Chris Evans yesterday reportedly spent a record £5.6 million on a Ferrari.
DJ and car enthusiast Chris, 42, purchased the 1961 250 GT SWB California Spyder setting a new world record price for a car at auction.
The beautiful Ferrari was once owned by legendary Hollywood actor James Coburn.
Radio 2 broadcaster Chris, who already owns an impressive and expensive fleet of motors, sat in the front row at the auction with his golfer wife Natasha Shishmanian, 27.
Multi-millionaire Chris wore a black velvet jacket and torn jeans whilst sipping beer from a bottle, during the auction.
Apparently there was a tense 30-minute bidding war for the gorgeous, black convertible car.
The prices of these Ferraris has taken off in recent years and Chris Evans, who has been after an even rarer racing 250 GTO Ferrari “until they leapt in price”, was determined to own this famous example.
Sitting with Chris and his wife Natasha in the front row of the auction with his advisor from Talacrest, a Ferrari specialist.
At one point, with a bid of £4.9m against him, Chris was gently encouraged to take some thinking time by auctioneer Peter Bainbridge.
Chris said,”I need a Budweiser.
“A Budweiser?” boomed Mr Bainbridge. “We’ll get you a whole case.”
Chris said, “I thought it was the funniest thing ever.”
Unsurprisingly there were several other enthusiasts present at the annual Ferrari sale in Maranello, Italy, which sent the price shooting past the pre-auction estimate of £2.8 million.
A spokesman for RM Auction said, “Chris made a successful bid for his Ferrari, which will take pride of place in his own celebrated collection.”
After the auction Chris was quoted as saying, “I love it, it’s great. I’ve always wanted a car like this since I was a little boy. This is the best of the best. It seems a lot of money now, but in five to 10 years time it’ll be out of my range.’
“I didn’t expect it to go for that price, but I’m fine, absolutely calm. I’ve just had a Guinness.”
He said he has yet to drive the Ferrari, saying, “I’ve never driven a car like that in my life.”
This year’s Sunday Times Rich List estimates Chris Evans’s personal wealth at £45 million ($88 million). Chris found fame in 1992 by launching The Big Breakfast Show on Channel Four. He now hosts a BBC drive-time radio show, and invests in property and vintage cars.
James Coburn, who died in 2002, appeared in more than 100 films including The Magnificent Seven and The Great Escape, purchased the car in 1964. James sold the car in 1987 and it has had a number of private owners since.
The £5.6 million sum is the highest ever paid for that model and age of Ferrari at auction.
The previous record was £5.4 million in 1981.
This purchase is not out of character for generous Chris Evans, in 2000 he famously purchased a Ferrari which he filled with roses, for his then future and now second ex- wife Billie Piper, just one day after meeting her.
At the time Billie said she was “ecstatic” despite the fact she couldn’t drive.
Good for Chris, he works hard and he has donated millions of pounds to charity, so he deserves to enjoy some of his wealth himself. I’m sure he’ll have a blast driving his gorgeous new set of wheels.

ZOQY