A perfectly maintained and completely unrestored Ferrari 250 GTO from 1962 is for sale. But as you might expect, it doesn’t exactly make Honda Civic money. The star of the Mecum Auctions taking place from January 6 to 18 in Kissimmee, Florida, could exceed $70 million (€60 million).
Why so much? This particular car, chassis number 3729GT, wears Ferrari’s rare “Special White” paint. It is a unique model not only because of its paintwork, but also because of its prominent racing history and its pristine condition.
The history
The 250 GTO is considered by many to be the ultimate Ferrari. Produced in just under 40 units between 1962 and 1964, it was created specifically for the International GT Championship, combining refined aerodynamics with already legendary mechanics.
Under the long aluminum hood, developed at Ferrari and manufactured by Scaglietti, lies the V-12 Type 168/62 Comp engine with a displacement of 3.0 liters, which can deliver approximately 300 hp. Combined with a five-speed manual transmission, this engine provided exceptional performance for the time, combined with crucial endurance during endurance races.
Photo by: Ferrari
What makes the 3729GT chassis truly unique is its configuration. It is the only Ferrari 250 GTO that was delivered new in white, a choice made by the first owner, the British John Coombs, a renowned team owner and refined racing world connoisseur.
Coombs introduced some functional changes that remain today, such as the slits in the hood, a third air intake on the fender and the cabin ventilation duct connected to a headlight – details that indicate real racing use rather than a museum piece.
The remarkable owners
The car has a high-level racing record. The Ferrari Special White achieved a class win and numerous second places at major British and European circuits. It was driven by drivers such as Graham Hill, Jack Sears, Mike Parkes, Roy Salvadori and Richie Ginther.
Photo by: Ferrari
In 1962 and 1963 it finished second overall in the RAC Tourist Trophy at Goodwood, a race valid for the FIA GT Championship and which contributed directly to Ferrari’s world titles. It was so advanced that it was even loaned to Jaguar’s racing department for comparative testing, which showed a clear superiority over the E-Type.
After its racing career, the car had several notable owners, including Jack Sears himself, who owned it for almost thirty years. It has been part of the Jon Shirley collection since 1999.
During this time it was returned to its original white livery and was regularly used at prestigious events such as the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the Cavallino Classic and the Goodwood Revival. Never extensively restored, but maintained, repaired and refined as necessary, it retains a rare level of originality, certified by the Ferrari Classiche Red Book.
And it is precisely that history that contributes to the estimated value of this 250 GTO. Although it has not been officially announced by the American auction house, according to experts it could be sold for amounts very close to $70 million.
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