Disclaimer: this information may make you feel broke. 2009 was a challenging year for the economy, yet some lucky folks were not exactly feeling the strain. So if you have ever wondered how the other half lives, check out 5 of the most expensive, rare and outlandish items auctioned off in 2009:
1. A 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa-$12.2 million
2. Patek Philippe Calibre 89 watch-$5 million
3. Yves Saint Laurent’s leather chair-$28 million
4. Edward Weston photograph “Nude”-$1.6 million
5. Krug champagne-$21,200
A 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa sold for a staggering $12.2 million, snagged by an anonymous phone bidder. Only 22 of these beautiful and rare Ferrari models were made, which aides in understanding the buyer’s enthusiasm and willingness to dig a bit deeper into their wallet.
Ferrari no. 0714TR is among the most competitive racing Ferraris ever built, having won 10 races in the Americas between 1958 and 1961. Specs of the 57 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa include a V12 engine with a 2,953 cc single overhead cam boasting six Weber 38 DCN carburettors and a four-speed manual gearbox.
The previous record-holder for most expensive car sold also belongs to a Ferrari-a 1961 Ferrari 250 SWB Spyder California fetched a cool $10 million USD. Both records were set at the annual RM/Sothebys auction, held at Ferrari’s test track, Fiorano in Maranello, Italy. Not throwing $12 million at a vintage Ferrari? Try one of our Ferrari rentals Miami style, they are far lighter on the wallet.
Another outrageous auction tag of 2009 was a Patek Philippe Calibre 89 watch, which did not accurately reflect a sign of the times, pulling in $5 million and becoming the highlight of Antiquorum’s 35th anniversary sale this year, making it the most expensive and complicated watch ever created. This buyer was certainly not watching their finances.
Up next is quite possibly the most expensive chair ever sold, next to Nasa equipment. A Yves Saint Laurent leather chair went for an astounding $28 million at Christie’s. This oversized luxury chair features arms shaped like dragons, yet is otherwise quite plain and forgettable. This is right up there with the need to have some guy’s name on your underwear for bragging rights.
In the art arena, an Edward Weston photograph titled “Nude” sold for well beyond the expected price, at $1.6 million. Mr. Weston must be thrilled, as this cannot hurt his future successes, should it set the standard for his work valuations.
Lastly, we have covered expensive alcohol previously, see $1.3 million dollar Russo-Baltique vodka, yet are still amazed at what high-quality booze can sell for. This year a bottle of Krug champagne was auctioned off for $21,200-we assume you are able to disperse gold following consumption.
Post by Imagine Lifestyles Luxury Rentals