It is not the first time that the Ferrari 250 GTO has made headlines in the classic car auction world. The 250 GTO is one of Ferrari’s finest cars produced in the 60s’. The recent auction hosted by RM Sotheby’s on a one-off Tipo-built Ferrari 250 GTO has concluded. The final hammer price of $47 million set a new record for any Ferrari sold at auction. When accounted for fees, it reached an impressive $51.7 million approximately (AED 189.89 Million).
This jaw-dropping sale surpasses the previous record held by another Ferrari 250 GTO, a 1962 model also auctioned by RM Sotheby’s. The 1962 beauty, one of four upgraded by Scaglietti, had fetched $48.4 million, fees included. The latest transaction cements the Ferrari 250 GTO’s status not only as an automotive masterpiece but also as an investment that continues to appreciate over time.
The allure of this particular 250 GTO extends beyond its record-breaking price. Built in 1962, it belongs to the elite group of 34 GTOs with the Tipo 1962 coachwork. What sets it apart is its unique journey within Scuderia Ferrari – unlike its counterparts destined for privateer racers, this model was exclusively used by the in-house team, marking it as a true gem in Ferrari’s racing history.
The 1962 Nürburgring 1,000 Kilometers marked this GTO’s debut on the track, where it clinched first in class and second place overall. Ferrari then prepared this GTO for the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, enhancing its power to approximately 390 horsepower. Despite a challenging race at Le Mans, where the engine faced overheating issues, the modifications made for an intriguing chapter in the car’s illustrious journey.
Post-Le Mans, the car underwent significant changes, returning to standard 250 GTO specifications before finding its way to a private owner. A journey that included several owners and a move to the United States led to its acquisition by an Ohio-based enthusiast in 1985. The car then became a fixture in vintage racing and shows, even earning the Best-of-Show award at the 2011 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.
This auction marks the first time this extraordinary 250 GTO has been available in nearly four decades. RM Sotheby’s curated the sale with meticulous attention, including factory records that detail the car’s preparation for the Nürburgring and Le Mans races, as well as its later conversion to standard 250 GTO specifications.
While this sale has set a new benchmark for Ferrari auctions, it’s not the first time a 250 GTO has commanded a staggering price. As rightly put by well-known auto journalist Jeremy Clarkson, it is the greatest car ever built by Ferrari. With a limited production run of 36 cars, these are extremely desirable among collectors and enthusiasts, which has resulted in top value for the road racer!
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