Equipment
Michele Alboretos early 1984 Ferrari team car, winner of the Belgian GP at Zolder in its first race. Sold to Cornes Motors in Japan by Ferrari, then to Matsuda. Got hung up in customs for five years and was recently released and restored by Bob Houghton at MHT in the UK. Fresh and ready to race although with a little well deserved patina.
Market commentary
Offered at Barrett Jackson in 1999 where it was a no sale at $210,000. Raced at Willow Springs, then trotted right over to Christies at Pebble Beach where it sold to the present owner for $222,500, still a little dusty from the track. While the US$ bid today is much larger, the Euro bid of 260,000 is only 22% more than the 212,700 that the 1999 transaction at Pebble Beach represented. The bill from Houghtons to make up for five years in customs impound undoubtedly exceeds the difference. Christies put together a post block transaction at an undisclosed amount on this Ferrari the week after the sale.