A stunning Ferrari 275GTB/4 that hasn't been started in more than three decades is set to star at Gooding & Company's Amelia Island sale on 13 March. It is expected to sell for between $3.4-3.8m (£2.2-2.5m).
The car's incredible story began in Rome, where it was sold new in February 1967. It was regularly driven on the roads of the Italian capital until 1972, when it was imported to the United States by John Doonan, a retired pilot who bought and sold exotic sports cars.
By March that year, the car had been sold to a Massachusetts enthusiast who exhibited the car at a number of shows, as well as driving it at the weekend during the summer months. Before long, the car – which was bought for $5500 – appreciated in value to the point where its owner became reluctant to drive it. By 1982, the Ferrari had been retired from use on the road altogether, becoming a static talking point in its owner's rumpus room, where it remained until recently.
Throughout its 33-year slumber, the car wasn't registered, driven or even started.
President of Gooding & Co, David Gooding, said: "After 43 years in the care of one owner, Gooding & Company is proud to present this wonderful 275GTB/4 at auction on behalf of the family that has so lovingly treasured and cared for it. A Ferrari of this kind is what every collector dreams of finding and will never tire of its extraordinary quality and transcendent style."
Click here for the full list of auction lots.
Greg MacLeman is a contributor to and former Features Editor of Classic & Sports Car, and drives a restored and uprated 1974 Triumph 2500TC