THIS 1960 FERRARI 250 GT SWB CALIFORNIA SPIDER BY SCAGLIETTI COULD FETCH UP TO R327 MILLION!
When you talk classic Ferraris, you’ll notice a name that pops up often, and when the name is mentioned it skyrockets the value of the car by quite a margin. The name is Scaglietti, and it comes from Carrozzeria Scaglietti, an Italian coachbuilding company that has a long and established history with Ferrari. RM Sotheby’s recently listed one of these rare cars for the upcoming Monterey auction, it’s a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider by Scaglietti and it’s estimated that it can fetch up to $18,000,000, which equates to more than R327,000,000. So how are Scaglietti and Ferrari related? Well, we’re glad you asked. Carrozzeria Scaglietti is a name synonymous with elegance, and craftsmanship. It was founded by Sergio Scaglietti, and the partnership played a crucial role in shaping the aesthetic and performance characteristics of Ferrari sports cars from the mid-20th century. Carrozzeria Scaglietti was established in 1951 in Modena, Italy, by Scaglietti who was a talented metalworker with an eye for design and a passion for automobiles. His workshop initially focused on repairing car bodies, but his exceptional skill quickly caught the attention of Enzo Ferrari, the founder of Ferrari. The partnership between Scaglietti and Ferrari began in the early 1950s when Ferrari sought a local coachbuilder to create lightweight, aerodynamic bodies for its racing cars. Scaglietti’s expertise in working with aluminium and his innovative approach to car design made him an ideal collaborator. This marked the beginning of a long-standing relationship that would see Scaglietti design some of Ferrari's most iconic models. One of the first significant collaborations between Scaglietti and Ferrari was the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa which became legendary for its stunning design and remarkable performance on the racetrack. Scaglietti's work on the Testa Rossa set a new standard for automotive design, blending functionality with aesthetic beauty. Arguably one of the most famous Ferraris of all time, the 250 GTO was a masterpiece of design and engineering and Scaglietti’s craftsmanship played a pivotal role in its development. The sleek lines, lightweight body, and aerodynamic efficiency were a testament to Scaglietti's skill. The 250 GTO’s success on the track further cemented Scaglietti’s reputation as a master coachbuilder and is why the cars are worth silly money today.
The Ferrari 275 GTB/4 was another landmark model shaped by Scaglietti. Known for its powerful engine and balanced design, the 275 GTB/4 showcased Scaglietti’s ability to merge performance with elegance. The car’s iconic long hood and short rear deck became a hallmark of Ferrari design in the 1960s. Scaglietti’s approach to car design was unique in several ways. He emphasized the importance of handcrafting and artisanal techniques, ensuring that each car was a work of art. His workshop, Carrozzeria Scaglietti, became known for its meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality. Scaglietti also pioneered the use of lightweight materials, particularly aluminium, which was crucial for enhancing the performance of Ferrari’s racing cars. His ability to shape aluminium into flowing, aerodynamic forms set his work apart from other coachbuilders of the time. During the 1950s and 1960s, the era of coachbuilt Ferraris flourished. Customers could order bespoke bodies for their Ferraris, tailored to their specific tastes and requirements. Scaglietti’s workshop became a favoured destination for these discerning clients, who sought the perfect blend of performance and luxury. As Ferrari continued to grow, the relationship between Scaglietti and Ferrari deepened. In 1977, Ferrari acquired Carrozzeria Scaglietti, officially making it a part of the Ferrari company. This acquisition ensured that Scaglietti's legacy would continue to influence Ferrari’s design philosophy for years to come. The legacy of Carrozzeria Scaglietti extends far beyond its merger with Ferrari. The principles of craftsmanship, innovation, and attention to detail that Sergio Scaglietti championed remain integral to Ferrari’s identity. Modern Ferrari models, while incorporating advanced technologies and materials, still reflect the timeless design elements that Scaglietti introduced. Ferrari has honoured Scaglietti's contributions in several ways; the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, a grand tourer produced from 2004 to 2010, was named in tribute to the master coachbuilder and the car embodied the spirit of Scaglietti’s work, combining luxury and high performance. Will this 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Scaglietti reach that high-end estimate? We think it just may. Check it out in these epic pics from Remi Dargegen.
Take a look at the YouTube video from the RM Sotheby's, which was filmed a year ago when the car was set to race in the iconic Targa Florio event: The Only 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider to Race the Targa Florio in Period | RM Sotheby's
Be sure to check out our YouTube channel here for more exciting and exclusive SXdrv content! And don't forget to smash that subscribe button!
Article Tags:
News Rare AF Scaglietti Ferrari SXdrv Auction RM Sotheby's 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider Scaglietti