1957 Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti sets $35.7m auction record
A 1957 Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti from the Pierre Bardinon Collection sold for $35.7 million at Artcurial’s Paris auction, setting a new record for a car sold at auction in euros and pounds.
A 1957 Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti has become the most expensive car ever sold at auction in euros and pounds, fetching €32,075,200 (about $35.7 million) at Artcurial’s Retromobile sale in Paris. The hammer fell after an eleven-minute contest, with the car moving from the renowned Pierre Bardinon Collection to a new, unnamed owner.
Provenance and Racing History
The 335 S Spider Scaglietti’s provenance is as formidable as its price. Built for the 1957 World Sports Car Championship season, chassis 0674 was campaigned by the Scuderia Ferrari works team. It raced in the Mille Miglia, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the Sebring 12 Hours, with period drivers including Peter Collins, Maurice Trintignant, and Wolfgang von Trips. In 1958, Stirling Moss drove this very car to victory at the Cuban Grand Prix. The car’s competition history and association with some of the era’s most celebrated drivers add significant value and interest for collectors.
Ferrari produced just four 335 S chassis, each fitted with a 4.1-litre V12 producing around 390bhp. The model was developed to counter Maserati’s 450S in top-level sports car racing and marks the end of the Mille Miglia era, with the 1957 edition being the last competitive running of the event. The 335 S also contributed to Ferrari securing the Constructors’ World Championship that year.
Why the 335 S is So Coveted
The 335 S Spider Scaglietti is regarded as one of the rarest and most desirable racing Ferraris ever produced. Its combination of exclusivity, performance, and period racing pedigree makes it highly sought-after by collectors. The fact that only four examples were built further enhances its allure. The car’s design, by Scaglietti, is also celebrated for its elegant yet purposeful lines, reflecting the golden era of sports car racing. Its racing achievements, including the victory at the Cuban Grand Prix and strong showings in major endurance races, have cemented its status in motorsport history.
How the Record Compares
While the 335 S set a new auction record in euros and pounds, the highest dollar price for a car at auction remains the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Berlinetta, which sold for $38.1 million at Bonhams in 2014. Currency fluctuations mean the 335 S’s euro and pound results surpass the GTO’s at the time of sale. The debate over which car holds the all-time record depends on the currency used for comparison. Both cars, however, underline the enduring appeal and value of classic Ferraris at the top end of the collector market.
Significance of the Sale
The sale of the 1957 Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti highlights the continuing demand for rare, historically significant vehicles, especially those with a strong racing background. Auctions of such cars tend to draw international attention, with collectors and enthusiasts eager to witness record-breaking bids. The car’s sale from the Pierre Bardinon Collection, itself famous for its focus on significant Ferraris, adds further prestige to the event.
With its combination of rarity, provenance, and motorsport heritage, the 335 S Spider Scaglietti stands as a symbol of Ferrari’s dominance in 1950s sports car racing and the enduring fascination with these iconic machines.
