1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione

1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione up for Auction at Amelia

The 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione is one of the featured lots set to take center stage at Broad Arrow’s upcoming Amelia Auction, March 7th through 8th, held at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. Estimated to command between $10 million and $14 million, this historically significant Ferrari is one of only 10 Competizione variants ever built.

Ahead of the highly anticipated event, Broad Arrow Auctions has released a video showcasing chassis no. 1451 GT in action. In the short film, Senior Car Specialist and Vice-President of Auctions, Barney Ruprecht, takes you through the intricate details that set this California Spider apart. From its competition-spec 3.0-liter V12 to its lightweight aluminum bodywork, every aspect of this Ferrari was engineered for endurance racing. Ruprecht then takes the wheel for a firsthand account of how the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB delivers a proper driving experience.

The 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione was originally owned by American racer Bob Grossman, it made an indelible mark at the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans, finishing 5th overall and securing a podium finish in the GT class. Following its success at Le Mans, Grossman continued to compete in various U.S. races throughout 1959 and 1960.

Chassis 1451 GT was designed to dominate on the track and the open road. It was the first California Spider to be equipped with Ferrari’s Type 128 F competition-spec engine, featuring outside-plug ignition, a long-range 36-gallon fuel tank, and stiffer suspension. Presented in its original silver metallic Le Mans livery, this particular example remains one of the finest Classiche-certified Ferraris in existence.

Ruprecht describes the driving experience as “dominated by one thing and one thing only—the engine.” He notes how the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB feels dramatically different from a standard California Spider, emphasizing its roaring exhaust note, razor-sharp handling, and competition-tuned braking system.

The Broad Arrow Amelia Auction will feature a total of 166 collector cars, along with two tractors and a child’s go-kart, offering a diverse selection of pre-war classics, motorsport icons, and supercars. However, it is the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione that has stolen the spotlight, as one of the most historically significant California Spiders ever offered at auction.

With three Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance appearances, impeccable provenance, and a storied competition pedigree, this Ferrari represents an unmissable opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts. To view the full auction catalog or register to bid, visit broadarrowauctions.com.

About The Author

Allan Lane

Philadelphia born and bred, Allan Lane is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of digital magazines. He launched his first publication, SportBikes Inc Magazine in 2010, followed by dosage MAGAZINE in 2019. Recently, Allan launched his third online publication, Club For Man. As a journalist, Allan covers fashion, lifestyle, culture, art, and motorcycles.

See author's posts