by The collection of rare Ferraris belonging to the late Phil Bachman set a number of impressive records during an auction. Among the key highlights:
Record-Breaking Ferrari Enzo
The most talked-about lot was a Giallo Modena yellow Ferrari Enzo, which sold for an incredible $17.875 million. This amount significantly exceeded the previous record for this model, which was just over $6 million in 2023.
This car is special even among other Enzos. Its mileage is only 649 miles, and it is one of 127 examples built for the US market. In addition to its unique color, the car has awards and distinctions. Its interior was custom-enhanced at the Ferrari factory itself, where they installed contrasting two-tone seats in red and yellow, a rare feature.
Other Record Sales
The auction was rich in sensations. The Ferrari 288 GTO from Bachman’s collection sold for $8.525 million, nearly double the previous record. A Ferrari F40 with only 458 miles found a new owner for $6.6 million. A red Ferrari F50 sold for $12.21 million, also setting a new record.
The trend continued: a LaFerrari Coupe was realized for $6.71 million, and the Aperta version reached a price of $11 million. A Ferrari 599 GTO sold for $3.96 million, causing surprise. Among other notable lots were a 430 Scuderia Spider 16M for $1.98 million and a 360 Challenge Stradale for $1.155 million.
The Question of the Charity Foundation
The auction organizer, Mecum Auctions, stated that the proceeds from the sale were intended to benefit the Phil and Martha Bachman Foundation. This led to speculation that the high prices, especially for the Enzo, might have been related to the charitable nature of the event. However, the situation appears different.
According to available information, Dana Mecum purchased Bachman’s entire collection from the family last year, and part of that deal was directed to support the foundation. Thus, any potential tax benefits would apply to Mecum himself, not the buyers at the auction. The auction itself was a regular commercial affair. Despite the mention of the foundation, buyers were purchasing the cars from Mecum Auctions, not making charitable donations.
Similar auctions of collectible cars have increasingly shown rapid price growth lately, especially for iconic models from the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The record sales results from the Bachman collection only confirm this trend, indicating that such cars are viewed not only as vehicles but also as stable and prestigious assets. High demand for unique, low-mileage examples with history, especially those featuring custom manufacturer trim, is shaping new market benchmarks. These events also highlight the complex interaction between the world of collecting, the auction business, and charity, where the financial flows and motivations of participants are not always obvious to an outside observer.
