1962 Ferrari 250 GTO could become world’s most expensive car

RM Sotheby’s to sell highly original Ferrari 250 GTO, which could become the most expensive car ever sold at auction

A Ferrari 250 GTO will go under the hammer at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in August, and it could become one of the most expensive cars ever auctioned, carrying an estimate of $45 million (£34 million).

Widely revered as one of the ultimate collector’s cars, the 250 GTO has claimed close to 300 overall racing victories worldwide.

Most expensive cars ever sold at auction

This particular 1962 250 GTO on offer is the third of the 36 examples built, bearing chassis no. 3413 GT. It began its life as a Series I car and claimed victory in all but one of ten races entered in 1962. Remarkably for a race car, it retains its original engine, gearbox, and rear axle, as well as its factory Series II body, fitted by Carrozzeria Scaglietti in 1964.

Owned since 2000 by former Microsoft chief software architect Dr. Greg Whitten, RM Sotheby’s claims that previous owners include some of the world’s most prominent Ferrari collectors.

Under Dr. Whitten’s ownership, the GTO has competed in vintage events around the world over the last two decades, as well as four of the lauded GTO anniversary tours.

Your guide to buying a car at auction

Earlier this year, it was rumoured that the private sale of a pristine, early example saw £52 million change hands. This example, used by Ferrari as a test car for Phil Hill ahead of the 1962 Targa Florio road race, looks set to be the most expensive car ever sold at auction should its £34 million plus estimation hold out.

The current record holder is another 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, which fetched over $38 million (£28.7 million) in 2014.

Check out the top ten most expensive cars ever sold at auction

Recommended

Ferrari’s next hypercar spied testing with hybrid power and big aero
Ferrari 'F250' hypercar - front
News

Ferrari’s next hypercar spied testing with hybrid power and big aero

The next chapter in Ferrari’s hypercar story is about to open, following on from LaFerrari, Enzo, F50 and F40…
24 Nov 2023
New Ferrari 499P Modificata is a £4.6m track-only Le Mans tribute
Ferrari 499P Modificata - front 3/4
News

New Ferrari 499P Modificata is a £4.6m track-only Le Mans tribute

This is your chance to live out your dreams of winning the famous 24-hour endurance race, in a super-exclusive Ferrari
30 Oct 2023
New Ferrari SP-8 is the latest one-off you can’t buy
Ferrari SP-8 - front
News

New Ferrari SP-8 is the latest one-off you can’t buy

Feast your eyes on this bold Ferrari - created for just one special customer
24 Oct 2023
Top 10 most expensive cars ever sold at auction
Mercedes 300 SLR
Features

Top 10 most expensive cars ever sold at auction

What is the most expensive car ever sold at auction? We list the most valuable cars ever to go under the hammer
21 Aug 2023

Most Popular

New Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2024 review: big estate with value boost
Jaguar XF Sportbrake - front tracking
Road tests

New Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2024 review: big estate with value boost

Jaguar's XF Sportbrake may be 8 years old but it just got a whole lot cheaper!
7 Dec 2023
Deal of the Day: Volkswagen ID. Buzz brings retro-style and practicality for £311 per month
Volkswagen ID. Buzz - front cornering
News

Deal of the Day: Volkswagen ID. Buzz brings retro-style and practicality for £311 per month

All-electric MPV offers style and substance - making it our Deal of the Day for Wednesday 6 December
6 Dec 2023
Toyota Yaris review
Toyota Yaris - front tracking
In-depth reviews

Toyota Yaris review

An efficient hybrid powertrain and plenty of standard kit make the Toyota Yaris a key contender in the supermini segment
6 Dec 2023