Gooding Christie’s is thrilled to present the Ken Roath Collection at the 15th annual Amelia Island Auctions, taking place on March 6-7, 2025 at the Omni Amelia Island Resort. This extraordinary collection features a selection of vintage and modern sports cars from Ferrari, Porsche, Alfa Romeo, and Ford—many offered without reserve.
Roath, a Southern California native, has long been a distinguished figure in the classic car community, renowned for his dedication to acquiring, restoring, and preserving legendary automobiles. His collection represents the culmination of his lifelong passion for European sporting cars, with several having been expertly restored in collaboration with marque specialists and actively participated in prestigious concours events.
Here is our selection of 5 cars on offer from the Ken Roath Collection:
1955 Ferrari 250 Europa GT (Estimate: $1,750,000 - $2,250,000)
A remarkable example of Ferrari’s first true grand tourer, chassis 0419 GT is one of the finest surviving Ferrari 250 Europa GTs. Originally finished in the elegant and distinctive combination of Bianco Latte (Milk White) with a Verde (Green) roof and Grigio (Gray) leather upholstery, it was delivered new to Jacques Swaters’ famed Garage Francorchamps in Belgium. The car made its debut at the 1956 Brussels Motor Show before being actively campaigned by Swaters’ racing team, driven by renowned figures such as Olivier Gendebien, Jacques Swaters, and Léon Dernier, who later became its first private owner. Over the following decades, 0419 GT remained in the hands of only a few dedicated caretakers, passing through Belgium, the Netherlands, and Italy before joining the esteemed Ken Roath Collection in 2007.
Under Mr. Roath’s ownership, the Europa GT underwent a world-class, factory-authorized restoration at Ferrari Classiche in Maranello, where the car was stripped to bare metal and refinished in its original colors. The mechanical components, including the original engine, gearbox, and differential, were fully rebuilt, resulting in a Ferrari Classiche Red Book certification. Since its restoration, 0419 GT has claimed top honors at prestigious concours events worldwide, including Platinum and Excellence Cup awards at Cavallino Classic, First in Class at The Unique Cars International Concours, and the Trofeo BMW Group Classic at Villa d’Este. Beyond the show circuit, it has been driven extensively in major rally events such as the 1000 Miglia, which it has completed four times.
Today, this Ferrari remains in exceptional condition, having also received an engine rebuild by Francorchamps of America, Inc. in 2021. Offered with an extensive history file, including a Massini Report, Ferrari Classiche documentation, original build sheets, and a tool kit, 0419 GT is an outstanding example of one of Ferrari’s most influential road cars. With a combination of period competition history, concours-winning restoration, and a well-documented provenance, this 250 Europa GT stands as one of the most desirable and historically significant vintage Ferraris ever offered.
1969 Ferrari 365 GTC (Estimate: $650,000 - $850,000)
The 1969 Ferrari 365 GTC, chassis 12071, is an exceptional example of one of Ferrari’s most refined and exclusive grand touring coupes. As the ultimate evolution of the GTC lineage, the 365 model introduced a more powerful 4.4-liter Tipo 245/C V-12 engine, producing 320 horsepower, and incorporated key refinements such as front cooling vents relocated to the hood for improved airflow. Built in a limited production run of just 168 units, the 365 GTC was lauded for its combination of high-speed touring capability and everyday usability, featuring a fully independent suspension, ventilated disc brakes, and a luxurious, driver-focused cabin.
Originally delivered to Belgium via Jacques Swaters’ prestigious Garage Francorchamps, chassis 12071 was factory-finished in the elegant shade of Blu Tourbillon over beige Connolly leather and equipped with desirable features such as air-conditioning, power windows, and a Voxson 8-track stereo. After spending time in both the U.S. and Japan, the car was acquired by Ken Roath in 2012, who immediately embarked on an award-winning restoration. Overseen by Beckman Metal Works, with mechanical components rebuilt by Ferrari Classiche, the comprehensive effort returned the car to its as-delivered specification. Since completion, the car has achieved multiple Platinum Awards at prestigious events, including the Cavallino Classic and FCA National Meet, and was showcased in Ferrari’s 70th Anniversary exhibit at Casa Ferrari in Pebble Beach.
Retaining its matching-numbers engine, transaxle, and bodywork, and certified by Ferrari Classiche, this 365 GTC stands as a prime example of one of Ferrari’s most accomplished road cars. With its powerful yet refined driving dynamics, striking original color scheme, and extensive concours pedigree, chassis 12071 is a truly outstanding representation of Ferrari’s grand touring excellence.
1964 Porsche 356 C Carrera 2 Coupe (Estimate: $550,000 - $650,000)
The 1964 Porsche 356 C Carrera 2 Coupe, chassis 129714, is one of only 101 C-series examples built, representing the ultimate evolution of the legendary four-cam 356. Featuring the powerful two-liter Type 587/1 flat-four engine, producing 130 horsepower, the Carrera 2 was the most advanced and highest-performing version of the 356, equipped with a four-speed manual transaxle and upgraded ATE disc brakes for superior stopping power. Finished in its striking factory-original color combination of Irish Green over black leatherette with gray corduroy inserts, this rare Porsche was optioned with a Blaupunkt Frankfurt radio, safety belts, Coco mats, and chrome wheels.
Originally delivered in May 1964 to its first owner in New Hampshire via the German dealer Max Moritz, this Carrera 2 went on to be owned by several prominent Porsche collectors, including Michael Simonhoff and David Mohlman, before joining Ken Roath’s esteemed collection in 2012. Under Mr. Roath’s stewardship, the car received meticulous maintenance from top Porsche specialists, including a recent engine rebuild by renowned four-cam expert Jim Ansite. In concours competition, the car earned an impressive 220.8 out of 225 points at the 356 Club of Southern California Concours d’Elegance in Dana Point, underscoring its exceptional condition and authenticity.
Retaining its matching-numbers engine and transaxle, with factory-stamped body panels, this 356 C Carrera 2 is presented with a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, Kardex copy, and original owner’s manual. As one of the rarest and most refined iterations of the 356 line, this Irish Green Carrera 2 is a highly sought-after collector’s piece, offering both historical significance and exhilarating performance for the discerning Porsche enthusiast.
1959 Porsche 356 A 1600 GS Carrera Deluxe Coupe (Estimate: $450,000 - $550,000)
The 1959 Porsche 356 A 1600 GS Carrera Deluxe Coupe, chassis 105255, is an incredibly rare and highly sought-after example of Porsche's early four-cam models. One of only 31 Carrera 1600 GS Coupes built for the 1959 model year, this exceptional car features the more powerful 1,587 cc Type 692/2 engine, delivering 105 horsepower. With its twin-grille rear deck lid, the Carrera GS is the most refined and luxurious variant of the A-series 356. Finished in its original Ruby Red over black vinyl upholstery, this 356 was delivered new to a U.S. Army serviceman stationed in Bavaria, Germany, and retains its matching-numbers engine, making it a true piece of Porsche history.
Ken Roath acquired this rare Carrera in 2013, and under his ownership, the car was carefully maintained and presented in concours-worthy condition. It earned a remarkable 221.8 out of 225 points at the 356 Club of Southern California Concours d’Elegance in Dana Point and was later invited to the Summer of Porsche exhibit at the Lyon Air Museum in 2020. Offered with a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, Kardex copy, judging sheets, and period magazine road test, this Carrera 1600 GS represents the pinnacle of Porsche's early four-cam engineering and offers collectors a rare opportunity to own a highly original and beautifully restored example of one of Porsche’s most iconic and coveted models.
1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ (Estimate: $1,300,000 - $1,600,000)
The 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ, chassis 750081, is one of the rarest and most celebrated Italian sports cars of the 1960s, built as part of the 112 examples of the TZ model produced between 1963 and 1967. Known as Alfa Romeo’s "Baby GTO," the TZ boasts a lightweight, tube-frame chassis and a stunning Zagato-designed body that exemplifies Italian craftsmanship and racing pedigree. Powered by its matching-numbers 1,570 cc DOHC alloy inline 4-cylinder engine, the model produced 160 horsepower and was a dominant force in motorsport, with notable class victories in prestigious races such as the 12 Hours of Sebring, Targa Florio, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Chassis 750081 was sold new to Luigi Citeroni in 1965 and immediately began its competition career, claiming victory in the Ascoli Colle San Marco Hillclimb. Over the next several years, the car was raced extensively in Italian hill climbs, further cementing its racing legacy. Following ownership by various enthusiasts, the TZ underwent extensive restoration work and is now beautifully presented in its period-correct configuration, retaining its original matching-numbers engine.. This iconic Alfa Romeo also boasts an extensive and well-documented racing history, including multiple entries in historic events like the Tour Auto and Coppa d’Italia.
Also part of the Ken Roath collection and offering exceptional provenance, a matching-numbers engine, and eligibility for prestigious events such as the Le Mans Classic and Tour Auto, this 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ stands as a rare opportunity for collectors seeking a true motorsport legend.
The auctions are scheduled for Thursday, March 6, at 3:00 p.m. EST, and Friday, March 7, at 11:00 a.m. EST, at the Omni Amelia Island Resort. Interested bidders must register in advance and can take part either in person or online.
