A 1957 Ferrari 625/250 Testarossa from renowned car collector Bruce Meyer has taken home Best of Show at the 23rd annual The Quail by The Peninsula, A Motorsports Gathering at Monterey Car Week.

The Scaglietti-bodied Ferrari emerged on top of a field of more than 200 significant automobiles, earning recognition for its design, craftsmanship and racing pedigree. The victory also adds another major accolade to Meyer’s decades-long legacy as one of the most respected figures in the collector-car world.

As Best of Show winner, the Ferrari was inducted into the Rolex Circle of Champions. Meyer was also presented with a specially engraved Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 by Luca Bernasconi, president and CEO of Rolex USA. 

A racing pedigree with underworld connections 

Originally purchased by West Coast Ferrari importer and race driver John von Neumann, it was campaigned in Southern California together with Richie Ginther. The Ferrari 625/250 Testarossa competed during the 1957 racing season and recorded 11 victories. 

The car was later fitted with a 3.0-liter Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa V12, further strengthening its racing credentials. In 1961, von Neumann sold 0672 to fellow importer and team owner Otto Zipper, whose team raced it with legendary driver Ken Miles. Miles won its debut at Santa Barbara in 1962, but after blowing the engine at Pomona later that year, Zipper retired the six-year-old racer.

After its successful racing career, the Testarossa spent the next decade as a garage queen, changing hands among wealthy collectors. It was later restored in London before being sold at Christie’s Monaco for $1.1 million to Dutch businessman Charles Zwolsman.

But it seems that he had other businesses going on, as he was soon arrested on drug-smuggling charges; the Dutch government seized and liquidated his collection, eventually putting the Ferrari back on the market. It was then acquired by Bruce Meyer for just under $1 million.

Its combination of rarity, distinctive Scaglietti coachwork, and significant racing history and provenance made it a standout among the exceptional cars gathered at The Quail Golf Club. The Ferrari’s victory also reflected the core values celebrated by The Quail, including automotive heritage, craftsmanship, innovation and motorsport. 

Celebrating Bruce Meyer’s legacy

Meyer’s influence at this year’s event extended beyond the winning Ferrari. Six cars from his collection were displayed on the greens, while The Bruce Meyer Collection was featured as one of five special classes at The Quail.

Rather than collecting cars based solely on value or prestige, Meyer has long described himself as an enthusiast driven by history and personal interest. His collection reflects that philosophy, bringing together historically significant automobiles with stories tied to motorsport, engineering, and automotive culture. 

With his Ferrari taking Best of Show, Meyer once again demonstrated why his name remains synonymous with the preservation and appreciation of some of the world’s most important collector cars.