There's something special about classic cars. A unique feeling that appeals to automobile lovers all around the world. The idea of owning one of the fine and unique models from the yesteryears is truly fascinating. Imagine driving from point A to point B in a classic car - attracting plenty of eyeballs along the way - it's a feeling that is truly unrivaled.
While there are plenty of classic cars out that have been sold for a high price, none of them can match the 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO. Ferrari has produced some amazing cars over the years but this classic Ferrari model is truly in a league of its own, having been sold for an astonishing $70 million in an auction back in 2018.
What makes the 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO the most expensive classic car of all time? Let's have a look.
Production and History
Everybody knows the story of Enzo Ferrari, the man behind Ferrari, one of the most popular car brands in the world. But the story about the world's most expensive classic car is also worth talking about. When a car gets auctioned for $70 million, you know it's not your ordinary sports car. The 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO is well and truly special and remains one of the most adored classic cars in the automobile sphere.
The vintage model was in production between 1962 and 1964 and boasted the incredible TIPO 168/62 Colombo V12 engine The 1963 GTO finds its predecessor in the Ferrari 250 GT SWB and a successor in the Ferrari 250 LM. Categorized as a sports car, this bad boy sported a 2-door Berlinetta style body. The GTO was built around a manually welded tube frame, equipped with front suspension, rear-live axel (with Watts linkage), Borrani wire wheels, and disc brakes. The gearbox was a new 5-speed unit compared to any of the previous Ferrari models. To top it all up, only 36 such cars have ever been made, and what is incredible, is the fact that all 36 of these are still up and running.
Design and Development
The 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO was believed to be designed by chief engineers Giotto Bizzarrini and Sergio Scaglietti. However, Bizzarrini and several other engineers were fired over their disagreements with Enzo Ferrari. The show moved on, with new engineer Mauro Forghieri, who took the reins and collaborated with Sergio Scaglietti. Evidently, the facts suggest that the credit for designing this special beauty does not go to a single person. A work of art in every sense, the 1963 GTO is the result of a number of passionate brains working together tirelessly with utmost dedication.
This vintage car was designed to line up in the Group 3 GT racing, to rival the likes of the Shelby Cobra and the Aston Martin DP214. This 1963 Ferrari model also won the Tour De France Automobile in 1964, one of the world’s most historic races which also earned it the name 'The Holy Grail'. Apart from this accolade, this special Ferrari has had the privilege of being raced by Ecurie Francorchamps, widely regarded as the most iconic independent Ferrari team. It was restored during the 1990s by Hertfordshire based DK Engineering, who confirmed that this bad boy had never been involved in a big accident, and was still highly original.
Unrivaled Legacy
The iconic 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO is regarded as the most sought after car in the world largely because of its originality and success. Add the perfect looks, smooth functions, and rare availability, and it's hard to think of any other vintage car that can match the GTO. The finesse in the retrograde design and the curves on the hood are still intact and the prospect of testing the horsepower of this classic is mouthwatering to all car lovers.
Its been established for some time now, that the 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO is regarded as the biggest trophy in the world of car collection. Much of it is down to its unique appeal, the power to pull car lovers, and the brand's rich history and prestige. The vintage car was purchased by David MacNeil, founder of the Illinois-based WeatherTech (custom floor-mat makers) for $70mn in 2018, bore chassis number 4153 GT, and was added to his luxury collection of several famous cars or as he better likes to describe it as “prancing” horses in his stable. Do not let anyone tell you this was a one-off instance. The previous highest price of $52 million was also paid for a 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO, back in 2013. There exists a 'GTO Club' of some elite names - who own what the world considers to be the greatest classic car ever. This club includes celebrated names such as Lawrence Stroll, Rob Walton, and Ralph Lauren. It is safe to say that the 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO's legacy is well and truly unrivaled.