Meet The Classic Ferrari 250 GTO That Could Sell For $60 Million
An ultra-rare example of the world’s most valuable production car is headed to auction.
Classic car collectors are liable to encounter what’s billed as a “sale of a lifetime” more than once in their lifetime. But in the case of this Ferrari 250 GTO on offer from RM Sotheby’s, that rarefied billing just might be accurate.
This particular Ferrari is not only an example of what’s widely considered to be the rarest and most coveted Prancing Horse of all time, but arguably the most valuable production vehicle model in the world. Though a $70 million Ferrari 250 GTO was usurped by a $143 million Mercedes-Benz SLR for the “world’s most expensive car” title in 2022, that Merc was a one-of-two prototype.
By contrast, Ferrari built 36 250 GTOs—”250″ being the engine displacement of each cylinder in cubic centimeters, and “GTO” being Gran Turismo Omologato, Italian for Grand Touring Homologated.
Designed by legendary engineer Giotto Bizzarrini with help from an early application of a wind tunnel, the 250 GTO debuted in 1962 as a souped up version of the already FIA race-homologated 250 GT.
A 3.0-liter Colombo short-block V12 featuring dry-sump lubrication and six dual-throat Weber carburetors sent 300 horsepower through a new five-speed synchromesh gearbox, while the chassis benefitted from lighter tubing in some areas of the frame, helping to save 250 pounds in comparison to the 250 GT. Most importantly, the engine and chassis were placed closer to the ground, thereby lowering the car’s center of gravity and improving handling.
With a 3.0-liter engine, the 250 GTO became a dominant racer. But this example, chassis No. 3765, isn’t one of those 36 3.0-liter GTOs. This is actually one of just three with an enlarged 4.0-liter V12, which were produced after a 4.0-liter GT class was opened by the L’Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) in 1962 and adopted shortly thereafter by Sebring, the Nurburgring 1000 KM, and other top endurance races.
Road and Track has more details on its racing pedigree and provenance:
GTOs are race cars, so this one has a competition history. This car won its class at the 1962 1000 kilometers of the Nürburgring, finishing second overall. It retired at the 1962 24 Hours of Le Mans, but only after spinning while fighting for the race lead on the opening lap.
During 38 years with its current owner, a different kind of competition followed in its retirement: In a 2011 concours showing of 23 of the 39 GTOs ever built, this car came in second. In 2012, it won best in show at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.
Expect this crown jewel Ferrari 250 GTO to fetch $60 million or more when it’s auctioned off on November 13 in New York. Tap here to learn more or register to bid.
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