A brace of multi-million-pound Ferraris – a 1960 250GT SWB and 275GTB/4 – is to be be sold following the death of pre-eminent V12 Ferrari collector Richard Colton, with all the proceeds set to benefit the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
The first car, a 1960 250GT SWB, is expected to fetch upwards of £5million when it crosses the block at H&H’s Imperial War Museum sale on 14 October. The Ferrari was one of a pair of short-wheelbase models ordered by Colonel Ronnie Hoare and was used to launch Ferrari importer Maranello Concessionaires. Bearing chassis number ‘1995 GT’, it was just the second steel-bodied, right-hand-drive car to be delivered and, in semi-competizione specification, boasts an uprated engine, gearbox, fuel tank and limited slip differential.
Richard Colton bought the car in the late 1970s and covered in excess of 60,000 miles throughout his ownership.
The second Ferrari to go under the hammer – ’10177 GT’ – is a 1967 275GTB/4 that spent its early life as a demonstrator for Maranello Concessionaires and was one of the last 350 four-cam examples built. Like the short-wheelbase, it came into the Colton collection in the 1970s – this time as a part-exchange for his Bentley Speed Six. The car has also been well-used throughout its life, taking part in countless Ferrari events in both the UK and Europe.
It is hoped that the sale of the Ferraris will generate enough cash allow the RNLI to float two brand-new lifeboats, a cause that was important to Colton, who was said by friends to be nervous of the sea.
“We are deeply grateful to the Colton family for this hugely generous gift, the single most valuable we have received,” said James Oxley, RNLI spokesman. “The previous highest donation paid for half a boat. This sale, we estimate, will give us two brand-spanking-new craft. It is a wonderful legacy for the Colton family to know their sad loss will lead directly to the saving of life around Britain’s coasts.
Simon Hope, chairman of H&H Auctions, said: “These stunning motor cars have been with the Colton family for 40 years and mean a very great deal to them, so we are absolutely committed to realising the maximum amount for the cars, both of which will be sold at no reserve, as requested by the family. It promises to be an historic sale.”
