Woah. RM to Auction Ultra-Rare ’64 Ferrari in Monterey

LOOKS, RARITY, PERFORMANCE: THE ULTIMATE CONNOISSEUR’S FERRARI, 275 GTB/C SPECIALE HEADLINES RM AUCTIONS’ FLAGSHIP MONTEREY SALE

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Photo Credit: Darin Schnabel ©2014 Courtesy of RM Auctions

  • RM Auctions offers the first of only three 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciales, chassis 06701, at its flagship Monterey, California sale, August 15-16
  • With its two sibling cars unlikely to ever become available, 06701’s offering is a historic and unrepeatable opportunity to acquire one of the world’s most important automobiles
  • Exceptional 275 GTB/C Speciale leads a unparalleled selection of 120 blue-chip automobiles at RM’s highly anticipated Monterey sale
  • Complete digital catalogue available online at www.rmauctions.com

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Photo Credit: Darin Schnabel ©2014 Courtesy of RM Auctions

LOS ANGELES, California (July 18, 2014) – Few automobiles possess such incredible desirability that their offering at auction sends shockwaves through the global collector community. Even fewer are so extraordinarily rare, fast and beautiful that they attain legendary status. The 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale, chassis 06701, is one such car. The headline attraction for RM Auctions’ flagship Monterey sale, held August 15-16 during the world-famous Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance week, it will command the attention of the world’s most discerning collectors, and comfortably achieve eight-figures, when it crosses the podium in California next month.

“06701’s almost unbelievable rarity and high performance are matched only by its stunning good looks. Simply put, this is one of the most important Ferraris in the world, and absolutely one of the most important motor cars ever to come to auction,” says Shelby Myers, Senior Specialist, RM Auctions. “These cars were a clear evolution of the GTO concept, one of which set a record at Le Mans that stands to this day. 06701’s two sister cars are in highly respected private collections, from which they will certainly not emerge in the near future. This sale is unquestionably an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” comments Myers.

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Photo Credit: Darin Schnabel ©2014 Courtesy of RM Auctions

06701 is the first of only three Berlinetta Competizione cars built by Ferrari for FIA homologation and factory development to compete at the highest levels in endurance racing. Each vehicle was uniquely hand-built, and all three were fitted with super-lightweight aluminum bodywork and powered by a type 213/Comp dry-sump engine topped with six Weber carburetors, as first seen in the 250 LM. While one of its sibling cars, chassis 06885, illustrated the model’s dominance on the track, winning its class at Le Mans, 06701 was amazingly used as a road car from new.

06701 has enjoyed distinguished provenance from the very day it was constructed. Its first owner was a successful businessman who used it as a road car before one of the subsequent owners maintained the vehicle for a remarkable 25 years. It later passed onto renowned Ferrari collector, Brandon Wang.  During his ownership, 06701 proved highly competitive in various historic events, including the International Festival at Goodwood, Tutte Le Ferrari in Mugello, and later, the 1997 Tour Auto, where it was piloted by Derek Hill, with his father, 1961 Formula One World Champion Phil Hill, serving as navigator.

Following a restoration which saw the car refinished in its striking, current two-tone silver and grey color scheme, which it wore very early in its life, 06701 came into the ownership of its current, well respected custodian. It has been occasionally displayed at selected events worldwide, including the 2002 FCA National Concours and the 2005 Cavallino Classic. No stranger to the Monterey Peninsula, it also took to the track at Laguna Seca in 2005 for the Monterey Historics.

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Photo Credit: Darin Schnabel ©2014 Courtesy of RM Auctions

“06701 is a car whose appearance at auction will almost certainly never happen again, particularly since its two sibling cars are highly unlikely to come to public market. One car, chassis 06885, has been owned since 1970 by noted enthusiast Preston Henn, who has clearly stated that he intends to continue enjoying the jewel of his collection, which some speculate may be the first motor car of any kind to sell for the magic ‘nine-figure’ mark, should it ever become available,” adds auctioneer Max Girardo.  “The third and final car of the series, chassis 07185, is also part of a prominent private collection and very unlikely to come up for sale in the near future.”

06701 leads an unparalleled lineup of blue-chip automobiles at RM Auctions’ highly anticipated Monterey sale. A tradition spanning more than 25 years, the 2013 event generated an extraordinary $125 million, entering the history books as the highest-grossing collector car auction of all time. This year’s sale, headlined by the 275 GTB/C Speciale, is expected to eclipse this figure.

For further information on RM’s upcoming Monterey sale or to view the complete digital catalogue, please visit www.rmauctions.com or call +1 519 352 4575.