1995 Ferrari 355 F355 Convertible Spider / Major Engine Out Service March 2013 on 2040-cars

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1956 Ferrari 250 Tour de France could fetch $11M [w/video]

Highly valuable and arrestingly gorgeous classic Ferraris come up for auction all the time. Most of them derive from the 250 series: GTOs, SWB Berlinettas, Lussos, Testa Rossas. And when they do, they almost invariably fetch big bucks. But there's something about this one that just stops us in our tracks. The long wheelbase, the simple but elegant lines, the French blue paintjob and minimalist racing livery.... That it happens to have an unsurpassed racing history only sweetens the deal, as we're sure collectors are bound to find out when bidding opens in Monterey next month. This 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Competizione was one of just 14 made, and one of just nine built by Scaglietti without the louvers on the remaining five Zagato-bodied examples. But what sets it apart is its racing history. It belonged to the legendary Marquis Alfonso de Portago, a Spanish nobleman and gentleman racer who rose to celebrity status in the early 1950s. Renowned for courting both women and danger, de Portago took to motor racing in 1953, proved a quick study, and was signed by Ferrari in '56. Portago drove this very car to victory at the notoriously challenging Tour de France, which included two hill climbs, six circuits, and a drag race over the course of six days. With his longtime compatriot and co-pilot Edmund Nelson (whom he befriended as a child living in New York's Plaza Hotel where Nelson worked the elevator) at his side, the Marquis dominated the event. So kicked off a series of four consecutive wins Ferrari would take at the famously grueling race, cementing this model's name as a result. The duo won a number of other races in this car, which proved practically undefeated in their hands. Tragically, Portago and Nelson were killed in a crash at the Mille Miglia mere months later, putting an end to their lives as well as that of the Italian road race. The car subsequently passed through the hands of a number of notable collectors on both sides of the Atlantic, underwent a ground-up restoration in the early 1990s, and has won top honors at numerous events, including Pebble Beach, Meadow Brook, and the Louis Vuitton concours d'elegance. It's now going up for auction for the first time in 23 years as part of RM Sotheby's array at Monterey this summer.

The Ferrari GTC4Lusso T ditches the V12 and AWD for a turbo V8 and rear drive

Ferrari continues to turbocharge its lineup with the latest addition – the GTC4Lusso T. This car has the same body as the four-seat GTC4Lusso, but features a turbocharged V8 and sends power only to the rear wheels, a recipe that might just make the gorgeous, elongated hatchback even better to drive. Aside from the addition of the T badge, the majority of the updates were made under the car's body. Gone is the beastly naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V12, and in its place is a twin-turbocharged 3.9-liter V8. The new engine is similar to the one found in the California T, but it has been revised to make a little more power: The 3.9-liter in the GTC4Lusso T puts out 602 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. That's a 78-hp decrease from the GTC4Lusso's V12 motor, but 46 lb-ft more. View 17 Photos While some will see the decrease in power as a downgrade, which it kind of is, the GTC4Lusso T is rear-wheel-drive only and, according to Ferrari, lighter. Much of that weight savings comes from removing the trick all-wheel-drive gearbox that sits in front of the V12 GTC4Lusso's engine, and its absence also shifts the vehicle's weight bias towards the rear, with a 46:54 split. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Ferrari claims the GTC4Lusso T's turbocharged V8 has been engineered for everyday driving with modular torque delivery and a muted exhaust note at low speeds. The vehicle's dynamic systems have also been updated with the 4WS (rear-wheel steering) and Side Slip Control (SSC3) now more responsive to steering wheel inputs. No performance figures for the turbocharged V8 model have been released, but the GTC4Lusso T should manage to get close to the GTC4Lusso's 0-to-62 mph time of 3.4 seconds, but have a lower top speed than the V12 model, which tops out at 208 mph. Already missing the naturally aspirated V12 and all-wheel drive? Don't fret, as a Ferrari spokesperson confirmed that the automaker will continue to sell the GTC4Lusso alongside the GTC4Lusso T. The new model will make its world debut at next week's Paris Motor Show. Related Video: Related Gallery 2017 Ferrari GTC4Lusso T News Source: FerrariImage Credit: Live photos copyright 2016 Drew Phillips / Autoblog Paris Motor Show Ferrari Coupe Hatchback Wagon Performance Supercars 2016 paris motor show

Best Convertibles for 2022

The past decade has not been kind to the drop-top enthusiast. No matter which dealer you walk into, convertible models have been biting the dust left and right. Nissan Z? Audi TT? Buick Cascada? Volkswagen Eos? All gone. Remember the humble Chrysler Sebring/200? Well, you do now. Fortunately, though, the news isn't all bad. There are still plenty of options out there for those who absolutely must have a convertible. Whether you need something to haul behind your retirement cruiser, a performance car that can go toe-to-toe with the best in the world or just something that allows you to sling the roof back after a long day of on-location business meetings before catching the flight back to your everyday hustle and bustle, there's at least one cabriolet out there to suit your needs. Here are our picks and starting prices for the top convertibles in several categories for 2022.  For the frugal open-top lover: 2022 Mini Convertible ($34,650) Let's face it; gas ain't cheap. But open-top motoring doesn't need to be a wallet killer. The Mini is cheap (at least by 2022 standards) and an absolute joy to drive, so there's really no downside here ... except for the roof. Get it?    For the hardtop lover: 2022 Mazda MX-5 RF ($37,260) / 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible ($69,695) The number of hardtop convertibles has seriously dwindled due to weight concerns and the fact that fabric roofs have gotten so quiet, but there are still some options for those who prefer a more coupe-like look with the roof up. Our picks here are the delightfully Targa-like MX-5 Miata RF and literally any Corvette Stingray — even the hardtop has a removable roof!    For long road trips: 2022 Ford Mustang Convertible ($34,100) The first image that comes to mind for many who are told to visualize an American convertible is the classic Ford Mustang. It's not the only drop-top pony car out there, but thanks to the Camaro's tiny trunk, it's much harder to see the USA in a Chevrolet when a drop-top enters the equation. The Mustang has much more cargo space and a much larger opening, which is likely the difference between keeping your bags under lock and key or leaving them exposed in the back seat.    For towing behind an RV: 2022 Jeep Wrangler ($31,590) While many small runabouts make sense for towing behind a motor home (or nestled up inside a fancier one), the Wrangler has a serious advantage when it comes to RVing: it can easily be flat-towed.