RM Auctions, in association with Sotheby’s, continued their record-breaking sales run in Maranello, Italy at the Ferrari Leggenda e Passione event on May 17 when a legendary 1957 Ferrari 250 TR, chassis no. 0714TR sold for €9,020,000 to set a new world record for the most expensive motor car ever to be sold at auction.

Returning to its Maranello birthplace for its auction debut, the €9,020,000 sale price for 0714TR represents €1,980,000 more than the previous auction world record which was set at the same sale in 2008.

“The historical significance of this car attracted a bidding war as collectors from around the world - both in the room and on the telephone – competed to secure one of the most alluring and iconic of all Ferrari racing cars,” said Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM Europe.

It was standing-room only in the auction room throughout the May 17 auction as discerning collectors from around the world – including from across Europe, North America, and as far away as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Japan – sought to acquire their very own piece of Ferrari history. In total, 33 Ferraris – all certified by Ferrari Classiche – and three Maseratis crossed the block for in excess of €21 million in sales with a solid sell through of 75%. In addition to the 1957 Ferrari 250 TR highlights included: a 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta (Tour de France) for €2,310,000; a 1959 Ferrari 250GT California (LWB) for €2,117,500; a 1965 Ferrari 500 Superfast for €715,000; and a 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C for €660,000. The event also saw Ferrari donate the last F430 to roll off the production line later this year to support victims of the Abruzzo earthquake. The F430 achieved a bid of €180,000.

In addition to the cars, this year’s Ferrari Leggenda e Passione event also present a magnificent collection of memorabilia, many items which were offered directly by Ferrari. Achieving over €529,000 in total sales, the memorabilia offering was highlighted by a 12 cylinder crystal table and chairs which tripled its pre-sale estimate to sell for €62,100.