LONDON.- RM Sothebys announced that an incredible 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider will headline its upcoming Monaco sale, taking place alongside the legendary Grand Prix de Monaco Historique from 24-25 April 2026.
One of the most sought after cars in the world, chassis 2955 GT is the 26th of 56 short-wheelbase examples built, and one of only 39 cars originally configured with covered headlamps. With so few examples built, the SWB California Spider is justifiably regarded as one of the most beautiful and pedigreed Ferraris ever built, combining timeless design with race-winning performance.
The California Spider was originally delivered to Auto-Becker, the famed German importer based in Düsseldorf. Auto-Becker then immediately presented the car on its stand at the 40th Annual IAA Frankfurt Motor Show, where the car established its identity as one of Ferraris important period show cars. It was then sold to its first owner, who kept the car in Rome. The car boasts a beautiful specification with covered headlamps, orange signal lamps in a low position on the front wings, and no bumper brackets.
In 1965 the Ferrari was exported to Luigi Chinetti Motors in the United States, where it remained for the next 35 years. It stayed in the hands of a single owner for three decades, during which the car was repainted in red. In 2000 the Spider was imported to the UK and in 2018, 2955 GT was submitted for certification by Ferrari Classiche, and it was later issued a Red Book that notes the presence of the matching-numbers engine, gearbox, rear axle, and coachwork. The Ferrari was then sold in 2019 to the consigning owner who commissioned a second restoration, this time by Dino Cognolatos highly respected shop in Vigonza, Italy. In addition to a complete mechanical overhaul, the Spider was treated to a refinish in the current elegant colour of Blu Scuro over a red interior, with the addition of a silver hardtop. Following the completion of the restoration in 2022, the Ferrari was exhibited at the 2022 Pebble Beach Concours dElegancea strong endorsement of the cars overall importance and quality.
Certified by Ferrari Classiche to be a matching-numbers example, chassis 2955 GT is notable for being a show car at the 1962 Frankfurt Motor Show, and would be the crowning addition to even the most accomplished collections. The car is estimated at 14,500,000 - 16,500,000.