To say that classic Ferraris are very expensive is obviously an understatement, and this latest transaction from the UK involving a wonderful piece of history from Maranello clearly proves it.
A 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa (chassis 0704 TR) has become the most expensive car ever sold in the United Kingdom after changing hands for approximately £24 million ($39.5 million).
Obviously, the car in question is not an ordinary classic Ferrari: it’s the second Testa Rossa racing prototype built and has an impressive history, having won the 12 Hours of Sebring in the hands of F1 champion Phil Hill and having competed twice at Le Mans.
Classic car dealer Tom Hartley Jr. confirmed to have sold the Ferrari but didn’t disclose the exact selling price. However, the anonymous buyer is rumored to have splashed more than $40 million (£24.1 million) – which would make the 1957 Testa Rossa is the most expensive car ever sold publicly in the UK. The previous record was £22.5 million, paid in 2012 for a Ferrari 250 GTO.
Classic car specialists say the new record is due to the Testa Rossa’s looks, racing pedigree, rarity and to the fact that it’s in completely original condition. The previous 250 Testa Rossa (chassis 0666 TR) sold for £10 million ($16.4 million) at a 2011 U.S. auction, but the model is said to be inferior to the one recently sold in the UK. Another similar model was sold in 2009 for £8 million.
The Scaglietti-bodied Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa is powered by a 3.0-liter V12 engine producing 300hp that propels it from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in around 6 seconds. Top speed is 167 mph (269 km/h).
By Dan Mihalascu
Story References: SWNS
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