The convertible, formerly owned by Hollywood actor James Coburn, has surpassed the previous record, set at Sotheby's Monaco in 1990, when a buyer paid $10.7 million for a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO racing car, which historically go for high prices.
The Spyder's new owner, British television and radio personality and high-profile Ferrari enthusiast Chris Evans, paid twice the estimated price for the car at the Ferrari-themed event "Ferrari Leggenda e Passione."
The California Spyder, equipped with a 280-horsepower 3.0-liter V12 engine, is considered "one of the most beautiful and functional vehicles ever made," the auction house said. Only 56 were ever produced.
The world's most expensive modern car, according to Forbes, is the Bugatti Veyron priced at $1.2 million in 2006.
