He may not fancy Germany’s chances at the upcoming Euros, but footballing legend Michael Ballack is hoping to score big when he auctions his unique vintage Ferrari.
The 47-year-old German footballer of the year is offering the Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider with an estimate of between $16m to $18m.
It was the very first ever produced of the model and was showcased as the 1960 Geneva Motor Show car.
The Ferrari, to be offered at RM Sotheby’s flagship Monterey sale in August, has been owned by the iconic midfielder for 16 years.
RM Sotheby’s say: “Ballack, at the peak of his career, developed a close friendship with fellow German athlete, legendary Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher.
“Through this friendship, Ballack’s passion for driving and Ferrari as a brand deepened, not only for contemporary models but also for the best examples of classic Ferraris.
“This very enthusiasm naturally led him to one of Maranello’s finest outputs, the California Spider – the ultimate form of open-top driving from Ferrari’s golden era.”
Gord Duff, RM Sotheby’s Global Head of Auctions, says: “We’re always aiming to bring to market the highest quality examples when we prepare for our flagship Monterey auction, and this year is no different.
“Chassis 1795GT is beyond special among an already legendary model, the California Spider; this is the very first California Spider ever produced, a true icon of automotive history,.
“The California Spider is one of the rare models that transcends generations; with a timeless beauty that appeals to both young and old, and a driving experience that evokes a lasting impression on all of the body’s senses, this is a rare opportunity to acquire the very best. Stay tuned as we announce other exciting cars and collections for our Monterey lineup.”
Ballack recently commented on Germany’s Euro chances on the Up Front with Simon Jordan podcast by saying “”I don’t know if we’ve become too soft, but we’ve lost strength.”
