A detailed look at the Ferrari 250 GTO Pininfarina Coupe ...
Last week we learned that for the first time in a long time a Ferrari 250 GTO has come onto the open market. Generally considered one of the most valuable cars in the world, these Ferrari GT-racer usually change hands in complete privacy. Rumour has that for one of the most recent 250 GTO sales around $30 million was offered in return. Many of these rare Ferraris are safely locked away in prominent collections, so this is very much a unique opportunity to acquire a prime example of the quintessential Ferrari GT-racers. The chassis that has now come to the market is offered by RM Auctions as a private treaty sale for its current, Japanese owner. This particular chassis is one of the seven in existence today with the 'Series 2' style body and one of four converted by the factory to the later specification in period.
This exciting news inspired us to dive into our archives for shots of all four of these cars, resulting in a spectacular 30-shot gallery. All four of these machines started life with the more common 1962 style body and were refitted over the 1963/64 winter with the more aerodynamic body styled by Pininfarina. In addition Ferrari built three new chassis for the 1964 season. It was very much a stop-gap solution for the Italian manufacturer as they struggled to get the mid-engined 250 LM homologated as a GT car. The Pininfarina lines are also clearly inspired by the shape of the 250 LM. This is most obvious in the design of the rear half of the car, particularly the roof. The four converted 250 GTOs were all owned by prominent Ferrari privateers and raced with considerable success. On their long list of successes are class honours at the Targa Florio, numerous victories in Italian hill-climbs and notable wins in the hands of the likes of Graham Hill, Mike Parkes and Innes Ireland.
Our detailed article includes a general history of the 250 GTO as well as a detailed look at all four chassis. The cars are captured around the world with sparkling action photography from events like the Le Mans Classic, Goodwood Revival and Monterey Historic Races. Chassis 4675GT that is currently on offer by RM Auctions is captured at the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where Ferrari was the featured marque. We are not privy to the asking price but it must be in excess of $20 million.
Enjoy the links:
1962 - 1964 Ferrari 250 GTO Pininfarina Coupe - Images, Specifications and Information
If you should see a man walking down a crowded street talking aloud to himself, don't run in the opposite direction, but run towards him, because he's a poet. You have nothing to fear from the poet - but the truth.
(Ted Joans)
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