A rare 1960 Ferrari 400 Superamerica SWB Cabriolet by Pinin Farina is set to be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s at Monterey 2024. This exceptional car, chassis number 1945 SA, is one of only seven short-wheelbase cabriolets ever produced. It is expected to sell for between $6,000,000 and $7,000,000.
The Ferrari 400 Superamerica series, produced in the late 1950s and early 1960s, represented the pinnacle of luxury and performance. This model succeeded the 410 Superamerica, featuring a smaller 4.0-liter Colombo V-12 engine with 340 horsepower, yet offering improved performance and drivability. The 400 Superamerica was renowned for its superior torque and horsepower, making it one of the best-driving Ferraris of the 1960s.
Chassis 1945 SA is the third of the seven short-wheelbase 400 Superamerica cabriolets. It was originally finished in a unique Verde Bottiglia over Rosso color combination and featured high-end components like three Weber carburetors and Bosch ignition distributors. The car was built in mid-1960 and sold to Helmut Horton, a German entrepreneur based in Switzerland. It later changed hands several times, including a period in the notable Oscar Davis Collection.
The car underwent a comprehensive restoration by renowned Ferrari specialists, including Classic Coach and Greg Jones. It was restored to its factory-correct color scheme of Verde Bottiglia over Rosso. The restoration ensured that every aspect of the car, from its frame to its mechanical components, was brought back to concours standards. This meticulous restoration has made the car a prime candidate for major concours events worldwide.
In its current ownership, the Ferrari has been well-maintained by Autofficina Omega, ensuring it remains in excellent mechanical and aesthetic condition. The car received Ferrari Classiche certification in 2016, verifying its authenticity and confirming that it retains its original body, chassis, transmission, and rear axle. The engine, while a replacement installed by Ferrari in 1963, is stamped with the original chassis number, further cementing its historical value.
Over the years, chassis 1945 SA has been displayed at prestigious events, including Elégance et Automobile à Monte-Carlo in 2019. Its presence in the garages of notable collectors and its impeccable restoration make it a highly desirable piece of automotive history.
THE ANNUAL RETURN TO MONTEREY CAR WEEK, WHERE EXEMPLARY, REMARKABLE, AND RARE ARE THE RULE WITHOUT EXCEPTIONS
Fewer collaborations or duos as notable as, say, Laurel and Hardy, Schumacher and Ferrari, or even Mercedes-Benz and AMG grace our paths. But one dynamic duo continues its annual return to California’s Monterey Peninsula for its 27th year: Monterey Car Week and RM Sotheby’s Monterey Auction held on August 15-17.
2023’s auction brought the much-storied Lost and Found Collection, the ultimate barn find of 20 Ferraris lost to time, including the 1954 Ferrari Mondial Spider Series I by Pinin Farina, which as the second Mondial ever made, even in its stripped-down and fire-stricken condition, made waves in the automotive circles and press when it earned 1.875 million at auction.
Over the course of the 2023 Monterey Car Week, RM Sotheby’s sold five of the top 10 selling cars of the week– more than any other auction house on the peninsula. It further solidifies our commitment to bringing to market pristine and exemplary automobiles as the world’s leading auction house, during a week dedicated to showcasing the very best of the best. Find us again at the Monterey Conference Center for another year of exceptional offerings crossing the block.
AUCTION LOCATION
Monterey Conference Center
1 Portola Plaza
Monterey, CA 93940
PUBLIC PREVIEW
Admission to Public Preview is $60 per person for the weekend. Passes can be purchased onsite at the entrance to the plaza.
Admission to Public Preview is free for onsite bidders, consignors, and qualified media.
Elizabeth Puckett
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