The Testa Rossa was the most successful sports racing car in Ferrari’s illustrious history, securing four World Championships and four overall victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 1958 to 1962. In 1957, Ferrari, in cooperation with Italian coachbuilder Sergio Scaglietti, began production of 19 special examples of the Ferrari 250 “Pontoon Fender” Testa Rossa. It is an extraordinary collector’s car, and one example of the 1958 Ferrari 250 “Pontoon Fender” Testa Rossa is up for auction.

The development of the Testa Rossa model was gradual, and after a lot of experimentation Ferrari decided on a 3.0-liter “Red Head” engine and a Scaglietti spider body also known as the “Pontoon Fender”. These examples have become among the most famous cars that Ferrari has ever built, and the desire of many collectors.

This example with chassis 0738 TR was ordered in 1958 by Jean-Louis Lacerda Soares of Sao Paolo through the Official Central and South American Ferrari Concessionaire Carlos Kauffman in Caracas. As a member of the Scuderia Lagartix team, he used the car in races, and in two years he achieved multiple victories and half-a-dozen podium finishes.

In 1961, the car was bought by Giorgio Moroni, who sent it to Italy, where a new 250 GTO-style body was created by Piero Drogo. After that, in 1965, Moroni sold the car to Claudio Klabin, who continued to use it in races. Until 2010, when it stopped being used in vantage races, the car changed several more owners.

In 2013, the car was sent for a full restoration where it was restored to its original body. The work was done by Ferrari Classiche, which issued its all-important Red Book, confirming that this is one of the few remaining examples that has retained both its original engine and gearbox. The restoration cost more than 650,000 euros.

Many collectors and car enthusiasts consider the Ferrari 250 “Pontoon Fender” Testa Rossa to be the ultimate Ferrari. This is an ideal and rare opportunity that collectors should not miss.

The auction will take place on February 21-23, 2024.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

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