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1959 Ferrari 250 GT Spider Sells for $9.46M

Rare 1959 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider Competizione Sells for $9.46 Million at Amelia Island

At the prestigious Amelia Auction held on March 7–8, 2025, a stunning piece of Ferrari history took center stage as a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione sold for an eye-watering $9,465,000. The sale was handled by Broad Arrow Auctions, the official auction partner for the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.

The car, chassis number 1451 GT, is one of just eight aluminum-bodied California Spiders ever built to “Competizione” specification. What truly sets this car apart is its significant racing pedigree — including a 5th overall finish at the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the most iconic endurance races in the world. That race history, combined with its rarity and stunning condition, helped push bidding into the upper stratosphere.

Backed by Ferrari Classiche certification and a well-documented provenance, this California Spider represents the pinnacle of vintage Ferrari collecting. In addition to its competition credentials, the car underwent an expert restoration and has been shown at several international concours events.

The sale price underscores the continued demand for rare, historically significant Ferraris, especially those with racing heritage and exceptional authenticity. It also highlights the strength of the collector car market in 2025, with high-end Ferraris continuing to set records and draw intense interest from collectors around the world.

This particular Spider isn’t just a car — it’s a rolling piece of Ferrari’s golden-era legacy.
From its lightweight bodywork to its proven V12 performance and unmistakable style, it exemplifies the craftsmanship and spirit that define Ferrari’s heritage.

As more rare examples surface at auction throughout the year, the 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione will undoubtedly stand out as one of the crown jewels of 2025’s classic car sales.

If you want to explore advertising with us, I encourage you to get in touch. Please feel free to contact me directly, and I will be more than happy to provide you with further information, answer any questions you may have, and guide you through the process.

Nick Aylieff | Classic Motors For Sale | sales@classicmotorsforsale.com 

+44(0) 2392 160 809 | www.classicmotorsforsale.com

Lewis Hamilton Urges for Modern Successor to Ferrari F40

Lewis Hamilton Calls for a Modern Successor to the Iconic Ferrari F40

In a surprising and exciting twist for classic Ferrari enthusiasts, seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has expressed his desire to help create a modern successor to the legendary Ferrari F40, a car widely regarded as one of the most iconic Ferraris ever built.

Now part of the Scuderia Ferrari F1 team, Hamilton recently spoke out about his vision for what he’s calling the "F44", a car that would pay homage to the raw, analog spirit of the original F40, while incorporating selective modern advancements. What’s perhaps most striking is Hamilton’s insistence that it feature a manual gearbox, something rarely seen in today’s supercar landscape dominated by dual-clutch automatics and hybrid systems.

"I’d love to see Ferrari build a modern F40 – raw, light, and with a manual. There’s something special about that connection between car and driver. It’s something we’re losing." Lewis Hamilton

The original Ferrari F40, launched in 1987 to celebrate the brand’s 40th anniversary, was the final car personally approved by Enzo Ferrari. It became an instant classic, known for its twin-turbocharged V8, lightweight construction, and no-frills, aggressive styling. Built purely for performance and driving purity, it set the standard for modern supercars and has remained a benchmark in the collector car world.

Hamilton’s concept of a modern F40 would not be just another high-horsepower hypercar. Instead, it would prioritize driver engagement over outright speed, appealing directly to enthusiasts who long for the tactile, analog experience of Ferraris from the 1980s and '90s.

This idea comes at a time when Ferrari is exploring new territories with hybrid and electric drivetrains. Hamilton’s proposal could offer a refreshing counterpoint: a back-to-basics Ferrari for purists, styled with heritage cues and engineered for feel rather than numbers.

While Ferrari has not officially responded to Hamilton’s suggestion, the idea has already generated significant buzz among fans and automotive media alike. For collectors and enthusiasts of classic Ferraris, the possibility of an “F44” built in the spirit of the original F40 is a thrilling prospect—especially if it retains the signature manual gearbox, a rarity in the modern supercar market.

If Hamilton gets his wish, the F44 could become a bridge between Ferrari’s glorious past and its technologically advanced future.

If you want to explore advertising with us, I encourage you to get in touch. Please feel free to contact me directly, and I will be more than happy to provide you with further information, answer any questions you may have, and guide you through the process.

Nick Aylieff | Classic Motors For Sale | sales@classicmotorsforsale.com 

+44(0) 2392 160 809 | www.classicmotorsforsale.com