06 Tour De France Blu F-1 F-430 Spider *blue/yellow Daytona Leather *low Miles on 2040-cars

Auto blog

These are the top 10 highest-grossing auctions of Scottsdale 2015

Scottsdale always brings some pretty high-value metal across the auction block, but this year saw a particularly pricey array of classics trade hands. In fact, Hagerty reports that, with over $292 million in total sales from the various auction houses present, this past holiday weekend saw an 18 percent increase over last year – the second-highest year-to-year increase in Arizona automobile auction history. The Pratte Collection auction handled by Barrett-Jackson sold to the tune of $35.5 million, accounting for a large portion of overall sales, but even without that staggering array of classics, there was still an enviable array of machinery on the block this year. The highest-value lot not only of this year's event but of any year prior was the 1964 Ferrari 250 LM that RM Auctions sold for $9.6 million. And as you might have guessed, Ferraris accounted for the lion's share of the top ten results this year – including the first, second, third, fifth, seventh, eighth and both the lots that tied for tenth place on the list. In fact, three out of the top ten were Ferrari 275s. Coming in second place was the 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Competizione that Bonhams sold for $9.4 million, which – like the 250 LM – was also raced by Scuderia Filipinetti. It was followed by a '59 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder sold by Gooding & Company for $7.7 million. Barrett-Jackson sold a '66 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake for over $5M, Gooding handled a '62 Ferrari 400 Superamerica ($4M), and Barrett-Jackson's 1950 GM Futurliner brought in another $4M for charity. The remaining top ten was filled out by a '67 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 ($3.6M – RM), a '73 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder ($3.3M – RM), and a '54 Pontiac Bonneville Special Motorama concept ($3.3M – BJ), with a '66 Ferrari 275 GTB/2 Longnose and an '84 Ferrari 288 GTO tying for tenth place at $2.75M apiece by RM. Featured Gallery Top 10 at Scottsdale 2015 View 11 Photos News Source: Hagerty Ferrari Auctions Classics bonhams rm gooding hagerty

This 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California could sell for $17 million

Ferraris of all stripes typically command high prices, but the ones that bring in the serious money always have at least one of a few things behind them: additional rarity, racing heritage, famous ownership. This 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider definitely has at least two, and arguably three. The car is one of just eight built with an aluminum body. It also participated in Le Mans, taking home third place for its class, and fifth place overall. Finally, it was campaigned by the Ferrari North American Racing Team, typically referred to as N.A.R.T. As a result, RM Sotheby's estimates this Ferrari roadster will sell for between $14 million and $17 million. Supporting the high valuation are other important things car collectors look for. The car has been certified as authentic by Ferrari's official classic department. It's also won its class at Pebble Beach after its first restoration was completed in 1983. It was restored again between 2010 and 2011 to bring it back to its original race-ready paint scheme. Besides the car's extensive history, it's a gorgeous machine. The 250 GT California line is one of the more iconic from Ferrari, thanks in part to a red replica being the star car of "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." The silver and blue color combination is unique and works great. It should also be a superb driver, with a race-prepped engine and notably lighter body. According to RM Auctions, the seller says it's excellent to drive, and if that's him in the pictures, we'd say his smile confirms his claims. The car goes on the block Dec. 6 at RM Sotheby's auction in New York City. To paraphrase Mr. Bueller himself, if you have the means, we highly recommend picking this one up. Related Video: Featured Gallery 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione by Scaglietti View 30 Photos Image Credit: Diana Varga courtesy of RM Sotheby's Motorsports Ferrari Auctions Convertible Racing Vehicles Classics ferrari 250 gt california north american racing team

If you need a carbon-fiber-bodied Ferrari F12, meet the Caballeria

Customizing a Ferrari, or any exotic for that matter, is a tricky process. Extreme looks and performance mean tuners and designers can't push the envelope much further without getting into tacky territory. But Spanish designers Bengala have toed the line with the new F12 Caballeria. Based on the F12berlinetta, obviously, Bengala claims the Caballeria draws inspiration from Ferrari's GT3 racers. We don't see it, but sure. The all-carbon-fiber body includes numerous smaller tweaks – check out the vents behind the doors and the new hood, for example – on top of much more drastic changes. The restyled fascia, larger intake, carbon-fiber splitter, and massive rear diffuser are the most obvious callbacks to Ferrari's road-going racers, while it looks like Bengala plucked certain new elements, like the three louver-style vents on top of the front fenders, from other Ferrari production cars. Those are the rear fender vents of the F12 TdF, for example. Bengala also swapped out the wheels for an Alpina-like fan-blade design. If you have money burning a hole in your pocket and dig the Caballeria's style, it might not look like a bad purchase. But be warned, unlike some other noted Ferrari modifiers, it doesn't sound like Bengala made any changes to the F12's 6.3-liter V12 engine. The company's press release didn't call out any mechanical changes, although that means there's still 730 ponies on tap – it's probably not a deal breaker. Like most of its projects, Bengala will only build 10 F12 Caballerias. It expects to wrap up production by the end of summer 2017. Related Video: