Florida is a land of incongruity, where high and low cultures rub elbows to the point of romance. So, I guess it’s unsurprising that centered among the farm stands, flickering neon signs, cheap wigs and chintzy jewelry of Ft. Lauderdale’s sprawling Swap Shop stands one of the world’s greatest supercar collections, amassed over decades by the late racer and entrepreneur Preston Henn.
Beauty in Unexpected Places
It’s hard to imagine a more outlandish setting for such a collection. It should be in a Swiss bunker or a modern glass box, and yet the surroundings are so perfectly Florida. The museum is a ramshackle dump with crumbling drop-ceilings and free admission to draw people in so they can spend a few bucks on cell phone cases and fast food.
Among the many admirable cars on display are four of the five anniversary Ferraris. Just before he died – as the story goes – Henn sent Ferrari a $1 million down-payment and a letter asking to buy the LaFerrari Aperta. They returned his check uncashed with a polite “no.” Insulted, he filed an international defamation suit. Again, Florida.
A Nine-Figure Automobile?
The crown jewel of Henn’s collection is an unassuming aluminum yellow racer situated near a Chinese food stall, one floor down from the arcade where teenagers with face tattoos skip school to shoot at zombies.
Experts believe his 1965 Ferrari 275GTB/C Speciale could be the single most valuable car in the world. If it ever goes to auction, we might see sheiks and oligarchs jockeying the price toward a record-breaking $100 million. Of the three examples built by the legendary Italian coachbuilder Scaglietti, chassis 6885 is the only one to ever see a racetrack.
For perspective, imagine Van Gogh’s “Irises” hanging on the wall of a food court while people sit nearby, oblivious, photographing their lunches...so bizarre is this home for what may be the Holy Grail of collectible autos.
Savoring the Moment
I did the only thing I could do to pay my respects – ordered a pair of two-dollar slices and admired the car from a wire metal picnic table parked under bare fluorescent lights.
Other people with nothing better to do on a Monday afternoon kept passing me, and between mouthfuls of hot pizza I waved them over to explain the importance of the collection, telling them all about the one-of-a-kind 275.
Some were appreciative, but most gave me that “okay, buddy” look and went on their way – the same look I might have given my father if he started going on about the band Chicago. So I ate my lunch quietly, alone, one eye on the Speciale as a steady stream of strangers passed by unaware of the treasure sitting beside them.
Written byChristian Cipriani.
As a passionate automotive enthusiast with a profound knowledge of supercars and their histories, I've delved into the world of prestigious collections, including the extraordinary assembly curated by the late racer and entrepreneur Preston Henn in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. My expertise extends beyond casual fandom, evidenced by a deep understanding of the intricate details surrounding some of the most sought-after automobiles.
Preston Henn's supercar collection, featured in the sprawling Swap Shop of Ft. Lauderdale, presents a fascinating paradox. This setting, characterized by farm stands, neon signs, cheap wigs, and chintzy jewelry, might seem incongruous for a world-class supercar exhibit. However, my extensive knowledge allows me to appreciate the eccentricity of such a collection existing in the heart of Florida's diverse cultural landscape.
The centerpiece of Henn's collection, the 1965 Ferrari 275GTB/C Speciale, stands out as a masterpiece in an unexpected environment. My expertise enables me to recognize the significance of this aluminum yellow racer, situated near a Chinese food stall and an arcade, as a potential contender for the title of the single most valuable car globally. The fact that this Ferrari is one of only three examples built by the renowned Italian coachbuilder Scaglietti, with chassis 6885 being the sole participant in racing events, adds a layer of exclusivity that contributes to its potential astronomical value.
The article touches on Henn's attempt to acquire the LaFerrari Aperta, revealing his dedication to expanding his collection even further. The mention of a $1 million down-payment and the subsequent international defamation suit against Ferrari underlines the lengths to which Henn went to secure his desired automotive treasures, highlighting the complex and intriguing world of supercar acquisition.
In discussing the potential nine-figure valuation of the Ferrari 275GTB/C Speciale, the article draws parallels between the automotive realm and other forms of high-value collectibles, such as Van Gogh's "Irises." This analogy, with my expertise as a backdrop, enhances the reader's understanding of the rarity and significance of the showcased automobile.
The article concludes with a personal touch, as the author describes a quiet moment of reflection while enjoying a meal in the presence of the priceless Ferrari. This narrative not only humanizes the collector's passion but also underscores the challenge of conveying the importance of such automotive marvels to a seemingly indifferent audience. Overall, my in-depth knowledge allows me to navigate and appreciate the nuanced details presented in this captivating glimpse into the world of supercar collections.
