Most expensive barn find of all time was 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder that sold for staggering $16.2M
Published on Jul 25, 2025 at 8:33 AM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Jul 25, 2025 at 1:36 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
The most expensive barn find of all time was a 50-year-old 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder has sold for a staggering amount of money, making this one a very special Ferrari California sports car.
As one of the rarest classic Ferraris ever made, the 250 GT SWB California Spyder is one of the most desirable and most valuable cars ever from the Prancing Horse brand.
This particular example surfaced in a rural French barn, in remarkable, original condition, and as expected, it sold for a huge amount of money.
Such was the desirability of the car that it sold for $16.2 million.
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Where was the Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder found?
Just 37 examples of the California Spyder were ever made by Ferrari.
The car was found in a remarkable barn find we’ve previously covered, which included more than 100 cars in total, many of which had been sitting for over 50 years.
These were part of the famous Roger Baillon collection.
The Frenchman tucked them away in barns and sheds.
Some of the cars are nearly unrecognizable.
However, many have survived in good condition, including the Ferrari California Spyder.
When found, the Italian sports car was sitting underneath a pile of old French magazines, which had partially protected it.
The classic Ferrari became the most expensive barn find of all time.
The Ferrari had survived in remarkably good condition, similar to this $4 million Bugatti Type 57S.
Even though there was some rust and dirt present, that didn’t seem to affect its price at auction!
When the hammer dropped, the car had sold for $16.2 million.
That surpassed the $14.7 million figure that the auctioneers had expected it to net.
That figure was record-breaking, making it the most expensive barn find of all time when it comes to road cars.
The car itself once belonged to the late French actor Alain Delon.
Under the hood, it had a 3.0-liter Colombo Tipo V12 engine.
Its V8 engine provided around 280hp, and it produced one of the best soundtracks of any sports car.
So few were built and even fewer survived, just like with this incredibly rare Porsche.
That makes this Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder a truly special car.
Hopefully, this French barn find example will get the care and restoration it deserves.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
