A 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider Competizione is the headline lot of Gooding & Company's August 21 Pebble Beach auction.
With a valuation of $18m-20m, it looks likely to set a new auction record for the model - set at $18.5m last year for a 1961 specimen discovered in a barn in France.
 The 1959 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider is one of nine to feature alloy coachwork |
Once you take a look at its specifications you start to understand why.
For a start it's one of only nine Spiders built with alloy-bodied coachwork. These were primarily designed for competition and no two examples are the same.
It also has a strong racing record, having been entered into dozens of high profile races between 1959 and 1964.
Since then it has won numerous awards and concours across the US.
The auction house comments: "Considering its incredible rarity, superb racing record, and faultless presentation, this alloy-bodied California Spider is surely among the greatest Ferrari competition cars and, quite possibly, the ultimate open 250 GT."
A 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione is expected to make $15m-18m.
As one of the earliest SWB Berlinettas to roll off the production line, it's likely to appeal strongly to collectors.
The car also has a storied track record, having achieved an impressive seventh place at the 1960 24 Hours of Le Mans.
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