Admittedly, this isn’t any classic 911, rather one that’s been extensively modified with new technology and design elements by Porsche specialist Lightspeed Classic. While we’re purists at heart and would take an original car every time, Lightspeed’s 911 does look like a honey to drive.
With a broad selection of 27 classic and modern cars offered, Auctionata’s dedicated Ferrari Only sale proved successful, led by a 1991 F40 that fetched 1.1m euros – the highest price ever achieved by the auction house. Also significantly above estimate was a Ferrari 512 TR that realised 199,920 euros (inc. buyer’s premium), and a 2015 458 Speciale, which made 373,184 euros. Other big hitters were the stunning black 599 GTO (599,760 euros) and the 1977 512 BB (434,264 euros).
As a package, the F12Berlinetta is pretty untouchable among its peers: it has a monstrous naturally aspirated V12 (likely to be the last of its kind), oodles of visual drama, the sharpest of cutting-edge aerodynamics, and a dynamic balance even Philippe Petit would envy.
Exactly how it happened I can't recall, but back in 1983 I somehow became the owner of a 1972 Jaguar XJ6 which, as a 19-year-old, I couldn't afford to run. It was a lovely car, in Regency Red with a nicely worn interior trimmed in biscuit leather – but a complete white elephant nonetheless. So I reluctantly swapped it for a 250cc Kawasaki with racy Ian Dyson bodywork.