An incredible collection of abandoned Ferraris deep in a barn

A collection of old Ferraris was discovered after Hurricane Charley hit Florida in 2004. These twenty models, some of which took part in legendary races, had been secretly abandoned at the bottom of a barn since 1990. The Lost&Found collection will be sold in August.

In 2004, in Florida, Hurricane Charley became the most violent cyclone to hit the United States since 1992, causing more than 16 billion dollars in damage. On its way, the storm notably destroyed a barn where a collection of twenty old Ferraris had been abandoned since 1990. The scars caused by the natural disaster are still visible on these legendary vehicles that will be offered to auction by RM Sotheby’s from August 17 to 19.

An exceptional collection

This collection was revealed in broad daylight after the passage of the storm. Since its discovery in 2004, it had been stored in a secure hangar on the Indiana side. On the other hand, the auction house remains vague on its history. Among all these models are exceptional cars such as a 512 BB Compétition which took part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1978. It was entered by Team Luigi Chinetti, since Ferrari withdrew from the endurance program in 1973. The 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C Alliage took part in the Targa Florio in 1966, an event that took place on the roads of Sicily. It is the first example with a long nose equipped with an alloy body and six carburettors, hence its name.

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RM Sotheby’s

Visibly more affected by climatic events, the Ferrari 250 GT Coupé Spéciale is one of four examples of 250 GT designed by Pininfarina in 1956. It originally belonged to King Mohammed V of Morocco and deserves a restoration. On the other hand, the 500 Mondial Spider Series I, one of the rarest Ferraris ever produced, is considered wreckage. The example offered for sale dates from 1954 and took part in the Mille Miglia, Targa Florio and Imola Grand Prix. An engine and a gearbox come separately with the car, which could see its sale price easily exceed €1 million, despite its deplorable condition.

The most impressive barn find

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RM Sotheby’s

Barn finds capture the attention of collectors, and this one is undoubtedly one of the most impressive in history. It should attract buyers and drive up the bids when the Monterey Car Week sale which will take place in California. Other collector’s models will also be offered for sale, such as a Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7, a 1956 Mercedes 190 SL in impeccable condition or a Ferrari 275 GTB/4, formerly owned by Steve McQueen.

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