The Ferrari 250 GTO is one of the most iconic and sought-after classic cars in the history of the motor car.
RM Sotheby’s auctioned a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO for a hammer price of $51.7 million, making it the most expensive Ferrari sold at auction.
Rarity is paramount in the world of classic sports cars; Ferrari only produced 36 cars between 1962 and 1964.
The GTO is powered by a 3.0-litre V12, producing around 300hp in a very light body for the period, a top speed of 174 mph and, even more impressive, a sub 3 seconds 0-60mph.
The 250 was a homologation allowing it to race in the Group 3 Grand Touring series.
Group 3 Grand Touring racing homologation regulations require 100 road-going units to be produced.
Ferrari did not play by these rules, having built only 36.
Despite this ‘oversight’ by Mr Ferrari, the GTO dominated the series.
Its design is considered one of the most beautiful motorcars ever built. It was designed by Giotto Bizzarrini and Sergio Scaglietti.
GTO is the short version of Gran Turismo Omologato, which is, in English, Grand Touring Homologated.
Of the 36 250 GTOs, only 33 have the original Series I (1962-1963) bodywork. The remaining 3 have the 1964 Series II body resembling the Ferrari 250 LM.
As far as I know, all 33 still exist, and many are competitively racing today.
The Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason bought his 250 GTO from the sales proceeds of The Dark Side of the Moon album.
The Ferrari 250 GTO is more than just a car; it’s a passport to Motor Car Nirvana.
