Take a look at this, Burnt 1954 Ferrari sells for $2 million at Auction!
A burned-out body of an old racing Ferrari has been sold at an auction in the United States for almost $2 million, the BBC reports.
The car caught fire during a race in the 1960s and was not repaired for decades. It was driven by Franco Cortese, Ferrari’s first racing driver. Analysts say a new buyer may want to restore it so it can race again.
It is the 500 Mondial Spider Series I car from 1954, of which 13 were produced in total, and the body was designed by Pininfarina. Driving this car, Cortese finished 14th in 1954 in Italy’s famous 1,600 km Mille Miglia race.
The vehicle crashed and burned several times over the years, and an American collector bought it in 1978 in a damaged condition. The car was rediscovered in 2004, along with 19 other Ferrari models, when a hurricane destroyed the roof of a barn where the vehicles were stored.
Auction house RM Sotheby’s says the vehicle will need a “comprehensive restoration to bring it back to its glory days” but that the process will be “very worthwhile”.
The “500 Mondial Spider” refers to a particular model of sports car manufactured by Ferrari. The Ferrari 500 Mondial is a racing car that was produced in the early 1950s. It is part of Ferrari’s line of small-displacement, four-cylinder engine sports cars.
The “Series 1” designation likely refers to a specific version or iteration of the Ferrari 500 Mondial Spider. Ferrari often released different series or versions of their cars with various improvements or modifications.
The 500 Mondial Spider was primarily designed for racing and competition purposes. It was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and featured a lightweight body, which contributed to its success on the track. The car achieved several victories in various racing events, showcasing Ferrari’s racing prowess during that era.
As with many vintage Ferraris, the 500 Mondial Spider Series 1 has become a sought-after collector’s item, valued for its historical significance and association with Ferrari’s racing heritage.
