1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider by Scaglietti

It this point, it’s probably clear that we’re borderline obsessed with classic Ferraris here at The Coolector and this, quite frankly breathtaking, 1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider by Scaglietti is one of the best of the bunch. It’s going up for sale with RM Sotheby’s but don’t expect it to be cheap because this is one of the rarest and coolest machines to ever hit the market. It is one of the most significant purpose-built Ferrari “big block” sports-racing prototypes from the 1950s.

Enzo Ferrari was determined to secure the FIA World Sportscar championship in 1955, with the final leg being the Carrera Panamericana: a uncompromising five-day rally that traversed the Mexican wilderness en route to the border near El Paso, Texas. Ferrari had experienced overwhelming success on nearly every circuit in sports car racing, with the one possible exception being the notoriously dangerous Carrera Panamericana. A pair of Ferraris were created for the drive and they are, as you can see, feats of automotive engineering.



Winning Formula


  • One of just two Factory-campaigned 410 Sports equipped with a 24-spark plug 4.9-liter V-12
  • Scuderia Ferrari team car driven by Juan Manuel Fangio at the 1956 1000 KM Buenos Aires

This truly mesmerising machine was piloted by Carroll Shelby during his landmark 1956 and 1957 seasons when driving for the renowned Southern California-based team principal John Edgar so it has quite the race history – something that will add to its value significantly when it goes under the hammer with RM Sotheby’s.

This 1955 Ferrari 410 Sport Spider by Scaglietti has also raced in period by legendary drivers Phil Hill, Eugenio Castellotti, Masten Gregory, Richie Ginther, Joakim Bonnier, Bruce Kessler, Jim Rathmann, and Chuck Daigh. Quite simply, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more storied Ferrari anywhere on the market and it’s very rare that a vehicle like this becomes available to purchase.

Presented in remarkable condition, it remains a highly original example retaining the matching-numbers engine, chassis, and body and it is one of a select few Ferrari models with coachwork both designed and built by Sergio Scaglietti Fitted with original fuel tank inscribed by Shelby, “Mr. Ferrari told me that this was the best Ferrari he ever built.” To really top things off, the lot is accompanied by the first (1956) and last (1958) trophies won by Shelby driving 0598 CM, along with the original 1957 Nassau racing license plate when it is sold at RM Sotheby’s.

Leo Davie