Completely charred cars do not usually have a very high value… except if it is a classic Ferrari of the 50s. This is the case of the 500 Mondial Spider Series I, a totally exclusive jewel from 1954. The car that caught fire at a race in the 1960s might be considered junk by many, but its exorbitant price points to the contrary.
This incredible vehicle was driven by none other than Franco Cortese, the first Ferrari racing driver, so its symbolic value is priceless for car lovers. Now, anyone interested in restoring it to compete again will be able to get hold of it for a significant sum of money.
The Mondial for sale is a unique piece, since only thirteen units were manufactured in the world. Its bodywork was produced by designer Pinin Farina, and its power led Cortese to fourteenth in the general classification of the Mille Miglia, a 1,000-mile race through Italy that took place in 1954.
Despite its strength and speed, the Mondial crashed numerous times and sustained fire damage, eventually being pushed aside. In 1978, an American collector decided to get the car despite presenting numerous damages.
It wasn't until 2004 that the Mondial was discovered along with 19 other Ferraris in Florida due to a natural disaster; a hurricane blew off the roof of a barn, revealing the cars stored on it.
After an intense life, the charred and oxidized piece will be auctioned by RM Sotheby's in Monterey for the enormous amount of 1.7 million euros. The auctioneer has indicated that this relic will need a "complete restoration to return it to the condition of its glory days", but the process promises to be "very rewarding".
