Priciest Ferrari ever

A 1957 Ferrari sold for a record $12.2-million at auction in Rome on Sunday, the company said in a statement.

The 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, chassis no. 0714TR sold for �9�020�000 at the third annual Ferrari Leggenda e Passione event to set a new world record for the most expensive motor car ever to be sold at auction.

Returning to its Maranello birthplace for its auction debut, the sale price for 0714TR represents �1�980�000 more than the previous auction world record which was set at the same sale last year for a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider, which belonged to American actor James Coburn.

"The historical significance of this car attracted a bidding war as collectors from around the world � both in the room and on the telephone � competed to secure one of the most alluring and iconic of all Ferrari racing cars," said Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM Europe.

The immediately recognisable Scaglietti-designed 'pontoon-fender' 250 TR was produced from 1957 to 1958 during which only 22 examples were constructed. The Ferrari 250 TRs entered 19 international championship races from 1958 through 1961 emerging with 10 victories and earning them legendary status among discerning collectors, as well as the honour of being one of the most desirable and competitive racing Ferraris ever built. 0714TR was extensively campaigned in its day with significant finishes at the world's most important racing events including the 1000 km Buenos Aires in January 1958.

"This legendary 250 TR is one of the most exciting motor cars ever to be presented in auction history," said Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM Europe.

In December 1957, this car was delivered to its first owner, racing driver and future coachbuilder, Piero Drogo in Modena, Italy. Drogo debuted the car as a privateer in the celebrated 1000 km Buenos Aires in January 1958 with a respectable fourth place finish competing with such legendary drivers as Phil Hill, Peter Collins, Wolfgang von Trips and Olivier Gendebien.

Following entries in the Grand Prix of Cuba and Portugal, the car was sold by American Ferrari agent Luigi Chinetti to Texas rancher and entrepreneur Alan Connell whose competitive driving skills and affluence afforded him several wins on the 1959 North American racing circuit.

0714TR continued its prowess on the track with subsequent owners and competed in its last professional race in June 1963 at the Elkhart Lake 500.

The Ferrari 250 TR has become an enduring and exceedingly valuable classic whose soaring lines and sculptural elegance give it a sense of speed even when standing still.

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