It is been quite a few years since a Ferrari 250 SWB has been successfully sold publicly.

The last few attempts all failed. Either the reserve price was too high. Or the car was not perfect. If I recall correctly the last time a 250 SWB officially sold was in 2013 by RM Auctions (actually it was a competition version so not a normal 250 SWB) for $7.4m. Having said that many 250 SWB have sold privately through private treaty sales. It is estimated the DK Engineering alone sold more than 4 examples last year.

Finally the wait may be over for a SWB to sell at public auction.

In two weeks, Artcurial will be selling a fine 1961 Ferrari 250 GT berlinetta SWB on July 9th at Le Mans Classic. It is expected to sell. It is chassis Nr 2917GT.

This 250 SWB has a lot going for it and it should sell if the expectations are reasonable. This 250 SWB has three great selling points: 1) it comes from a long term owner who bought it in 1969, with the money his father gave him for a Peugeot, how cool is that!? The car is with the same owner since 47 years! 2) The original color is azzuro (a beautiful light blue). Very few 250 SWB carry this light blue as an original color. 3) The car is matching numbers (correct engine, gearbox) and comes with tons of official correspondence between Ferrari importer Pozzi and the owner going back more than 40 years (for example there is bill from 1970 from Ferrari modena). 

The only negative point I can find is that the car was last fully checked and serviced with a complete engine rebuilt in 1985. This is 30 years ago. The car thus is probably need of a good and long service to make it completely reliable again. Also the car comes with a letter from Ferrari confirming that it is matching numbers but does NOT come with the Ferrari classiche certification. This might deter some buyers who want the assurance of a Ferrari classiche certificate.

According to one leading Ferrari historian in the world, the car is a 7/10 – it needs a proper restoration and should be brought back to original colors to receive a higher grade. But long-term ownership and superb original color and good history with many receipts support a solid price for this car.

The estimate for the car is €9m. The original listing of the car is here. I think a lucky buyer might get it well below that even (€7-8 would be my guess).

NB: Main picture credit: Callier Collection. All black and white pictures Alexis Callier Collection. All color photographs credit: Artcurial.

Below the beautiful sleek side profile of the 250 SWB. Currently the car carries this color.

This 250 SWB was the Paris motor show car of 1961. Seen here on the stand in Paris. Collection Callier.

Below shown racing at col de L’orme in 1967 (collection Callier).

The correct chassis and engine numbers clearly visible.

Have you ever seen a lighter for cigarettes built into the dashboard on a 250 SWB? Now you have!

Last picture shows the car racing in 1967 – Credit: Collection Callier.

by Edmond Saran