its original condition, could soar to a remarkable $60 million.
Car enthusiasts and history enthusiasts alike are eagerly awaiting the revival of this iconic piece of racing heritage. The sale of this fire-ravaged Ferrari is not just a transaction; it’s a testament to the enduring allure of vintage automobiles and the passion they inspire.
Resources:
1.https://newsfeeds.media/wrecked-shell-of-a-ferrari-that-caught-fire-in-1960s-sells-for-1-5m/