Sotheby's Ferrari Legend and Passion Auction

This fantastic car, an evolution of the 250 GT Tour de France, is one of the best loved 12-cylinders ever built. It has a total displacement of 2953cc, punches out 280 hp and features 3 carburettors. It was styled by Pininfarina, who also designed the latest addition to the Ferrari range, which has been named the California in honour of this special car (see news story this issue). Completed on March 3, 1961, 2377GT was shipped to the US in the 1960s after being purchased by Academy Award winning actor, James Coburn, who shared a passion for Italian sports cars with close friend and fellow Ferrari enthusiast, the legendary Steve McQueen. Over the course of his 25-year ownership, Coburn was a regular sight in his Spyder, using it as a daily driver to and from the movie studios.

Additionally, on weekends he, along with McQueen and fellow actor James Garner, could often be found testing their driving abilities through the winding Hollywood hills. Throughout Coburn's ownership, he repainted the vehicle three times, first in dark blue, followed by silver and finally burgundy; today the car appears in its original black and includes extensive documentation relating to its restoration and maintenance. Another star attraction was a fabulously restored 1951 Ferrari 212 Inter Coupe Pinin Farina. Fitted with a prototype 3.0-litre 250 type V12 engine, this unique example was purchased new by film director Roberto Rossellini and used on a road trip to Sweden by him and his wife, three time Academy Award winning actress, Ingrid Bergman. Also auctioned was a legendary 1951 Ferrari 340 America Ghia Coupe. Regarded as one of the rarest of all early racing Ferraris, this example was the last of four 340 Americas bodied by Carrozzeria Ghia, and the only one with a superlative racing history.

Other significant Ferraris included:
- A rare, totally original 1950 Ferrari 166/195S Inter Vignale Berlinetta
- A meticulously restored 1961 Ferrari 250GT Pininfarina Cabriolet SII
- A 1971 Ferrari 512M with extensive racing history.