The upcoming RM auction in Monterey poses an interesting opportunity for observation on what creates value on the upper end of the collector car market. Two cars that appear similar at first glance – a 1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Berlinetta and this 1954 Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta – carry two very different pre-auction estimates: the latter at $5 million to $6 million, and the former at a mere $1.5 million to $1.8 million. Of course, engine selection accounts for part of that price difference, but the 375 MM is in the unique position of benefiting from its lack of racing history. From the auction description:
The fifth of only seven examples built with the 4.5-liter engine, 0416AM was delivered new to Rome and always used as a road car. A matching numbers car, it retains its original coachwork, engine, and major drivetrain components. It is finished in its original color combination of Max Meyer light gray with brown leather interior. Professionally restored, the car remains in outstanding condition.
A number of features distinguish 0416AM from others of the series, including seats that adjust both fore, aft and side to side, the lack of rear intakes for brake cooling in the door sills, front and rear bumperettes, fuel filler in rear fender with smaller engine hood and separate access port for the radiator cap.
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