Les Grandes Marques du Monde à Paris A Spectacular Showcase of Ferrari Heritage
The 2025 edition of Rétromobile, one of the world’s most prestigious classic car events, saw Bonhams offering an extraordinary collection of Ferraris at auction. These vehicles, spanning decades of Maranello’s history, showcased the evolution of Ferrari’s engineering, design, and racing pedigree. The auction results underscored the enduring allure of the prancing horse, with several standout sales highlighting the significance of provenance, originality, and rarity in the collector’s market.
Among the most captivating lots was a 1950 Ferrari 166 MM Touring Barchetta, a car steeped in Mille Miglia history, which commanded an impressive €2,817,500. Equally fascinating were examples of Ferrari’s front-engine grand tourers, such as the 1970 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2, which fetched €161,000, and the 1966 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 ‘Series 2’ Berlinetta, selling for €241,500. Meanwhile, a unique piece of Ferrari’s Formula 1 history, the 1954-55 Ferrari Tipo 555 ‘Super Squalo’, went under the hammer for €1,983,750, an extraordinary sum for a rare survivor of Ferrari’s early Grand Prix efforts.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these remarkable Ferraris sold at Bonhams’ Rétromobile auction.
LOT 108
1981 Ferrari 400i – The Grand Tourer’s Purist Choice
Sold for: €82,800 (including premium)
• Chassis no.: 33847
• Engine no.: N/A
• Transmission: 5-speed manual
• Exterior: Nero Tropicale
• Interior: Pelle Beige
The Ferrari 400i, often overshadowed by its more flamboyant siblings, represents Ferrari’s elegant take on the grand touring concept. Featuring a 5-speed manual transmission, this example, chassis 33847, is among the more desirable configurations, as most of these cars were ordered with the GM automatic gearbox. Delivered new in Europe in Nero Tropicale over Pelle Beige, it has been under the stewardship of only two owners since new.
Despite being in static display in recent years, the car retains its original owner’s book, a testament to its meticulous care. A rare opportunity for enthusiasts seeking a Ferrari 400i with provenance, this car will require recommissioning but remains an elegant and understated entry into Ferrari’s V12 grand touring lineage.
LOT 115
1970 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 – The Gentleman’s Express
Sold for: €161,000 (including premium)
• Chassis no.: 12909
• Engine no.: 12909
• Transmission: 5-speed manual
• Exterior: Marrone Colorado
• Interior: Beige Connolly leather
Nicknamed the “Queen Mary”, the Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 was the most luxurious four-seater Ferrari of its era, combining the brand’s racing DNA with an emphasis on comfort. Chassis 12909, originally delivered in Marrone Colorado with beige upholstery, remains in its original and rare color combination, making it a highly desirable example.
Boasting a 4.4L Colombo V12 producing 320 hp, the 365 GT 2+2 could reach 152 mph—a testament to Ferrari’s ability to blend performance with sophistication. This particular car has a well-documented history, including a Massini report confirming matching engine and chassis numbers.
With a succession of owners across Italy, Spain, and France, it has been maintained in working order, despite limited use in recent years. As a fully serviced example, it remains an enticing gateway into classic Ferrari V12 ownership.
LOT 116
1975 Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 Series 1 – A Bertone Classic
Sold for: €56,350 (including premium)
• Chassis no.: 09528
• Engine no.: N/A
• Transmission: 5-speed manual
• Exterior: Rosso Dino
• Interior: Black
The Dino 308 GT4, designed by Bertone, marked Ferrari’s first foray into mid-engine V8 configurations, setting the stage for decades of iconic Ferrari V8s. Chassis 09528, a desirable Series 1 example, retains its original “Dino” badging, differentiating it from later versions that carried Ferrari branding.
With only two owners from new, this European-delivered car is a time capsule from the era, offered with its original service book and historical documentation. The quad-cam V8 producing 252 hp ensures exhilarating performance, making the Dino 308 GT4 a compelling alternative to more expensive Ferraris of the era.
LOT 135P
1950 Ferrari 166 MM Touring Barchetta – Mille Miglia Pedigree
Sold for: €2,817,500 (including premium)
• Chassis no.: 0034 M
• Engine no.: N/A
• Transmission: 5-speed manual
• Exterior: Rosso
• Interior: Black
A crown jewel of the auction, this 1950 Ferrari 166 MM Touring Barchetta is a significant piece of Ferrari’s racing history. Chassis 0034 M, originally delivered to Count Paolo Marzotto, has an extensive competition history, including 4th overall in the 1951 Mille Miglia.
The 2.0L V12, designed by Gioachino Colombo, cemented Ferrari’s dominance in endurance racing. This example, meticulously maintained, is eligible for premier historic events like the Mille Miglia, Le Mans Classic, and Monaco Historic Grand Prix. A collector’s dream, it embodies Ferrari’s early racing success and exclusivity.
LOT 138
1966 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 ‘Series 2’ – A Refined Grand Tourer
Sold for: €241,500 (including premium)
• Chassis no.: 08917
• Engine no.: 08917
• Transmission: 5-speed manual
• Exterior: Argento 25090 A
• Interior: Nero Franzi leather
Chassis 08917, a Series 2 example, was originally delivered in Argento over Nero Franzi leather. Featuring a 5-speed manual transmission and power windows, it resided in the USA for many years before undergoing a professional restoration between 2009 and 2011.
This Pininfarina-designed grand tourer blends V12 power with sophistication, making it a sought-after collector’s item. With Ferrari’s 2+2 models gaining appreciation, this well-documented and beautifully restored 330 GT is a standout.
LOT 144
1954-55 Ferrari Tipo 555 ‘Super Squalo’ – Formula 1 Icon
Sold for: €1,983,750 (including premium)
• Chassis no.: 555/1 - FL 9001
• Engine no.: N/A
• Transmission: 5-speed manual
• Exterior: Rosso Corsa
• Interior: Black
One of only two known survivors, this Tipo 555 ‘Super Squalo’ carries an illustrious Formula 1 history, having been driven by legends like Mike Hawthorn and ‘Nino’ Farina. A true Grand Prix survivor, chassis 555/1 competed in multiple World Championship events, including a 4th place finish at Spa-Francorchamps in 1955.
After its Formula 1 career, the car found success in Formule Libre racing, before an extensive restoration returned it to its original 2.5L GP configuration. Eligible for prestigious historic races, this Super Squalo remains a tangible piece of Ferrari’s racing heritage.
LOT 177
1981 Ferrari 400i Automatic – Classic V12 Luxury
Sold for: €92,000 (including premium)
Chassis no.: F101CL*33559
• Engine no.: N/A
• Transmission: 3-speed automatic
• Exterior: Special order color
• Interior: Pelle Beige
For those seeking a more relaxed Ferrari grand tourer, this 1981 Ferrari 400i Automatic, chassis F101CL*33559, offers understated elegance. Featuring a General Motors 3-speed Hydramatic transmission, it prioritizes comfort while retaining Ferrari’s 4.8L V12 power.
Recently recommissioned by Stratton Motor Company, this German-delivered car has a striking color combination and presents an excellent opportunity for collectors looking for a classic Ferrari 2+2.
LOT 183
2001 Ferrari 456M GT – The Last of the Analog Grand Tourers
Sold for: €120,750 (including premium)
• Chassis no.: ZFFWP44B000121455
• Engine no.: N/A
• Transmission: 6-speed manual
• Exterior: Grigio Titanio
• Interior: Beige leather
This 456M GT, featuring the coveted six-speed manual gearbox, represents one of Ferrari’s last naturally aspirated front-engine V12 grand tourers. Chassis ZFFWP44B000121455, delivered new by Charles Pozzi in France, has only 6,990 km on the clock, making it an exceptional low-mileage example.
With a Grigio Titanio exterior over beige leather, this 456M embodies the blend of luxury and performance that made it one of the world’s fastest four-seaters. Complete with its original toolkit and documentation, this car remains a true modern classic.
Conclusion: A Historic Ferrari Auction at Rétromobile 2025
Bonhams’ Rétromobile 2025 sale reaffirmed Ferrari’s enduring appeal, from historic racing icons to refined grand tourers. Whether for investment, competition, or pure driving pleasure, these Ferraris captured the essence of Maranello’s unmatched legacy.
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