Four iconic sports cars to battle it out at Scottsdale

| 5 Dec 2016

A quartet of legendary sports cars hailing from four different countries are set to slug it out at Gooding & Co’s Scottsdale auction this January, with the set expected to fetch a cumulative total of more than $6,800,000 (£5,339,677). 

Some of the world’s top marques – Ferrari, Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz and Shelby – will be represented as Italy, Great Britain, Germany and the United States go toe-to-toe to attract buyers’ attention in Arizona. 

Top billing is a 1967 Ferrari 275GTB/4, which is tipped to be the most valuable car of the group, wearing an estimate of $3,000,000-3,400,000. Packing a magnificent four-cam, six-carb, 12-cylinder engine clothed in stunning Scaglietti bodywork, the GTB/4 will be at the top of many Christmas wish lists. This example makes a pleasant break from the Rossa Corsa norm thanks to its striking Verde Pino coachwork and contrasting Arancia upholstery. 

The car was sold through renowned collector Bill Harrah’s Ferrari dealership before passing through the hands of other well-known enthusiasts such as Dr Ronald Finger and Sherman M Wolf. 

Next up is a 1964 Aston Martin DB5, which is hot on the heels of the Ferrari with an estimate of $1,000,000-1,200,000. Fewer than 900 DB5 coupés were ever built, with just 220 originally supplied in left-hand-drive. This is one such an example, having been owned by a Southern California collector for the past three decades. 

Going head-to-head sharing the same estimate of $900,000-1,100,000 are a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL ‘Gullwing’ and a 1964 Shelby 289 Cobra. 

The Mercedes-Benz is especially remarkable, being a true garage find. The incredible GT has got just 31,000 miles on the clock and spent the past 40 years locked in an aircraft hangar. A fantastic opportunity for a sympathetic restoration, the ‘Gullwing’ is being offered for sale by the family of its original owner. Where else will you find a one-owner example? 

The Cobra, meanwhile, is presented in fully restored condition. The work was carried out by marque specialist Rare Drive Inc, since when it has gone on show at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance as well as taking part in four Cobra tours. The desirable late-model 289 features coveted rack-and-pinion steering, and is finished in Princess Blue with black upholstery. 

All four cars are set to cross the block at Gooding & Co’s Scottsdale auction on 21 January. 

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