Considered by many Ferrari experts to be the most beautiful ever built, the 250 TR is, to say the least, one of the most beautiful body designs created by the prancing horse firm. But there is no doubt that it is one of the rarest, most desirable and sought-after models that have left the Maranello facilities in 70 years.
The prestigious auction firm RM Sotheby’s put out to tender on February 23 in Detroit a unit of the so-called Pontoon Fendered (pontoon-type fenders), completed in early 1958 with chassis number 0738 TR.
The procedure for awarding a motorsport gem of such caliber was through the most exclusive acquisition method: through a sealed envelope in which secret offers were recorded. Its estimated value had been set between 34 and 38 million dollars, taking as reference its condition, its pedigree and two previous transactions.
In 2009 a 250 Testa Rossa sold for $16.4 million (at the time a world record for a car sold at auction), while in 2014 another similar 250 TR changed hands through a dealership. classic cars from the UK for $40 million. It is very possible that, ten years later, this specimen will far exceed that figure.
Although the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Pontoon Fendered generally does not reach as high award amounts as the 250 GTO, the Holy Grail of classics, it is even rarer in terms of the total number of cars produced, with only 19 units being built between 1957 and 1961, while 36 of the GTO were built between 1961 and 1963.
This particular unit came from an outstanding American Ferrari collection, and its racing record, which lasted for more than a decade, includes almost 20 races in which it achieved four overall victories.
In 2013 it was the subject of a complete restoration – at a cost of more than 650,000 euros – by the Ferrari Classiche specialists, where it obtained Red Book certification as one of the few TRs that still retains its engine and gearbox. originals, known as matching numbers.