The Ferrari 250 GTO is a legendary masterpiece of automotive engineering that continues to break all records to this day. These sporty models are a tribute to the passion and dedication of Enzo Ferrari and Scuderia Ferrari GmbH .
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Ferrari 250 GTO sets auction record – most expensive car in history
In a groundbreaking auction, a stunning example of an iconic 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO was sold for the exorbitant sum of US$51.7 million (including auction fees).
Ferrari 250 GTO: A Masterpiece of Automotive Art Ferrari 250 GTO, Goodwood Revival by Oast House Archive, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This price represents a new record and marks the pinnacle in the history of the Italian automaker. The legendary Ferrari 250 GTO is one of the most sought-after models from the manufacturer's glorious 76-year history.
Originally designed a racing caronly 36 examples produced between 1962 and 1964. Potential buyers not only had to possess considerable wealth (equivalent to approximately $150,000 in today's prices), but also obtain the personal approval of Enzo Ferrari himself – a true challenge given his high standards for quality and performance.
The extraordinary feature of the recently sold vehicle with chassis number 3765 is that it was not born as a 250 GTO, but was initially a 330 LM racing car and subsequently converted into a road vehicle.
Of the 36 examples produced, this GTO is the only one that raced for Scuderia Ferrari. The buyer wishes to remain anonymous. The seller was Jim Jaeger , a collector and businessman from Ohio.
investment has paid off: In 1985, Jaeger paid the equivalent of approximately US$1.4 million to purchase the 250 GTO. With the current selling price of around US$47 million, excluding auction fees, the increase in value is thus an almost impressive 3,600 percent ( SPIEGEL Mobility reported).
The story of the Ferrari 250 GTO: From idea to masterpiece
The Ferrari 250 GTO is considered one of the most iconic automotive works of art of all time and continues to break all records to this day.
The story of this masterpiece began in the late 1950s, when Scuderia Ferrari, under Enzo Ferrari, decided to develop a new GT car.
The 250 GTO was the result of these efforts and was first presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 1962. The car was an immediate success and won numerous races in its class.
With only 36 units built, the Ferrari 250 GTO is today one of the most exclusive cars in the world and unaffordable for most people.
A 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO s/n 3445GT at the 12 Hours of Sebring in the USA on March 23, 1963. The drivers were Carlo-Maria Abate and Juan Manuel Bordeu. They finished in 5th place overall. Photographer unknown.
Nevertheless, it remains a dream car for collectors and sports car enthusiasts. The car's performance was remarkable for its time – with a powerful V12 engine, it could reach speeds of over 280 km/h. Despite this, CO2 emissions remained relatively low, proving that environmentally conscious design was possible even back then.
The price of an original Ferrari 250 GTO is now several million euros, and famous owners such as Nick Mason of Pink Floyd or Ralph Lauren have contributed to making this car a cult object.
The design of the Ferrari 250 GTO: A harmonious combination of elegance and aerodynamics
The design of the Ferrari 250 GTO is a perfect combination of elegance and aerodynamics. Every detail was meticulously crafted to achieve maximum performance while preserving the iconic beauty of Ferrari cars. The streamlined body is a masterpiece of automotive engineering and has contributed to its continued reputation as one of the most beautiful cars of all time.
The elegant look is achieved through fine lines and curves , giving the car an exceptional presence.
Furthermore, aerodynamic elements such as air intakes, spoilers, and diffusers were added to reduce drag. The result is a car with stunning aesthetics and impressive performance on the racetrack.
Enzo Ferrari himself was very proud of this model and considered it his magnum opus. Today, the price of an original 250 GTO is unaffordable for most people, but it remains a dream car for collectors and sports car enthusiasts worldwide.
The technology: performance, speed and precision
The Ferrari 250 GTO is not only a masterpiece of automotive art, but also an amazing example of the technology and performance that was possible in the 1960s.
With a 3-liter V12 engine, the Ferrari 250 GTO could reach a top speed of over 280 km/h and accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in less than six seconds. The car's advanced aerodynamics and low weight also contributed to its impressive performance.
It's no wonder this sports car was so successful in the races of its time and still enjoys legendary status today. Although CO2 emissions and fuel consumption are concerns now, it's worth remembering that these factors weren't a priority back then. The Ferrari 250 GTO was an icon of its era and will remain so – a symbol of the pursuit of perfection in automotive engineering.
Successes in motorsport: Records, victories and the creation of legends
In motorsport, the Ferrari 250 GTO was a true champion. From 1962 to 1964, the car won numerous races, including victories in prestigious events such as the 12 Hours of Sebring , the Targa Florio , the 1000 km of Spa-Francorchamps , and Le Mans .
The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO s/n 3413GT at the Targa Florio on April 26, 1964, driven by its owner Corrado Ferlaino from Naples and Luigo Taramazzo (as co-driver), finishing in 5th place. The car has just received a new front end and looks like a 1964 model (Series II). Photographed by Geoffrey Goddard
In 1962 and 1963, the car not only achieved second places at Le Mans, but also won the GT classification.
Owner and Managing Director of Kunstplaza. Journalist, editor, and passionate blogger in the field of art, design, and creativity since 2011. Successful completion of a degree in web design as part of a university study (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expressive painting, and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.
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