On Monday, a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO made history by selling for an astounding $51.705 million at Sothebys in New York. This iconic car, which hadn't been available for auction in 38 years, now holds the title of the most expensive car ever sold from the renowned Italian manufacturer.
Gord Duff, the Global Head of Auctions at RM Sotheby's, stated that the sale emphasizes the exceptional status of this Ferrari as one of the most coveted possessions in the world.
Duff, in a press release, mentioned that this transaction signifies a new milestone in the remarkable history of this vehicle.
1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Spider Series I by Pinin Farina sold at auction by RM Sotheby'sfor $1.9 million.
Darin Schnabel 2023 Courtesy of RM Sotheby's
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"Now, it is recognized as one of the priciest vehicles ever auctioned, serving as a remarkable testament to its extraordinary significance in history," he remarked.
A mere 39 models of the 250 GTO were meticulously crafted by the renowned Italian brand from 1962 to 1964, making it exceptionally uncommon for an owner to part ways with one regardless of the offer.
This GTO, with chassis number 3765, is a rare find with only 34 models produced with Tipo 1962 coachwork. It is the sole GTO raced by the Scuderia Ferrari racing team and has gracefully participated in prestigious races like the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Described as having an exceptional racing history and distinguished build origins, this extraordinary GTO stands as one of the most exceptional examples of its kind. The auction house's listing highlights this sale as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to obtain the revered Holy Grail of sports cars, a chance that should be cherished.
The exceptional nature of this car has led to its appearance in numerous Ferrari-centric magazines over the years. Sothebys has even stated that it is highly unlikely that another GTO of this caliber will become available to the public in our lifetime. Although 3765 currently holds the title for the most expensive Ferrari ever sold at an auction, another 250 GTO still holds the record for the highest-priced Ferrari ever sold.
In 2018, David MacNeil, the founder and CEO of WeatherTech and a well-known car collector, purchased chassis number 4153 GT for $70 million. This recent sale has made it the most expensive car in the world, with a staggering price tag of $142 million.
James Knight, the motoring chairman of UK auction house Bonhams, compared 250 GTOs to highly coveted pieces of art. Knight stated, "The Ferrari 250 GTO holds the same status in the motoring market as Van Gogh's Sunflowers and is considered a symbolic piece for prestigious collections. Furthermore, the GTO recently sold is among the top five existing examples."
