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Skip Barber's favorite car is a Ferrari 275 GTB

"My name is Skip Barber," says the voice at the end of this Petrolicious video, "and I'm fortunate to drive a variety of cars. My favorite car is a Ferrari 275 GTB." If you've ever heard that name before, you'll know it carries a lot of weight, and if you've ever seen a 275 GTB up close – or driven one – you know what he's talking about. Barber is a multiple Sports Car Club of America national champion and one of only a handful of American drivers to have competed in Formula One. But he's arguably better known as the founder of his namesake racing and driving schools, which operate at dozens of locations across the country. He's usually linked most prominently to the iconic Lime Rock race course. Barber rescued the Connecticut circuit when its previous owners pulled out, putting the investment together with some alumni from his school. These days Skip is the sole remaining proprietor, but as you can see from the way he talks about it, he's justifiably proud with what he's done with the place. It's one of the few automotive race tracks in the country recognized on the US National Register of Historic Places, and still hosts top-level racing – including the United SportsCar Championship that will return for the Northeast Grand Prix this summer. Between the racing career he's had, the schools he's started, and the track he's preserved, it's safe to say that Barber has left an indelible impact on the motor racing scene in America. And at 79 years old, he's showing no signs of slowing down. Related Video:

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

FCA likely won't sell more than 10% of Ferrari stake

The initial public offering of Ferrari on the stock market is likely coming in the second or third quarter of this year, but apparently the exact stake of the Prancing Horse set to hit the exchange isn't final. When FCA first announced the plan to spin off Ferrari, the idea was for 10 percent of the stock to go on the open market in the US and maybe also in Europe. Another 10 percent would go to company vice chairman and Enzo's son Piero Ferrari, and the remaining 80 percent would be divided among current shareholders, including a large portion for the Agnelli family. FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne hasn't finished tweaking those numbers, though. Last month, he indicated the automaker might put more than 10 percent of Ferrari on the market to boost liquidity. However, the original proposal has now returned to the table. "I don't believe we will go above 10 percent," Marchionne said, according to Automotive News, but also noted things weren't final. By increasing the Ferrari stock on the open market for the IPO, FCA decreases the amount going to current shareholders, according to Automotive News. With that being the case, don't expect too much of the Prancing Horse to be offered up to investors when the stock hits the market. Related Video: