At an auction in New York, a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO sports car fetched a staggering $51.7 million, becoming the second most expensive car ever sold at auction, as announced by Sotheby’s. This iconic bright red roadster, previously owned by an American collector for 38 years, was only outpriced by a Mercedes 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe sold for 135 million euros ($144 million at current exchange rates) in 2022.
Despite being sold for less than the anticipated $60 million, the 250 GTO, featuring a four-litre engine with 390 horsepower, has a remarkable history. Chassis 3765, known in the racing community, achieved second place in the 1,000 km endurance race at Germany’s Nurburgring circuit and participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans before withdrawing due to an engine failure. After its competitive tenure in Italy and Sicily, the car was exported to the US in the late 1960s.
The Journey and Restoration of the Ferrari 250 GTO
Having undergone restoration and modifications, the 250 GTO changed hands among various American owners before being acquired by an Ohio collector in 1985. This collector was responsible for selling the car at Monday’s auction. The sale of this historic vehicle not only marks a significant event in car auctions but also celebrates the rich legacy of the Ferrari 250 GTO in motorsports history.
