- 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
- 1956 Ferrari 500 TR Spider by Scaglietti
- 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Roadster
- 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta by Scaglietti
- 1961 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series II by Pininfarina
- 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS by Pininfarina
- 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 by Scaglietti
- 1973 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider by Scaglietti
- 1986 Ferrari Testarossa
- 1997 Ferrari 550 Maranello
- 2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina
- 2002 Ferrari 360 Spider
- 2011 Ferrari SA Aperta
- 2019 Ferrari Monza SP1
The entire collection will be offered at no reserve by RM Sotheby's on May 20.
RM Sotheby's will soon offer a stunning ensemble of collectible Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz motorcars at the Villa Erba auction on May 20. The 14-car collection is made up of some of Maranello's finest creations from the 20th and 21st centuries, along with a pair of desirable Mercedes-Benz classic cars.
These are dream machines, cars that have been carefully curated over the years by The Aurora Collection. Now, they can be yours – provided you have enough money, of course. Let's take a look at these motoring icons, starting with the oldest of the bunch.
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing
One of two Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the collection, this '55 300SL Gullwing is one of the most desirable classic cars in the world. Finished in Silver Grey Metallic, this example is one of just 17 sold new to Sweden in the 1950s. The vehicle was added to the collection in 1981, but very little is known of its history before that.
The vehicle is believed to have remained in Sweden for most of its life – save for a brief visit to America in the late '60s. Sadly, the original Rudge wheels that were delivered with the vehicle have been replaced with tasteful hubcaps, but there's plenty to excite a potential buyer.
This particular model was fitted with rear mudguards, a set of belly pans, and driver-operated radiator shutters. Interested bidders should note that the vehicle has been on static display for some time, so the fuel-injected 3.0-liter inline-six will need some work. It's arguably the most iconic SL of them all.
1956 Ferrari 500 TR Spider by Scaglietti
Just 17 examples of the Ferrari 500 TR Spider were built, and this is the third example to ever leave the factory in Maranello. This particular model was sold new in Italy to a nobleman, Prince Gaetano Starrabba di Giardinelli. Under his ownership, Giardinelli piloted the 500 TR Spider in 10 races and finished third on two occasions and second on another excursion.
The vehicle was later returned to the factory, where it was updated to meet new regulations. The car later exchanged hands but continued to tackle motorsport events with enthusiasm. In '58, the Scaglietti-designed bodywork was damaged in a racing accident but was later repaired with a new aluminum nose fashioned after the newer 500 TRC.
The 500 TR Spider is occasionally driven and kept in a climate-controlled garage. As one of the most desirable Ferraris, this four-cylinder spider is a masterpiece that will likely command millions when it arrives at auction next month.
1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 Sc Roadster
The second (and last) Mercedes in this collection is this exquisite '56 300 Sc Roadster. This is the least sporting car in the group but is just as unique as its fellow classics. Just 53 examples were built as a roadster, making this a very desirable vehicle.
Green paintwork works beautifully with the brown leather interior and walnut veneer. RM Sotheby's says the Mercedes shows signs of a past restoration, and it shows. The Benz presents beautifully and should drive well, too. With an inline-six and many more components derived from the 300 SL Gullwing (including the chassis and suspension), this sophisticated drop-top would make a fine coastal cruiser on sunny days. A column-shift four-speed manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels.
This model is a predecessor to the range-topping Mercedes-Benz S-Class we know today.
1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta by Scaglietti
This 250 GT SWB Berlinetta was purchased by renowned collector Jack Nethercutt (of the famed Nethercutt collection) in 1961. The Ferrari was sold just two years later and would later find itself starring in the iconic 1968 Disney film, The Love Bug.
Over the years, this particular example – number 62 of just 165 cars – fell under the ownership of multiple collectors. By 1985, the car had made its way to France, where it was treated to a restoration by Ferrari specialists in Maranello during the 1990s. Earlier in its life, the engine was removed and fitted to a 250 GT long-wheelbase. The original motor was tracked down and purchased, making it as authentic as the day it left the factory.
For collectors, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Owing to its superb condition, the vehicle was certified by Ferrari Classiche in 2008. The new owner must have the car re-certified, as the original document has since been misplaced. A digital copy survives, though.
1961 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series II by Pininfarina
Another rare classic Ferrari, this 250 GT Cabriolet features styling by the legendary design house Pininfarina. One of 200 examples ever made, this particular example was specified in Grigio Scuro with Pelle Beige Connolly leather and delivered to an Italian customer in November 1961.
A few years later, the Series II would make its way over to America, where it spent several decades. In the early 2000s, Klaas Zwart, the founder of boutique manufacturer Ascari Cars, purchased it. Zwart, known for his incredible race resort in Spain, pressed the 250 GT into motorsport duty, piloting it at the 2008 Alberto Ascari Revival.
Factory records show the beautiful drop-top still has matching chassis and engine numbers. The car was certified by Ferrari Classiche a year after being acquired by the Aurora Collection. A few years ago, a 250 GT Cabriolet Series II with Pininfarina coachwork sold for $1.8 million at auction, so we expect this model to fetch an equally impressive sum in May.
1965 Ferrari 275 GTS by Pininfarina
Another Pininfarina-designed Ferrari, the '65 275 GTS is just as rare as the 250 GT above, with 200 examples produced. This wheeled work of art only joined The Aurora Collection in April 2015 but led a full life in the United States. The vehicle was first delivered to Luigi Chinetti Motors in the USA before being sold to another Nevada dealership.
The car would remain in the dry climate for nearly four decades, with various owners racking up 38,000 miles. It was later sold to another keeper in Oregon before returning to its motherland. As you'd expect, this vehicle received the all-important Ferrari Classiche certification, even though the interior was retrimmed in Pella Beige. The original Rosso Cina paintwork was once paired with Pella Nera leather.
Notably, the 3.3-liter V12 engine, gearbox, and mechanical bits and pieces all match the Maranello factory records.
1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 by Scaglietti
While the 275 GTB/4 may look like a grand tourer, the glorious twelve-cylinder engine beneath the sculpted hood suggests otherwise. For this glamorous model, Ferrari improved the 3.3-liter V12, a motor that boasts dry-sump lubrication, four overhead camshafts, and no less than six Weber carburetors.
Mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, the Ferrari was equally at home on a track as it was munching the miles on a European highway. With a body designed by Scaglietti, the 275 GTB/4 is arguably one of the prettiest Ferraris made in the sixties (that says a lot), making it a coveted car amongst collectors.
Just four examples were built between 1966 and 1968, with this example leaving the factory in late '67. Like its stablemates, the 275 GTB/4 was a true jet-setter, spending some time in Italy before landing in California for a few years. In 1994, it was sent to Japan, where it remained with the same family for 15 years.
The Aurora Collection acquired the car in 2011, with the owner repainting the vehicle in Oro Chiaro – an ode to a previously owned example that had been stolen.
1973 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider by Scaglietti
This is a particularly special vehicle, having been in possession of the original owner from new. This '73 365 GTS/4 Spider was imported to Switzerland. Interestingly, its owner was instrumental in bringing the Prancing Horse to Sweden.
Finished in a classy shade known as Marrone, the “Daytona” has a Pelle Nero interior trimmed in Connolly leather. The vehicle was built to US specifications and, as such, has imperial instrumentation and desirable luxuries such as factory-installed air-conditioning and a Voxson Stereo with a delightfully retro 8-track player.
With a 4.4-liter V12, the 365 GTB/4 Berlinetta can still put on a show and was one of the quickest cars in the world when new. That's of little importance to potential buyers, though. The rarity will undoubtedly pique the interest of collectors. Just 122 units ever left the factory. Despite being under the care of one owner, the Ferrari has covered just 3,862 miles in 50 years, adding to its desirability.
1986 Ferrari Testarossa
Like the 365 GTB/4 Spider above, this 1986 Testarossa has covered very few miles, with the odometer showing just 3,420 km (2,125 miles) from new. Unlike its sleek predecessors, the angular Testarossa bowled members of the Tifosi over with its dramatic Pininfarina styling and formidable flat-12 engine.
Measuring 4.9 liters in size, the boisterous powerplant produces around 380 horsepower, which was ludicrous in the '80s. This resulted in impressive performance, with 0 to 62 mph dispatched in 5.8 seconds. Finished in the iconic Rosso Corsa paintwork and tan leather innards, this particular example will be sold with a fitted luggage set, original tool roll, and the owner's manual.
The Testarossa is an icon of the '80s, and well-preserved examples often exchange hands for six figures.
1997 Ferrari 550 Maranello
In any other setting, the Ferrari 550 Maranello would be a stand-out car. But here, among these magnificent motoring icons, it's almost unremarkable. That's not to say it's not a spectacular vehicle. This grand tourer is powered by a 5.5-liter V12 engine, which sends 485 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.
Produced in 1997, this Blue Pozzi-painted example was delivered to The Aurora Collection from new. With a mere 2,027 miles under its belt, there's still lots of life left in this elegant GT car. The Sophisticated styling was more universally praised than its bulky predecessor, and it looks superb in this muted shade. The tasteful tan leather interior works well with the exterior, and underscores the sophisticated demeanor of the 550 Maranello.
These still are relatively affordable, but we expect this low-miler to attract strong bids when it hits the auction block.
2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina
Unlike its hard-topped sibling, the 550 Barchetta is a rare and highly sought-after beast. Built to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the design house that styled it, only 448 examples were made. Like the coupe, it's powered by a 5.5-liter V12 that channels its power through a six-speed manual 'box.
Marginally slower than the Maranello, the Barchetta (when new) was still able to reach 186 mph and sprint to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds. This example was delivered new to The Aurora Collection in 2001 and has remained a part of this esteemed group since then. Having covered just 560 miles in 22 years, this is an exceptional example and as close to new as it gets.
The vehicle will be sold with a luggage set, owner's manual, original tool kit, and helmets supplied by the factory. The soft top makes it possible to drive the car in less-than-perfect weather, but can only be used at speeds lower than 68 mph.
2002 Ferrari 360 Spider
You know you're dealing with a special collection when the least interesting car is a Ferrari 360 Spider. Misunderstood by many, the 360 has always lived in the shadow of the 355 it replaced and was considered inferior to the F430 that replaced it. The 360 Spider is a direct descendant of the F8 Spider.
Still, it's a special car, and with just 7,942 miles on the odometer, this example still has plenty of life left. The vehicle joined The Aurora Collection in 2010 and has been used sparingly since it was acquired. The red paintwork pairs well with the black leather interior, contributing to the show-stopper style oozing from every pore.
With the top down, the new owner will enjoy the signature howl of the 400-hp 3.6-liter V8 engine, which is mated to an F1-inspired automated manual transmission.
2011 Ferrari SA Aperta
Perhaps one of the most superb cars to ever leave Maranello, the 2011 SA Aperta is a wheeled tribute to Pininfarina and was built to celebrate the design house's 80th anniversary. The “SA” part of its name is a nod to Sergio and Andre, the father-and-son duo behind Pininfarina.
While it looks a lot like the 599 on which it's based, the SA Aperta's unique windscreen and rear end set this vehicle out as something special. Under the hood, you'll find a 6.0-liter V12 engine from the 599 GTO. That means it produces a mighty 661 horses; enough power to get it to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds and onto a blistering top speed of 202 mph.
Just 80 examples were made, and this one was originally destined for Lebanon before being snapped up by The Aurora Collection. This rare creation has covered just 130 miles in 12 years, which is a shame. Perhaps the new owner will see fit to enjoy this vehicle. This triple-layer Rosso Fuoco-painted beauty deserves to glimmer under the coastal sun and enthrall passers-by with its intoxicating V12 sound.
2019 Ferrari Monza SP1
The Ferrari Monza SP1 is a truly spectacular car. Offered only to special customers that Ferrari deems worthy, this single-seater speedster will certainly go down as one of Maranello's finest creations. Monza SP1 forms part of the exclusive “Icona” series. This particular model draws inspiration from the 750 Monza race car, and is part of a limited production run of 499 cars – and that includes the two-seater SP2.
A 6.5-liter V12 (Ferrari's most powerful naturally-aspirated engine) produces 798 hp and 530 lb-ft of torque, which is remarkable for a car without a roof – or a windscreen, for that matter. Few people will be brave enough to reach the top speed of more than 186 mph, but the 0 to 62 mph time of 2.9 seconds can be enjoyed all the time.
This example left the Maranello factory in late 2019 and was specified in Rosso Fuoco with a Giallo Modena fin. The brake calipers were painted to match the fin, and are concealed by Dark Forged wheels. This particular model was delivered with a front axle lift and rear parking sensors, making it easier to drive on a daily basis.
With just 15 miles on the clock, this vehicle is begging to be driven hard and enjoyed.
Keyword: Aurora Collection Is A Treasure Trove Of Ferrari And Mercedes-Benz Collector Cars