A 1959 Ferrari 250 GT Competizione alloy Berlinetta headlined Bonhams' Quail Lodge auction on August 14.
The model sold for $8.5m.
 The 1959 Ferrari 250 GT achieved third place in the 1958 Tour de France |
A superbly kept example of this classic design, the car also has a strong racing pedigree. It achieved third place overall in the 1958 Tour de France.
Following a painstaking restoration in 2011 it has been decorated at various concours and car shows across the US.
The auction house explained: "Not only does the car represent a fascinating design transition to the more widely produced 250 GT SWB Berlinetta, but it exemplifies the competition success of the early 250 GT Berlinettas at the Tour de France Auto, where the model performed so well that it became synonymous with the race."
A 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta made $13.2m at RM Sotheby's this weekend.
A 1985 Ferrari 288GTO realised $2.3m at the Bonhams sale.
The model was hugely popular on its release and retains a strong following today.
Bonhams explained: "The last few years have seen the 288GTO rightfully assume its status as a truly collectible icon, by merit of its modest production, iconic design and blistering performance.
"Amazingly, it is thought that only 15%, or three dozen of these cars exist in the U.S. today, making the chance to acquire one and one of this quality exceedingly rare."
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