Classic Ferraris are some of the most sought-after cars among collectors. When cars like the 250 GT Berlinetta or 288 GTO roll onto the stage, you expect bidding to reach seven figures.
Similarly, when an ultra-rare 1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Spider Series I was offered at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction this year, it sold for $1.87 million. What’s surprising, though, is that it would need more than just a buff to get it back on the road.
This mangled heap of metal that’s slowly rusting away has a lot of history and provenance. This is the second Mondial built (chassis no. 0406 MD) out of 13 examples completed in Pinin Farina spider coachwork. it raced in 1954 and even made an appearance at the Mille Miglia, Targa Florio and Imola GP.
The car is offered with a 3.0-liter Tipo 119 Lampredi inline-4 engine while retaining a mathing-numbers gearbox. It is documented with copies of factory build sheets and homologation papers.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
It’s all about the mystique. And truly insecure people who believe that salvaging a car will also somehow salvage their soul. There are enough vintage Ferraris for future generations to admire. Restoring and preserving this one won’t make a dent. It will make a better yard sculpture as-is… than some classical Roman fountain.