1957 Ferrari 335 S Spider Scagleitti sold for record £24.7 million

A 1957 Ferrari 335 S Spider Scaglietti has sold for £24.7 million at auction, setting the record making it the worlds most expensive car sold to date.

The car was driven by British racing drivers during its prime of competence. Only four of these racing cars from 1957 were ever produced. This particular 335 S was sold at £24.7 million at the Artcurial auction in Paris. However, the Buyer will not be able to drive the vehicle on public roads as the car was solely built for the purpose of racing.

This particular unit was owed by a private French collector for more than 40 years. Peter Collins and Maurice Trintignant were the first drivers of the 335 S at the 1957 Sebring 12 hours. the car was also driven by Wolfgang von Trips in the Mile Miglia the same year where it finished second. 1958 Formula One world champion, Mike Hawthorn also drove the 335 S at the 24 hours of Le Mans and lapped the circuit in under four minutes. However, was forced to retire with engine failure after 56 laps. The 335 S was also driven by Sir Sterling moss to victory at the 1968 Cuba Grand Prix.

In 1970, the 335 S was bought by Pierre Bardinon, a private collector who added the car to his 50 other Factory Ferrari racing cars.

The 335 S Spider Scagleitti has a 390bhp from a Ferrari V12 engine and maxed out at  300kms back in 1957. Unlike the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, the 335 S is a pure racing car, designed for the sole purpose for racing. the GTO however was a dual purpose racing car homologated for road use as well.

The previous record for the worlds most expensive car ever sold at auction was held by the 1953 Mercedes W196 racing car driven by Juan Manuel Fangio. The car sold for £17.5 million at the Bonhams Auction at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2013.

Also Read: Fangio’s Ferrari sold for $28 million at an auction