Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa: The most expensive car in the world

All the indications were that the 'Ferrari – Leggenda e Passione' auction in Maranello would live up to its success of last year. No sooner did it get underway than a new record was set, with the title of the most expensive car in the world going to a Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa. At this third Legenda and Passion sale arranged by RM Auctions and Sotheby's, the 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa went under the hammer for a winning bid of 9.02 million euros – an unprecedented sum. Following the big success of the 2007 and 2008 auctions, this now annual event held in Maranello is gaining in prestige. The Ferrari Testa Rossa (Chassis No. 0714TR) realised two million more than the previous record figure paid for a 1961 250GT SWB California Spyder.

The new owner of the costliest runaround on the planet preferred to remain anonymous, submitting his bids by phone. His winning bid secured him one of the most successful Ferrari racing cars of all time: this particular Testa Rossa won ten races between 1958 and 1961. Only 22 of the model rolled off the production line, and of these, none can boast such a successful history as 0714TR. For those enthusiasts who couldn't make it to this year's auction, we have put together a gallery with some stunning shots of the Testa Rossa. And there is also another chance to view all 37 vehicles featured in the 2009 RM Auctions catalogue.