Ferrari’s Enduring Reverence

Intertwined with associations of elite motorsport, expert design and engineering, the prancing horse of Ferrari is emblematic of its mystique. Once placed on the side of a fighter plane during WWI, the badge originally belonged to a pilot who was the son of an Italian aristocratic family. It was then bestowed to Enzo Ferrari by the family after he showed racing promise when he won the Savio Circuit in Modena, Italy.

All cars that display the infamous rearing stallion badge hold this historical power, but why have they maintained such desirability? The key is exclusivity and craftsmanship. The scarcity of an exceptionally refined product linked to a trusted brand drives desire, and, prices. Low production numbers of contemporary and vintage models at inaccessible price points make Ferraris almost unobtainable.

For these reasons, Ferrari holds a consistent track record of topping the charts of the most expensive cars sold at auction. This year, a 1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider exceeded $22,000,000 at Sotheby’s Monterey August auction. At Webb’s, there has been a strong emergence of Ferraris on the secondary market, which have also seen remarkable results.

In 2011, Webb’s sold a 1963 Ferrari Lusso 250s for $1,100,000. One of only 21 in existence, this vehicle smashed the record for the most expensive car ever sold in New Zealand at the time. More recently, standout Ferraris have sold at Webb’s for above six figures, often soaring over their high estimates. From these, the racing red 180mph 1987 Testarossa wowed the auction audience and bidders. Set firmly in that top echelon of high-performance cars, the Testarossa realised the price of $195,500, blitzing its high estimate of $175,000.

Top: 1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider by Scaglietti raced by Carroll Shelby, sold by Sotheby’s 2022 Bottom: 1963 Ferrari Lusso 250s, sold by Webb’s in 2011

Caolán McAleer Head of Collectors’ Cars caolan@webbs.co.nz +64 27 929 5603

Ian Nott Consultant, Collectors’ Cars ian@webbs.co.nz +64 21 610 911

1968 Ferrari 330 GTC, est $750,000 – $850,000

Now, Webb’s presents an incredible 1968 Ferrari 330 GTC as the headline of the Collectors’ Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia sale. The harmonic combination of superlative performance, peerless styling and uncompromising engineering excellence 330 GTC. Released at Geneva Motor Show in 1966, the 330 GTC was a civilised machine designed to adorn public asphalt. The model was argued by many as the best road car Ferrari ever built. It was an amalgamation of Ferrari’s top features, including the previous 275 GTB chassis and the 3967cc (242-I-cid) engine from 330 GT 2+2. The two-seater coupe was designed by Pininfarina, in which front styling from the 400 Superamerica was sculpted with the 275 GTS rear to create a handsome, aerodynamic sports car with luxurious additions, including air conditioning and radio. The 330 GTC was loved by many when released, including John Lennon, who purchased one in 1969 as his first car.

Cast in gun-metal grey with a black interior and magnesium wheels, this fully-restored example in left-hand drive is exquisite. These cars are incredibly scarce today Webb’s will be proud to bring this sensational machine to market. Our unrivalled expertise and marketing reach will ensure this vehicle achieves maximum exposure across multiple platforms ahead of our forthcoming November live auction. We are the market leaders for high-value collectible cars in New Zealand and consistently achieve outstanding results.