The renowned auction house Gooding & Company recently held a unique car auction in Pebble Beach, California. The event included three superb classic models by luxury automaker Ferrari— from the 1950s and 1960s—available for the first time for an American audience.

The highest priced of the three was an exquisite 250 GT California Spider in its convertible version. This particular model was one of only 37 copies made with covered front headlights.

Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider.

This rare copy is the first 250 GT of its kind for sale in the United States. The final price reached at auction was $15,180,000, exceeding the original estimate from the auction house, which specializes in classic cars.

The Ferrari 250 GT is the collector’s sports car par excellence, and its presence at any auction is sure to cause a stir. This event was no different, and the 250 GT became the main attraction at Pebble Beach.

The auction also included two impressive limited editions built by the Maranello automaker for the highest segment of Ferrari’s international clientele.

Ferrari 410 Superamerica.

One was an exclusive 500 Superfast from 1965. The model auctioned—designed by Pininfarina and featuring Connolly leather interiors—includes an identifying mark in its chassis: 6049 SA. These are the initials of its original owner, Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan (1933-2003), a French diplomat known for his work at the United Nations.

Prior to this auction, the vehicle belonged to the famous Bardinon collection and, in 2013 underwent a comprehensive restoration that lasted two years. Attracted by its distinguished history, its sporty profile, bold black color and certainly its uniqueness, the new owner was able to acquire it for $1,980,000.

Gooding & Company also auctioned a 410 Superamerica Coupe Series II Convertible. Designed by Pininfarina, this gorgeous vehicle comes in an elegant and unusual Grigio Metallizzato (metallic gray), with a stunning interior clad in pale red Connolly leather, an attractive hue that is also used on its roof.

Ferrari 500 Superfasta.

Additionally, this Berlinetta features a powerful 4.9-liter Aurelio Lampredi derived V12 engine, which allowed it to achieve an astounding top speed for its time: 150 miles per hour. Another characteristic of the auctioned model— chassis 0717 SA— is that it is one of the six vehicles made with short chassis, which gives it an unmistakable profile.

Custom made for HRH Mohammad Shah Reza Pahlevi of Iran; this beautiful Ferrari was —for a long time—owned by his second wife, Princess Soraya. After their divorce, in the 1970s, it was brought to the United States to participate in several exhibitions. At auction, this fast and elegant car reached a price of $5,087,500.

Collecting classic cars is a pleasure for fortunate car aficionados, but having a limited edition Ferrari in your collection is a luxury reserved for a very select elite. Read more about museum-quality classic cars, including The Louwman Museum. ■