The onward march of classic Ferrari values went unabated at Amelia Island on 13-14 March, with countless examples selling for multimillion dollar figures – including the top seller from the RM Sotheby's event, a $6,380,000 Ferrari 400 Superamerica SWB Cabriolet.
The 1960 Pinin Farina-bodied car was the third of just seven examples produced and has been recently revived by restoration specialist Classic Coach. The matching-numbers classic was finished in its original Verde Bottiglia hue before being sent to Greg Jones, who refreshed the car's mechanicals to ensure it was driving 'on the button'. The proceeds from the sale were generously donated to its owner's foundation for the education of children.
The high-flying Ferrari was followed by a stunning 1955 Jaguar D-type, which spent a number of years as an ice racer in Finland. In order to avoid import tax, the car was modified to make it appear older, with the pedals brushed, odometer adjusted and the steering wheel replaced with a use item.
Following years of racing, the car was eventually restored to its current condition and shown at Pebble Beach, Villa d'Este, Amelia Island and Goodwood. It fetched $3,675,000.
Hot on its heels – this time from Gooding & Company's sale – was a 1967 Ferrari 275GTB/4 that had spent more than 30 years in dry storage. It had never been restored or offered for public sale, and it's stunning original condition resulted in it raising $3,300,000. The sale represents the first time the car has changed hands in 43 years.
A 1972 Ferrari 365GTB/4 Daytona Spider offered slightly more modern motoring for the exact same sum. One of 121 examples built – though only two were finished in Nero over Beige Scuro – the Daytona was a platinum award winner at the 2013 Cavallino Classic. The car was delivered new to the United States, where it has remained for more than 40 years.
While Ferraris continued to dominate the sales charts, a number of interesting interlopers also fetched impressive sums in Florida. A 1971 Lamborghini Miura SV – the first of its type to be delivered to America – sold for $2,310,000.
Later, an incredible 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Aravis Cabriolet bodied by Gangloff achieved $2,337,500. The desirable supercharged soft-top won the Best of Show award at the 2012 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, and had been fully researched by Bugatti historian Pierre-Yves Laugier.
The only Austin-Healey 100S produced in Spruce Green also caused a stir when it sold for a whisker more than $1m. The fourth car built was raced at Sebring by Jackie Cooper.
A 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport Spider bodied by Zagato also fetched an impressive sum, the hammer falling at $2,420,000. The original example had been exhibited at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and was the 13th example of 106 fifth-series Gran Sports produced.
Bonhams' inaugural sale at Amelia Island on 12 March was also hailed a success, with the top price of $1,760,000 being paid for a 1930 Cord Model L-29 Town Car, which was offered from the estate of Jay Hyde and which had been in the collector's hands for more than 55 years.
