The automotive world is gearing up for one of its most anticipated events of the year: the 2025 Amelia Island Auctions. Set to take place on 6 and 7 March at the Omni Amelia Island Resort in Florida, the prestigious annual auction showcases a dazzling array of rare and historically significant cars. Traditionally held the weekend before The Amelia Concours d’Elegance, Gooding Christie’s offerings are known to be a standout at the Amelia Island Auctions, usually featuring exceptional Porsches and rare collections from famous figures, such as Jerry Seinfeld. This year, the auction house highlights an extraordinary collection from Fred Leydorf, whose love for exotic automobiles has left a prominent mark on the industry. The headline offering — a stunning 1955 Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta — promises to steal the spotlight, but it is far from the only masterpiece on offer.

Fred Leydorf & Ferrari

In the classic car world, Fred Leydorf’s legacy brings to mind an unwavering passion for cars and a true advocate for Ferrari. Leydorf’s love for automobiles began at an early age — a trait which led him to become a mechanical engineer at American Motors and Ford Motors. Eventually, his love for exotic cars extended to the Ferrari Club of America, where he played a key role in the organisation’s establishment. From 1971 to 1973, Leydorf became integral to the club’s growth, serving as its fourth president and leading its technical committee. His commitment to preserving the legacy of these vehicles — along with his extensive network of friends in the automotive world — allowed him to create a collection of rare and historically significant cars.

The 1955 Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta holds a particularly special place in Leydorf’s heart. This particular example — a chassis 0472 AM — is expected to fetch between USD 8,000,000 and USD 10,000,000, and serves as a historic example of Ferrari’s engineering prowess and exclusivity. David Gooding, president of Gooding Christie’s, shared his enthusiasm for the sale: “It is an incredible honour to bring the Fred Leydorf Collection to market, especially his magnificent Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta which has long been considered the centrepiece of his well-known collection for over 55 years. We are proud of our exceptional catalogue for Amelia Island, and are confident that our first official auction as Gooding Christie’s will be a most memorable occasion.”

Originally ordered by Alfred Ducato, the vice president of the United California Bank in San Francisco and a dedicated Ferrari enthusiast, the 375 MM Berlinetta was custom-built to Ducato’s specifications. The executive had a longstanding personal relationship with both Enzo Ferrari and Ferrari’s American distributor, Luigi Chinetti, and his Ferrari orders were known for their meticulous detail. When the car was completed in February 1955, it was finished in Ferrari’s striking light blue Azzurro colour, sporting a contrasting black roof and natural leather interior. Ducato’s Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta would go on to represent the pinnacle of Ferrari’s road-going sports cars of the era, winning First in Class for European Sports Cars over USD 10,000 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 1956.

Eventually, the car passed to Norman N. Thompson, who repainted the car in the traditional Ferrari racing red during the 1960s. Leydorf acquired the car in 1969, where he sought to learn more about the car’s rich history. In the following years, Leydorf consulted with a network of trusted Ferrari experts, including the legendary Aurelio Lampredi — Ferrari’s renowned engineer — who provided a sketch of the engine’s internal workings. Leydorf’s enthusiasm for history and authenticity guided the car’s restoration, culminating in a triumphant debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2006 — exactly 50 years after the car was first shown at the event by Ducato.

Since its restoration, the Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta has been shown at select concours events, to great acclaim. Most recently, it earned the Best of Show Foreign award at the 2019 Concours d’Elegance and the Pavilion Award at the 2022 Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance. Today, the 375 MM’s current condition is a testament to the dedication Leydorf invested in the car over more than 55 years of ownership, retaining its original engine, gearbox, and differentials.

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An Exhilarating Auction Lineup

While the Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta is undoubtedly the star of the auction, other notable vehicles are sure to capture the attention of collectors.

1959 Porsche 356 A 1600 GS/GT Carrera Speedster

Estimated between USD 900,000 to USD 1,200,000, this 1959 example is bodied by Reutter, one of Porsche’s most renowned coachbuilders, and is also a notable car in The Fred Leydorf Collection. Throughout its time, the car has competed in some of the most prestigious racing events of its time, including Zandvoort, Avus, Solitude, and Monza. In recent years, it was awarded First in Class and Best Porsche at the 2017 Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance, further elevating its value as a collector’s item.

1960 Porsche 356 B Roadster

Also included in The Fred Leydorf is a 1960 Porsche 356 B Roadster, fetching a price between USD 175,000 and USD 225,000, without reserve. Featuring coachwork by Drauz, the car is finished in Porsche’s rare colour of Fjord Green. This particular 356 B Roadster is a standout example of Porsche’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship during the era, with its pristine condition and timeless aesthetic making it a sought-after classic.

1968 Lamborghini Miura P400 S

The 1968 Lamborghini Miura P400 S is undoubtedly one of the star attractions at the upcoming Amelia Island Auctions. This Miura showcases its stunning Berton coachwork, dressed in a striking Rosso Corsa (racing red) with a Skay Nero (black) interior and dark blue inserts. This example was owned by Giulio Vignale, nephew of legendary coachbuilder Alfredo Vignale, who acquired the car in 1969 and held onto it for an impressive 39 years. In more recent times, the car underwent a comprehensive restoration carried out by Miura specialists Carrozzeria Cremonini and Top Motors. As a result, the car is remarkably authentic, featuring numerous period-correct details and retaining much of its original documentation, including its Certificate d’Origine. With just over 7,800 kilometres on the odometer, this case is expected to fetch between USD 2,500,000 and USD 3,000,000.

1964 Porsche 904 Carrera GTS

One of only 108 examples ever built, the 1964 Porsche 904 Carrera GTS is an iconic piece of motorsport history, estimated at a price between USD 1,500,000 to USD 1,800,000. Finished in silver metallic with a blue interior, this chassis 904-028 was originally owned by German racer Gerhard Koch. During his ownership, the car excelled on the racetrack, securing victories such as the Rheinland-Pfalz Trophy at the Nürburgring and a 2nd overall finish at the Grand Prix de Paris. After passing to another German racer, Rainer Ising, the car continued its success in European events before architect Alexander Pollack acquired the car in 1972, where it stayed for more than five decades. Thanks to its careful preservation, the Porsche 904 has retained many of its original components, including its body, tail section, and seating. The car is accompanied by an in-depth report by Porsche historian Jerry Pantis, who considers it one of the most authentic and historically significant examples of the Porsche 904 in existence.

1954 Fiat 8V Series II Berlinetta

The 1954 Fiat 8V Series II Berlinetta is revered for its stunning design by Fabio Luigi Rapi and Carrozzerie Speciali, featuring a distinctive style of secondary lower lights and front end. This 8V remains a testament to its meticulous preservation, retaining its matching-numbers engine (no. 000139) as confirmed by factory records. Originally finished in a sleek light green (Verde Metallizzata) and trimmed in beige leather, it has preserved its original interior for an impressive 71 years. The Italian car remained in its home country for most of its life, acquired by Angelo Brinobet in 1980, who owned a Fiat/Alfa Romeo dealership. Under Brinobet, the car was entered into 1000 Miglia reenactments and earned FIVA certification along with an ASI Gold status — a rare accolade reserved for vehicles in outstanding original condition. The Otto Vu also boasts entry acceptance for both the 2025 Warm Up USA event and the 2026 1000 Miglia, and is expected to fetch a price of USD 1,000,000 to USD 1,400,000.

1970 Porsche 914/6 GT

A rare gem from Porsche’s racing history, the 1970 Porsche 914/6 GT is one of only 12 factory works cars built for GT endurance testing. It was originally owned by German privateer racer Gotthard Egerland, and the car was actively campaigned in a variety of events, including at the 1970 ADAC Eifelpokalrennen 500 Kilometers at the Nürburgring, where it secured a 6th place finish. Egerland raced the car until 1976, where subsequent owners continued the car’s racing legacy, such as Markus Schachtschneider, who used it in several historic European events. In 2019, the car underwent an exhaustive two-year nut-and-bolt restoration by Porsche specialist Gaswerks Garage. With its original colour scheme, a 901/25 twin-plug competition engine, and a detailed report by marque historian Jürgen Barth, the 914/6 GT is priced at USD 850,000 to USD 1,000,000.

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