A pristine, unrestored 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO is poised to become the most expensive car ever sold, potentially exceeding $70 million at Mecum Auctions in Kissimmee, Florida. This staggering price reflects not just the car’s rarity, but its racing pedigree and exceptional condition.
The 250 GTO: An Icon of Automotive History
The Ferrari 250 GTO is widely regarded as the pinnacle of Ferrari’s early racing achievements. Built between 1962 and 1964, fewer than 40 units were produced for the International GT Championship. These cars blended cutting-edge aerodynamics with a legendary V-12 engine, making them dominant on the track.
Under the hood lies a 3.0-liter Type 168/62 Comp V-12 engine, producing around 300 horsepower. Coupled with a five-speed manual transmission, this powertrain delivered exceptional performance and endurance for its era. The combination of power and reliability proved crucial in long-distance races.
The Unique History of Chassis 3729GT
The particular 250 GTO up for sale, chassis number 3729GT, stands out due to its unique history. It is the only factory-delivered 250 GTO finished in “Special White,” a custom request by its first owner, British racing team owner John Coombs.
Coombs also specified functional modifications that remain on the car today: hood slots, a third air intake on the fender, and a cabin ventilation duct connected to a front headlight. These modifications demonstrate that this car was not merely a showpiece, but an actively raced machine.
Racing Legacy and Notable Owners
The Ferrari Special White achieved significant racing success, including a class victory and multiple second-place finishes on prominent British and European circuits. Legendary drivers such as Graham Hill, Jack Sears, Mike Parkes, Roy Salvadori, and Richie Ginther all piloted the car during its competitive career.
In 1962 and 1963, it finished second overall at the RAC Tourist Trophy in Goodwood, a crucial result in the FIA GT Championship that contributed to Ferrari’s world titles. The car was so advanced that Jaguar even borrowed it for comparative tests, confirming its superiority over the E-Type.
After its racing days, the car passed through the hands of several collectors, notably Jack Sears, who owned it for nearly three decades. Since 1999, it has been part of the Jon Shirley Collection. Shirley maintained the car’s originality, participating in events like the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and Goodwood Revival, while ensuring necessary repairs and refinements without invasive restoration.
The Price Tag: Why $70 Million?
The estimated $70 million valuation is driven by the car’s unique history, original condition, and racing pedigree. The Ferrari Classiche Red Book certifies its authenticity, further enhancing its value. The combination of rarity, provenance, and preservation makes this 250 GTO a collector’s dream.
The extreme price point underscores the growing market for classic and historically significant automobiles, where provenance and originality are paramount. This auction will likely set a new benchmark for automotive collectibility, demonstrating that some vehicles transcend mere transportation to become irreplaceable cultural artifacts.
