The most important Ferrari GTO ever sold for a record $51.7 million

It was the only 1962 Tipo campaign ever undertaken by a factory racing team, and it could be a bargain. Relatively, of course.

to update: The auction is over, and dare we say, this may have been a great deal. The final hammer price of $47 million is well below the original estimate of $60 million for this extremely rare 250 GTO. With the addition of fees, the final price rises to $51.7 million, a record for a Ferrari sold at auction.

The previous record holder was A A 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO was also sold by RM Sotheby’s. That car, one of four updated by Scaglietti, sold for $48.4 million with fees included.

Check out our original article below to learn more about what makes this GTO so special.

Today at 5:00 PM EST, there is a possibility that a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO could set a new record for the most expensive car ever sold at auction. To achieve this goal, the car must exceed the staggering $143 million that the Mercedes 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe fetched during a closed auction in 2022. And you can watch all the action live here on Engine1.

All 250 GTOs are exceptional, but this one is particularly significant because it was the only 1962 Tipo ever campaigned by the factory race team. The machine even achieved first place in its class at the 1962 Nürburgring 1000 km race. However, it failed to complete that year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans due to overheating problems.

Gallery: 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Auction

This Ferrari originally had a 4.0-litre V12 engine – the only GTO in the Scuderia to get such an engine. But after Le Mans, it was replaced by a factory-standard 3.0-litre unit. An individual purchased the car restored to race in 1963.

Eventually, this 250 GTO made it to the United States where it was acquired by the current owner in 1985. He used the car in vintage racing and on the high-end car show circuit, earning Best of Show at the 2011 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. .

Auction includes Official build sheets to prepare the car for racing at the Nürburgring and Le Mans and the 250 GTO conversion carried out at the factory. This comprehensive documentation identifies the historical provenance of the vehicle to potential buyers and can increase the value of the vehicle.

Check back here after the auction to find out how much this very special 250 GTO fetches when it crosses the block. If you can’t beat the Mercedes 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, it could still set a record for the most expensive Ferrari ever sold at auction. This title is currently owned by another GTO Sold for $48.4 million In 2018.