Just A Guy Thing

Over the weekend a new world record was set for most expensive automobile ever sold at auction. RM Auctions and Sotheby’s sold a vintage 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa for $12.2 million.

Only 21 of these Ferraris, with the distinctive Scaglietti-designed pontoon fender, were ever made. It was the fourth Ferrari 250 TR ever built and the second customer car. Add to that a beautiful black and red paint job and pristine restored condition and you’ve hot a hot and very expensive car.

“The historical significance of this car attracted a bidding war as collectors from around the world – both in the room and on the telephone – competed to secure one of the most alluring and iconic of all Ferrari racing cars,” said Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM Europe.

“The eyes of the world were watching today’s sale as cars of this quality are so rarely offered to the market. The rarity and the provenance of the Testa Rossa speaks for itself and the price we achieved today is testament to that. We are delighted with the result the car achieved today,” he added.

1958 was the 250 Testarossa’s absolute pinnacle in racing. The factory cars won four of the six races to secure Ferrari’s third consecutive World Sports Car Championship for Constructors.

So just how much could you get for the $12.2 million dropped on the 250 TR? How about 43 of Ferrari’s current fastest car, the F430 Scudiera? If you wanted sheer speed, you could buy 19 of the SSC Ultimate Aeros – the world’s fastest production car.

And finally, if you really wanted to, you could buy 1,221 2008 Hyundai Accents. But then you wouldn’t get the cool pontoon fenders and that’s got to be worth 12 mill right there.