Viola or GTO?
04/08/2014
Sotheby's is currently offering a viola that was once made by master craftsman Antonio Stradivari and is known as the "McDonald Viola". The musical instrument is said to be worth at least USD 45 million, putting it on a par with (or above) a Ferrari 250 GTO.
A musical car fan with a big wallet could therefore currently have to choose between a full-blown violin and a sports car if they don't have enough money for both.
Incidentally, the similarities are not just in the price! Just as the GTO only reveals its qualities while driving, the Stradivarius viola only reveals its charms when playing music. As a museum piece, both are only half as exciting. And only if they are used constantly will they remain fit and vibrant, as is expected of them. What's more, from time to time they require intervention by specialized craftsmen - violins and cars have little in common.
The Stradivari viola is said to be one of ten surviving examples, while the output of smaller violins was significantly higher. As many as 39 of the Gran Turismo Omologato were built, but here too there are much more common sisters such as the Ferrari 250 GTE or the Lusso.
Incidentally, fans also agree that both violins and sports cars sound excellent ...
