MIAMI, FLA.- RM Sotheby’s returns to ModaMiami for its third edition, once again hosting the auction at The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. Among the standout Ferrari offerings is the exceptional 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider, chassis 1431 GT, a highly coveted open-air 250 GT that helped define the intersection of competition-bred engineering and Riviera-level elegance. The car will cross the block at the ModaMiami auction on Friday, February 27, 2026.
“The long-wheelbase California Spider is one of the most beautiful Ferraris ever built, with the elegance and purpose that defined Ferrari at its peak,” said Gord Duff, President, RM Sotheby’s. “Chassis 1431 GT stands out with covered headlamps and the distinction of being the final inside-plug V-12 California Spider, backed by the right caretakers and a proven concours record, and she’ll shine in Miami as one of the most significant offerings of the weekend.”
1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider by Scaglietti (Chassis 1431 GT) | Estimate: $6M–$7M
Born from the idea of a Ferrari that could be driven to the track, raced, and then driven home in style, the California Spider became one of Maranello’s most celebrated dual-purpose creations, combining competition-bred engineering with pure, open-top glamour. Built by Scaglietti on the 250 GT platform, the early 2,600 mm long-wheelbase examples are widely regarded as the most elegant interpretation of the design, prized for their proportions, road manners, and effortless presence.
Chassis 1431 GT is the 28th of 50 LWB California Spiders produced and one of just 30 steel-bodied examples, factory-equipped with highly desirable covered headlamps and drum brakes, and noted as the final California Spider fitted with the inside-plug Type 128 D V-12. Completed in August 1959 and exported to the United States via Luigi Chinetti Motors, it carries a deep ownership chain among respected collectors and an exceptional concours history, having earned major awards at some of the world’s most prestigious automotive events, including Cavallino Platinum, FCA Platinum honors, and the Strother MacMinn Most Elegant Sports Car Trophy.
Offered today following 19 years of fastidious care in one of the hobby’s most respected collections, 1431 GT remains ideal for continued concours presentation and top-tier touring, eligible for many of the world’s premier marque and vintage events, and positioned to be one of the defining Ferrari offerings of ModaMiami week.
