Monterey Car Week, the premiere motoring event of the year, will reach its peak when a truly iconic car goes under the hammer with RM Sotheby’s. This time, it’s the glistening red 1957 Ferrari 625 TRC Spider, a star in the motorsport scene when it was at its most glorious. The 0680 is one of just two 625 TRC Spider models, factory-equipped with a unique larger 2.5-liter engine.
With the original livery and one of the most beautiful body designs ever created, this car looks as though it has been plucked straight out of the mid-20th century. The seats and steering wheel are lined in luxurious smooth tan leather, and shining chrome accents are carefully placed, leading to the curated long-standing appearance.
John von Neumann, the highly influential Ferrari distributor and racing impresario, commissioned, owned and drove the 625 TRC Spider, with the two models, 0680 and 0672, capturing the epitome of hot-rod culture in California at the time. While 0672 is famous for gaining its V-12 250 TR engine, 0680 came to the fore thanks to Von Neumann’s innovative move to request a larger 2.5-liter engine. As a result, it soared on the racing tracks, scoring 21 podium finishes and 10 overall or class victories across 40 period races.
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Currently, 0680 is fitted with a 3-liter Colombo short-block V-12 engine, providing an outstanding power output of 322 horsepower on the dyno, as tested by famed shop Patrick Ottis Co. in 2011. The original 2.5-liter engine with matching numbers, however, is still included so the car can be transformed back into its original state with ease.
Monterey Car Week is a hotly anticipated event amongst all car fanatics, who make the pilgrimage yearly to the sunny Californian coast alongside journalists and international dealers. Rallies, races, new releases from the most prestigious manufacturers, and auctions from the likes of RM Sotheby’s, who are responsible for six of the top ten highest value cars sold at auction, are all held here.
In 2023, Bentley Motors showcased a one-off modern interpretation of their iconic 2003 Continental GT Speed that brought them a tenfold spike in sales at the turn of the century at Monterey Car Week. In addition, The Macallan partnered with Bentley Motors to create The Macallan Horizon whisky, with The Macallan Monterey Car Week Experience curated around it, involving exclusive tastings and VIP access to some of Bentley’s latest models.
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The 0680 1957 Ferrari 625 TRC Spider is estimated to sell for $9,000,000 – $11,000,000. For more information, visit rmsothebys.com