What a $1.9 Million Ferrari Looks Like at Monterey Car Week
What a $1.9 Million Ferrari Looks Like at Monterey Car Week
Even in a sea of rare and exotic machines, few stories at Monterey Car Week turned as many heads as the sale of a battered, burnt-out 1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Spider. Despite being little more than a scorched shell, this relic from Ferrari’s golden era stunned the auction world by fetching $1.875 million at RM Sotheby’s.

Why such a staggering sum for a car that can’t be driven? The answer lies in its pedigree. This Mondial is one of just 13 Series I Spiders built, raced in period by legendary drivers, and boasts a competition history that includes iconic races. Its rarity and provenance make it a true collector’s trophy, regardless of its current state.

Restoring this Ferrari will be a monumental task, with experts estimating costs could easily match or exceed the purchase price. Yet, for collectors, the allure isn’t just about driving—it’s about preserving a piece of racing history. In top condition, Mondials can command several million dollars, underscoring why even a “crispy and crumpled” survivor can spark a bidding war.

At Monterey, this sale proved that in the world of classic Ferraris, history and rarity trump condition—sometimes, what’s left unrestored is worth its weight in gold.

Every day our fanatical team scour the interweb, our auctioneers, the classifieds and the dealers for all the very latest 'must see' and simply 'must buy' stuff. It's garbage-free with there's something for every Petrolhead, from the weird and wonderful to ooooh moments, to the greatest and often most frustrating car quizzes on the planet ... So grab a cuppa and enjoy!

What's your reaction?

Facebook Conversations