For the 15th time, David Gooding, who has been operating as Gooding Christie's for several months following the takeover, is organizing an auction on the occasion of the Amelia Island Concours. On March 6 and 7, 2025, more than 100 cars will be auctioned off, including the vehicles that Ken Roath has maintained in his carefully curated collection.
"Ken Roath's collection is known for its carefully selected cars that have been maintained and restored to the highest standards. It contains the finest European GT sports cars of the 1950s and 1960s," explains David Brynan, Senior Specialist at Gooding Christie's. "
"All of the Alfa Romeos have lightweight bodies and have a long European racing history, including at Le Mans and the Tour de France. The five Porsches represent the entire evolution of the 356 model, from the 1952 Coupé to last year's SC Cabriolet, culminating in two Carrera models with four-camshaft engines. His vintage Ferraris, a 250 Europa GT and a 365 GTC, represent the understated elegance of the classic GT cars from the Pininfarina brand. These are all exceptionally high-quality vehicles and we are delighted to be able to present a collection of this caliber at the auction," adds Brynan.
Passionate collector
Born in Los Angeles, Ken Roath was passionate about cars from a young age. His business success allowed him to pursue classic cars as a hobby, with his greatest passion being the Ferrari brand. Ken Roath owns more than 15 cars of the brand with the prancing horse, from the first models from the 1950s to the latest supercars, and has actively participated in many Ferrari-specific events. His classic cars, often restored in collaboration with Ferrari Classiche in Italy, have successfully competed in the world's most prestigious concours, including Pebble Beach, Villa d'Este, Cavallino and FCA Concours.
On offer is the Ferrari 250 Europa GT from 1955 with chassis number 0419 GT, which was once shown at the Brussels Motor Show and which was used in many races with Jacques Swaters, Olivier Gendebien and Léon Dernier at the wheel. It was estimated to be worth between USD 1.75 and 2.25 million.
The 250 Europa is accompanied by three other Ferraris, namely a 365 GTC from 1969 (USD 650,000 to 850,000), a 360 Challenge Stradale from 2004 (USD 250,000 to 325,000) and the 550 Maranello from 2001, which was measured at 222 MPH at Bonneville (USD 140,000 to 180,000).
Among the five Porsche 356s, the 356 C Carrera 2 as a coupé from 1964 (USD 550,000 to 650,000) stands out.
Another rare opportunity is the Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ from 1965 with its original engine (USD 1.3 to 1.6 million).
The Ala Romeo Giulietta SZ Coda Tronca from 1962 (USD 550,000 to 750,000) has an exciting racing history, as this car took part in the 1962 24 Hours of Le Mans. Karl Foitek and Ricciardo Ricci were among those at the wheel.
The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Alleggerita from 1956 (USD 250,000 to 350,000) can also look back on many race participations.
The part of the collection that will go under the hammer in Amelia Island will be supplemented by two pre-war Ford models with hot-rod characteristics. Many of the automobiles collected by Ken Roath will also soon be going under the hammer and will be auctioned online in April 2025.
Further information and pictures of the cars at the Gooding Christie's auction in Amelia Island can be found on the Gooding website.
