Historic Hurricane-Damaged Ferrari Collection Heading to Auction

In August 2004, Hurricane Charley unleashed its fury on Florida, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Among the casualties was a barn near Kissimmee, housing an extraordinary collection of Ferraris. Beams and debris crashed down upon the sleeping cars, causing significant damage to the roofs and windshields. For a brief moment, these exposed Ferraris made headlines amidst the hurricane coverage, but soon faded into obscurity once again.

The collection, assembled and owned by Florida real-estate developer Walter Medlin, had already garnered attention in the past. Medlin, facing troubles with the IRS in the 1990s, had three of his prized cars seized, including a 1976 308 GTB, as well as two historic racers, the 1966 P3 and the 1967 P4. Over the years, the collection had fluctuated, rumored to have once included a 250 GTO and a 250 GT California Roadster.

Despite the damage caused by the collapsing roof in 2004, the remaining 20 cars, still bearing the scars of the hurricane, will be auctioned separately without reserve by RM Sotheby's during Car Week in Monterey, California. Thatcher Keast, a car specialist at RM Sotheby's, anticipates the Italian exotics to fetch around $15 million. It should be noted that the GTO was sold long ago, as confirmed by Sotheby's.

For the past decade, the collection has been housed in Indiana, just across the street from the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Covered in dust and sitting on flat tires, these cars remain as they were when the barn collapsed upon them. Sotheby's plans to recreate the scene of the collapsed barn in Monterey, presenting the cars in their original state, complete with fallen beams, in an "as found" diorama.

Renowned automotive enthusiasts such as Tom Cotter, host of Barn Find Hunter, and Bill Warner, founder of the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, have marveled at this "mother lode of barn finds." Cotter expresses his amazement at the rarity and uniqueness of the collection, emphasizing the difficulty of ever assembling such a remarkable lineup again.

While the collection may not include the holy grail GTO, it boasts several spectacular cars that are sure to attract considerable attention. Among them is a 1966 275 GTB by Scaglietti, which appeared at the Turin Motor Show and participated in the 1966 Targa Florio race with Luciano Conti and Vittorio Venturi behind the wheel. Another standout is a weathered 1956 250 GT Coupe Special by Pinin Farina, originally owned by King Mohammed V of Morocco.

Despite their current condition, these Ferraris carry a rich history, making them highly sought after by collectors. Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to witness the unveiling of this hurricane-damaged treasure trove as it goes up for auction at Monterey Car Week.

Here is the list of vehicles from the Lost and Found Collection:

1978 Ferrari 512 BB Competizione

Interesting fact: One of three prepared for the 1978 24 Hours of Le Mans, driven by Jacques Guérin, Jean-Pierre Delauney, and Gregg Young.

1966 Ferrari 275 GTB by Scaglietti

Interesting fact: This "long-nose" 275 GTB was the first to feature six carburetors and a lightweight alloy body.

1956 Ferrari 250 GT Coupe Speciale by Pinin Farina

Interesting fact: Originally owned by King Mohammed V of Morocco, showcasing exquisite Superamerica-style bodywork.

1956 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Coupe Series I by Pinin Farina

Interesting fact: An elegant and rare grand touring car, representing the prestigious Superamerica line.

1967 Ferrari 330 GTS by Pininfarina

Interesting fact: A stunning open-top model, combining powerful performance with timeless design.

1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Spider by Pinin Farina

Interesting fact: Competed in the 1954 Mille Miglia, achieving fourth in class and 14th overall, driven by Franco Cortese.

1965 Ferrari 275 GTS by Pininfarina

Interesting fact: A beautiful convertible version of the legendary 275 GTB, offering a thrilling open-air driving experience.

1964 Ferrari 250 GT/L Berlinetta Lusso by Scaglietti

Interesting fact: Known for its elegant and luxurious design, considered one of the most beautiful Ferraris ever made.

1971 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta by Scaglietti

Interesting fact: Often referred to as the "Daytona," it was one of the fastest and most iconic cars of its time.

1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta by Scaglietti

Interesting fact: Another example of the legendary Daytona model, known for its powerful performance and distinctive design.

1968 Ferrari Dino 206 GT by Scaglietti

Interesting fact: Part of the Dino series named after Enzo Ferrari's son, showcasing a mid-engine layout.

1960 Ferrari 250 GT Coupe Series II by Pinin Farina

Interesting fact: An early example of the iconic 250 GT model, featuring a refined and elegant design.

1972 Ferrari 365 GTC/4 by Pininfarina

Interesting fact: A rare four-seat grand tourer, combining comfort and performance in a stylish package.

1966 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Series II by Pininfarina

Interesting fact: A four-seater coupe with enhanced features and improved performance, offering a blend of luxury and sportiness.

1976 Ferrari 308 GTB ‘Vetroresina’ by Scaglietti

Interesting fact: Made from lightweight fiberglass, this model is highly sought after by collectors.

1969 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 by Pininfarina

Interesting fact: A luxurious and spacious four-seater, ideal for grand touring with style and comfort.

1965 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Series I by Pininfarina

Interesting fact: The predecessor to the Series II, known for its elegant design and impressive performance.

1980 Ferrari 512 BB

Interesting fact: A successor to the legendary 365 GTB/4 Daytona, featuring a powerful flat-12 engine.

1991 Ferrari Testarossa

Interesting fact: Recognizable for its distinctive side strakes, this iconic '80s supercar gained worldwide fame.

1977 Ferrari 400 Automatic

Interesting fact: A luxury grand tourer equipped with an automatic transmission, offering a smooth and comfortable driving experience. Each of these Ferraris has its own unique history and allure, making them highly desirable among car enthusiasts and collectors alike.

RM Sotheby's - An Exceptional Auction House