We've all felt that deep hit in our wallet after hearing the metal crunch of a wreck, but few could be as deep as when this 1964 Ferrari 250 GTO/64 hit the tire wall at Goodwood. The historic race event attracts some of the rarest race cars from across the world to run in anger again as they did in their heyday. The trade-off to seeing these magnificent cars in action is the risk that one of the irreplaceable pieces of history could get balled up in a racing incident.
World's Most Expensive Car
This was no ordinary wreck, even by vintage racing standards. The Ferrari 250 GTO is considered one of the most attractive race cars ever made and it has the auction history to prove that. With less than 40 in existence, the Ferrari 250 GTO has established a history of breaking its own sale price records. A private sale of one is thought to have set the new record at $77 million.
Goodwood Revival
The Goodwood Revival started in 1998 as a commemoration of the historic race track's opening 50 years prior. The track remained active from 1948 to 1966 as a host to various racing series. The Revival came as the Goodwood Festival of Speed hill climb event on the Goodwood grounds had become popular. The track retains its period layout making it ideal for vintage racing events with spectators often dressing in period clothing as well.
Racing Incident
The crack-up happens during the RAC Tourist Trophy race. Driver Andy Newell was negotiating traffic having just cleared a Corvette and was looking on the inside of another Ferrari, a GTO LM. When the door closed on that pass Newell was left to correct, losing traction and sending the right-hand drive example backwards on the grass where Newell was a passenger until the multi-million dollar Ferrari came to a stop along the tire wall.
Source: Goodwood Road & Racing