Rome, 20 May 2008: A Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder, once owned by U.S actor James Coburn, fetched nearly $11 million at auction, making it the most valuable vintage car ever sold under the hammer, organizers said on Monday.

The rare black convertible was one of 33 cars and scores of Ferrari memorabilia sold at auction on Sunday in the luxury sports carmaker's hometown of Maranello in northern Italy.

This fantastic car, an evolution of the 250 GT Tour de France, is one of the best-loved 12- cylinders ever built: it has a total displacement of 2953 cc, punches out 280 hp and features 3 carburettors. It was styled by Pininfarina, who also designed the latest addition to the Ferrari range, which was revealed online just a few days ago and has been named the California in honour of this special car.

The $10.98 million (7 million euro) price paid by British radio and television host Chris Evans eclipsed previous records for cars sold under auction, organizers RM Auctions said.

"It's a very rare Ferrari, one of just 56 built," said spokesman Terrence Lobzun. "It's a very desirable car, probably one of the most desirable Ferraris ever built as far as style and design are concerned."

Other vintage models that collectors paid top dollar for included a 1964 Ferrari 250 LM sold for 4.5 million euros while an autographed 2007 race suit owned by Formula One driver Kimi Raikkonen fetched 11,500 euros.

An assortment of items ranging from a 1952 oil tank to a bronze crucifix were also sold at the auction, which attracted Ferrari aficionados and collectors from around the world.