exceptionally valuable 1961 Ferrari Spyder is estimated to sell for an impressive $20 million at the upcoming auction
The highly anticipated Pebble Beach Gooding Christie's Auction in August 2025 is set to feature a remarkable offering - a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Competizione (chassis number 2383 GT). This iconic vehicle, one of only two competition-spec, alloy-bodied 250 GT SWB California Spiders ever made, is expected to fetch over $20 million, potentially making it the most expensive vehicle ever sold by Gooding Christie's.
The car, known for its distinctive lightweight aluminium body, has an impressive racing pedigree, having been shown at prestigious events such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Le Mans Classic. Its competition-spec features include a powerful V-12 engine producing 280 horsepower, with an additional 40 horsepower for racing.
The 2383 GT was originally purchased by a German gentleman racer in 1961 and has since changed hands several times in Europe and the United States. The current owner, who acquired it in 1999, commissioned a meticulous restoration led by Italian master Dino Cognolato, resulting in a refinished exterior in the striking colour *Grigio Fumo* (Smoke Gray).
With only 56 cars in the Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider line, of which just three have aluminium bodies, the 2383 GT is extraordinarily rare. Its originality, racing provenance, and exceptional restoration quality make it one of the most significant and compelling examples of the model ever presented.
The auction, taking place on August 15-16, 2025, will also feature other notable cars such as a Bugatti Bolide, a 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Torpédo, a 1952 Jaguar C-Type, and a Ferrari F40. The 2383 GT carries an estimate in excess of $20 million, which would make it only the 20th car to surpass $20 million at public auction. This price milestone would position it among the priciest cars ever sold at Pebble Beach auctions and one of the most valuable Ferraris ever sold publicly.
The current record for a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider stands at €16,288,000 ($18,649,760) from a sale in 2015, while the broader auction market record stands at $22 million for a 1935 Duesenberg SSJ at Pebble Beach in 2018. If sold at or around its estimated $20 million, the 2383 GT would place it in the top 25 most expensive cars ever sold at public auction.
In conclusion, the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Competizione chassis 2383 GT stands as the most valuable example of its kind, with a rich racing and ownership history, restored to exceptional condition, and poised to set a new record at the 2025 Pebble Beach Gooding Christie’s auction.
The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Competizione, set to be auctioned at Pebble Beach Gooding Christie's in 2025, not only boasts a remarkable racing pedigree but also shares a connection with high-end lifestyle, given its expected $20 million price tag—a sum typically associated with luxury-centric ventures such as finance and sports. Moreover, the 2383 GT's auction will feature other coveted vehicles like sports cars, making the event an unmissable gathering for enthusiasts.
