RM Auctions Breaks World Record

A 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder once owned by U.S. actor James Coburn fetched nearly $11 million at auction this past weekend, making it the most valuable, street legal, vintage car ever sold at auction, according to auction organizers.

The record-breaking black convertible had been owned by gravel-voiced tough-guy actor James Coburn. He bought the car in 1964, according to RM Auctions, ?shortly after completing “The Great Escape.”

One of only 56 built, this 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder brought nearly $11 million at auction recently.

The rare black convertible was one of 33 cars and scores of Ferrari memorabilia sold at auction on Sunday in the luxury sports carmaker's hometown of Maranello in northern Italy.

The $10,894,900 price paid by British radio and television host Chris Evans eclipsed previous records for cars sold under auction.

The sale was at RM Auction's second annual "Ferrari Leggenda e Passione".

Prior to the auction, RM Auctions had estimated the value of the 1961 California Spyder at less than half of what it ultimately sold for. The car was one of 56 ever built.

The previous record was set in 1990 when Sotheby’s sold a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO in Monaco for $10,756,000. However, that car was not designed to be legally driven on the street.

For more information visit RM Auctions website at www.rmauctions.com