RM SOTHEBY'S ACHIEVES AN ASTONISHING €63M IN MARANELLO AS UNIQUE LAFERRARI APERTA BREAKS RECORDS

RM Sotheby's achieved a remarkable 92.5 percent sell-through rate and €63,068,110 in sales at its single-marque Ferrari – Leggenda e Passione auction, in partnership with Ferrari. Held 9 September at the legendary Pista di Fiorano, the mouthwatering group of automobiles saw collectors bid via telephones, online, and from the trackside stadium seating that had been set up for the outdoor sale, eager to secure some exquisite cars. The success of the sale was a fitting tribute to help celebrate Ferrari's 70th Anniversary year.

Bidding was fierce for the 2017 LaFerrari Aperta that closed an unforgettable evening and topped the sales figures. The Aperta will be finished in a one-of-a-kind stunning metallic Rosso Fuoco with a Bianco Italia double racing stripe on the bonnet and rear deck. The interior will be trimmed in black Alcantara with red leather inserts on the seats, red stitching, and glossy black carbon fiber trim. The car achieved €8,300,000 and was free of all commission; a world record for a 21st century automobile, all of which will generously be donated to Save the Children for an international program focusing on education.

Following closely behind the LaFerrari was the numbers-matching 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider by Scaglietti. Sporting a beautifully maintained restoration and with fascinating history, it made €7,855,000.

All eyes had naturally been on the 1969 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta Alloy, the only road-going alloy Daytona in existence, prior to the event. Spirited bidding resulted in the car making €1,807,000, becoming the most valuable Daytona coupe ever sold at public auction.

Although not the most expensive lot of the night, the 1983 Ferrari 400i, offered directly from the collection of Keith Richards, had attracted huge pre-sale attention. The Rolling Stones legend had owned the car from new and it is preserved in exceptional, original condition. This desirable five-speed manual example made an outstanding €345,000; a world record for the model.

Another notable sale was the 2016 488 Spider 'Green Jewel,' an as-new car offered by the factory in a special livery to celebrate Ferrari's 70th Anniversary. This stunning car enjoyed a bidding war which resulted in a final price of €1,090,200, a world record for a 488 model and a sum which well-eclipsed its pre-sale estimate.