We’ve all heard of the Ferrari 250 GTO, but what has made it so famous? Why is it the world’s most expensive car? Let’s take a closer look.
The Ferrari 250 GTO is the final true road racer. It’s a car with timeless proportions and an unmistakable silhouette. The Ferrari 250 GTO is truly a living legend.
We’ve all heard of the Ferrari 250 GTO, but what makes it the most famous car in motorsports? Why is the Ferrari 250 GTO the world’s most expensive car?
It’s the car everyone knows and loves. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the reasons why. Keep reading to learn more about the beloved Ferrari 250 GTO.
The Final Evolution
Due to safety regulations and technology, the GTO was the final true road racer.
Shelby Myers, a car specialist at RM Sotheby’s, says: “Due to the evolution of technology and safety regulations that followed, the GTO was essentially the final true road racer, marking the end of an era when drivers really got their hands dirty. This was the last car that you could park in your garage, drive to the track, win the race, and then drive home.”
The Ferrari 250 GTO gets praised most of all for its drivability and how it handles while you are driving it. It’s a car that has a true love of the road. This final evolution of the Ferrari GTO is considered to be the most successful road and racing vehicle ever built by Ferrari.
Its successful road racing career and design make the Ferrari 250 GTO the pinnacle of possession for anyone (and especially car collectors) worldwide. These car collectors consider the 250 GTO the most desired Ferrari of all time.
All Ferrari 250 GTO Chassis Accounted For
There were only 36 Ferrari 250 GTOs created. A well-known fact is that none of the 36 cars made between 1962 and 1964 were identical. Some changes were cosmetic, some were engineering-driven, while others were empirical.
Some of the variations of the car include the rear wing, the number of ducts, the size of the radiators, and much more. The fact that all 36 chassis are accounted for just proves the incredible value of the Ferrari.
Some of the lucky owners of the cars are people such as Ralph Lauren, Jon Shirley, Peter Sachs, and even Pink Floyd band member Nick Mason.
The Ferrari 250 GTO price varies because this model has only been up for sale three times in the new millennium. The estimated sales price of the car is $45 million and above. A 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO, chassis 4153, got sold for around $70 million in a price sale.
When the first Ferrari, chassis 3851, got sold in 2014 for $38.1 million, that was the most expensive car ever sold. Some people have even said that the Ferrari’s true value cannot be measured in mere money.
Last Great Front-Engine GT Car
The amazing V12 engine and the aerodynamic body design allowed the Ferrari 250 GTO to reach an incredible top speed of 170 miles per hour. There are bigger valves and dry-sump lubrication, making this one of the most legendary engine combos in a car.
There was also a twin overhead camshaft, six twin-choke Weber carburetors in the center of the engine, with cast-iron wet cylinder liners. The Ferrari also gained a five-speed all-synchromesh gearbox. Combine all of that and you get a 2,953cc work of art that produced 300 bhp.
With this engine and design, the Ferrari 250 GTO won the GT World Championships in 1962, 1963, and 1964. It also had victories at Sebring 12-hour, Le Mans, Targa Florio, and Spa 1000km.
Placing first in its class, the Ferrari won over 300 races worldwide during its time on the track. These results are some of the most impressive victories for a road car or any car for that matter. Its statistics are legendary.
In 1964 there were three, just three, 4.0L with 3967cc engine GTOs built. The engine was producing 390bhp at 7500rpm.
This was truly the last great front-engine GT car that was constructed by Ferrari.
Most Incredible Design
With the extensive use of wind tunnels, the bodywork for the Ferrari GTO was Giotto Bizzarrini’s grand work of art. A distinctive shape emerged from the design that we know today.
The Ferrari 250 GTO was the first car to have a body-integrated rear spoiler featured on a road car. Its high tail and low noise create an eye-catching design that you know today as a living legend in motorsports.
The car came to life step-by-step and evolved through scientific reasoning rather than being deliberately styled that way. It is now considered the most unique and beautiful design on a vehicle ever.
Its unique style designed with the use of wind tunnels is what gave the Ferrari its aerodynamic body designed for reaching top speeds.
One of the most iconic Ferrari is the GTO painted a pale green color and was campaigned by the UDT-Laystall team. A timeless appeal lies in the design of not just the iconic pale green car, but all Ferrari 250 GTO.
The Most Exotic Luxury Cars Available Today
It is an opportunity of a lifetime to own a Ferrari 250 GTO. The car’s design, limited quantity, and engine build make it a legend of motorsports. These cars have a soul and authenticity to them that no other car can achieve.
The Ferrari 250 GTO allows you to sit in the seat of champions and experience what it is to drive the most extraordinary vehicle ever made.
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