It's hard to stay motivated at work. Anyone can make it through a Thursday or Friday afternoon; it's those early Mondays and Tuesdays that really test your courage. Or worse, those weekends where the boss forced you to come in and finish up the TPS reports. Pure torture. In order to slightly soften that blow, many of us decorate our work spaces with some motivational trinkets. You might put up a photo of your significant other, a photo of your kids, or even a photo of your dream car. However, one unique individual took it a step further and went beyond just a photo: he parked his actual dream car right in his office!
Back in 1982, the owner of a light blue 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 made a bold decision. After happily driving this gorgeous piece of machinery for over ten years, he became concerned about the safety of both the car and his passengers. So, what was his solution? Did he sell the car and make a nice profit? The answer is a surprising no! This man, known as Bob, decided to drive the car into his office, park it, and leave it there for the next 33 years!
This unconventional choice may seem crazy, but it made sense for Bob. He wanted to surround himself with the things he loved. Since he spent most of his life working from his office, it became the ideal place for not just family photos, trophies, and collectibles, but also for his beloved classic cars. Alongside the Ferrari, he also had a Porsche 911 and a Triumph TR3 parked in his office, creating a unique workspace filled with his passions.
Bob's Legacy and the Auction of His Beloved Ferrari
When Bob passed away, his family reached out to David Gooding from the renowned auction house, Gooding and Company. Gooding is accustomed to strange calls about found cars but found Bob's story particularly interesting. Upon entering the office, he was captivated: "I didn’t know quite what to make of this. I walked in and didn’t want to leave. If I could have pulled up a cot, I would have." This reaction perfectly captures the allure of Bob's extraordinary workspace.
Gooding and Company is now preparing to auction the Ferrari at the Amelia Island auction, with expectations that the 275 GT/4 could fetch between $3.4 million and $3.8 million. This remarkable car has a fascinating history, having spent its first five years owned by three different Roman owners before being imported by an American exotic car re-seller who eventually found Bob. He was generous with his prized possession, sharing it with friends and fellow car enthusiasts in eastern Massachusetts.
While the car was safeguarded from harsh weather conditions, it still required some maintenance. Gooding mentioned that the brakes had to be unstuck and the paint needed a touch-up. However, it did not undergo any major restorations, which is often the case with classic cars. Gooding noted, "There are many ways to enjoy a car. Just appreciating its beauty works, too," illustrating Bob's philosophy of valuing aesthetic beauty over mere functionality.
The Value of Classic Cars and Other Auction Highlights
Last year, a Ferrari GTB/4 previously owned by actor and racer Steve McQueen sold for an astounding $10 million at auction. Given its unique history, Bob's Ferrari could also command a high price. Another interesting car set for auction at Amelia Island is a 1959 Porsche 356 A Coupe, affectionately named "Betsy." This car was parked in 1971 and remained untouched until the family sought a new home for it after the original owners passed away.
Additionally, a 1956 Maserati 200 SI is estimated to sell for around $6 million. This racing car, driven by notable racers like Stirling Moss, has a rich history of participation in historic races over the past decade. Gooding highlighted that Maseratis can be a great value compared to Ferraris, which have seen rapidly increasing prices. A rare 1953 Fiat 8V Coupe is also on the auction block, expected to sell for between $1 and $2 million, having been restored in New Zealand and reunited with its original engine.
So, if you had the money—and the space—what car would you park in your office for the next three decades?
