Autoblog

$30 million Ferrari 250 GTO crashed on 50th anniversary tour

Drew Phillips — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 19:00:00 EST

It often seems that cars worth millions of dollars are kept under lock and key in climate-controlled garages, never to see the open road. Christopher Cox's 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO is not one of the those cars. The American investor drives the car, one of just 39 built, regularly and has participated in numerous events around the world since he purchased it in 2005. In fact, we've seen the brightly colored 250 GTO, worth an estimated $30+ million, in person no less than five times including last summer in Monterey where it was entered in the Pebble Beach Tour and Concours d'Elegance.

Of course, driving a car always comes with the chance of an accident, and unfortunately that's just what happened when Cox recently had the 250 GTO out on track as part of the model's 50th anniversary tour in France last week. Details of the extent of the accident are scarce, but the off-track excursion at the Reims-Gueux race track was bad enough that his wife broke her leg on impact.

We wish a speedy recovery to both Christopher and his wife, and we're sure the car will up and running in no time. Hopefully we'll see it back in action in the near future.

You can see our photos of Cox's 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO at various events in the gallery below.

$30 million Ferrari 250 GTO crashed on 50th anniversary tour originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO made for Stirling Moss becomes world's most expensive car

Drew Phillips — Sat, 02 Jun 2012 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Ferrari

Bloomberg reports that a 1962 Ferrari GTO has been sold for $35 million, making it the most expensive car in the world. The record price eclipses the $32 million paid for a 1964 Ferrari 250 GTO back in February and the $30-34 million dished out for a 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic back in 2010.

The 250 GTO in question is chassis number 3505GT and was built specifically for the legendary Stirling Moss. While Moss never actually ended up racing the car (a career-ending crash in April of 1962 prevented him from getting behind the wheel), it has a fairly significant race history with several wins. 3505GT also competed in the 1962 24 Hours of Le Mans, although it ended the race with a DNF. The car stands out among the other 250 GTOs thanks to its unique lime-green livery.

Amazingly, the price of this particular car has increased tenfold since 1996, when it was purchased for $3.5 million. From there the car has changed hands a few times, with the most recent owner, a Dutch businessman, purchasing it for $8.5 million about a decade ago. The 250 GTO's newest owner, car collector Craig McCaw, earned his fortune by selling a telecommunications company to AT&T for $11.5 billion back in 1993.

We most recently saw the car at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance last year, where it was displayed as part of the 250 GTO's 50th anniversary celebration. You can see photos of the car at Pebble Beach in the gallery above.

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO made for Stirling Moss becomes world's most expensive car originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Jun 2012 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

1964 Ferrari 250 GTO sells for nearly $32M

Noah Joseph — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Earnings/Financials, Ferrari

Widely regarded as one of the most sought-after cars ever made, it's not every day that a Ferrari 250 GTO changes hands. But that day, according to reports out of the UK, has come.

Word has it that a private treaty sale - the only way vintage machinery of this caliber ever moves - of one such 1964 model has yielded a purchase price of £20.2 million - $31.8M in equivalent U.S. currency- just shy of the $30-40 million said to have been paid in 2010 for a 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic. In other words, this is the second most valuable car ever sold, and the most expensive ever sold in Britain. Or, at least, whose sale has ever gone on record, as many of these exchanges remain secretive.

Even in this case, although the purchase price was reportedly confirmed by the broker, the identities of the buyer and seller - and of the exact example in question - have not. The speculation is, however, that we're talking about s/n 5095, which British businessman Jon Hunt is said to have bought from former Samsung chairman Lee Kun-hee in 2008 for £15.7 million (about $20.8M), and that it is now bound for Spain.

Whoever the buyer is, he or she is in good company. Of the 39 examples of the 250 GTO built, one belongs to Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, one to British radio personality and consumate Ferrari collector Chris Evans, and one to fashion icon Ralph Lauren (who also just happens to own a Bugatti Atlantic).

1964 Ferrari 250 GTO sells for nearly $32M originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Sergio Scaglietti passes on to the big carrozzeria in the sky

Noah Joseph — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Ferrari, Design/Style

Late on Sunday, Ferrari confirmed the passing of its legendary coachbuilding collaborator Sergio Scaglietti. He was 91 years old.

The name Scaglietti is indelibly intertwined with that of Ferrari. You may recognize the name as belonging to the 612 - the twelve-cylinder 2+2 GT that preceded the current FF - but that model was only the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it came to the ties that have bound the two icons over the years.

The relationship started when Scaglietti's work, based in the same town of Maranello as Ferrari itself, caught the eye of Enzo Ferrari in the early days of the Scuderia. Scaglietti soon became Ferrari's preferred coachbuilder, and was responsible for the designing and crafting the bodywork on, among others, three of the most valuable collector's cars in the world: the 250 GTO, the 250 GT California and the 250 Testa Rossa.

Legendary for crafting sheetmetal into the most beautiful forms using only his hands and eyes with no blueprints or sketches, Scaglietti eventually sold his outfit to Fiat in the 1960s, and in 1977, it became part of Ferrari's operations. The Scaglietti department continues to craft the bodies for modern-day Ferrari models to this day.

Continue reading Sergio Scaglietti passes on to the big carrozzeria in the sky

Sergio Scaglietti passes on to the big carrozzeria in the sky originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ferrari 250 GTO vs. Polaris Ranger RZR XP 900 is the most absurd drag race we've ever seen

Zach Bowman — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Europe, Videos, Ferrari

As wanderers of the infinite Internet wastelands, we've seen some pretty bizarre drag races, but nothing compares to the event that takes place in the video after the jump. In it, a classic Ferrari 250 GTO is pitted against the most unlikely of competitors; a Polaris Ranger RZR XP 900. The Ferrari gets the benefit of a tarmac launch while the UTV is left to put its 875cc engine's motive powers to the grass-covered ground. How does the race turn out? We'll let you watch and see for yourself, but we will say that the tango was considerably closer than we might've imagined.

It's difficult to tell whether the 250 GTO is an actual product of Maranello or if the vehicle is simply a well-executed replica. Either way, the video makes for fun watching. Hit the jump to check it out.

Continue reading Ferrari 250 GTO vs. Polaris Ranger RZR XP 900 is the most absurd drag race we've ever seen

Ferrari 250 GTO vs. Polaris Ranger RZR XP 900 is the most absurd drag race we've ever seen originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ferrari 250 GTO gathering takes over Pebble Beach

Drew Phillips — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Ferrari

Nobody can throw an anniversary party like the folks at Pebble Beach. To celebrate 50 years of the Ferrari 250 GTO, the world's most famous classic car show convened an incredible collection of Enzo's most coveted creation. And what a gathering it was. More than half of the 39 250 GTOs in existence were on display - the official number quoted was 22, although we could only count 21. The line of cars literally stretched farther than our cameras could capture. Factoring in the going rate of $25 million for a 250 GTO, the collection of Ferraris represented more than half a billion dollars worth of Pininfarina sheet metal and V12 engines.

Some of the more notable 250 GTOs present:

1961 Ferrari 250 GT Sperimentale, chassis 2643GT: This is regarded as the 250 GTO prototype, being the first Ferrari to combine the 250 SWB chassis and the race-spec 3.0L V12. The car raced at Le Mans in 1961 and at Daytona in 1962 with Stirling Moss behind the wheel.

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, chassis 3223GT: This is the first official 250 GTO built. The car has several distinctive features including mis-matched headlights that were thrown on the car during a race at Daytona to help the drivers see the wall on the banking at night. This car was selected as the best in class.

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, chassis 3705GT:This 250 GTO has one of the best racing histories, finishing first in class at the 1962 24 Hours of Le Mans, second overall. The car won every race it entered in 1965.

1964 Ferrari 250 GTO/64, chassis 5571GT:The first of three Series II 250 GTOs that features the lower and shorter Pininfarina body. The car raced at Sebring and Le Mans and was driven to victory at Daytona by Phil Hill.

You can see these 250 GTOs and the rest from the 50th anniversary celebration at Pebble Beach in the high-res gallery above.

Ferrari 250 GTO gathering takes over Pebble Beach originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ferrari 250 GTOs take to the track at Laguna Seca

Drew Phillips — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Ferrari

Seeing a Ferrari 250 GTO in action is something that should be on every car enthusiast's bucket list. For us, it's been checked off this weekend. Last week we saw several 250 GTOs participate in the Pebble Beach Tour, driving up and down Hwy 1 on the Monterey coastline, and just a few days later we headed to the track to see them in action at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

While we've heard that no fewer than 20 250 GTO owners brought their cars to town for this week's festivities, less than half of them were willing to take them on track at the Monterey Motorsports Reunion. With each of the 39 cars in existence worth something in the range of $20 million, we can't say we blame them. Even so, we appreciated the owners who did bring out their prized possessions to share with the race spectators.

We'll have even more 250 GTO action for you soon with the Pebble Beach Concours celebrating the car's 50th anniversary. Until then, check out our photos from the track in the high-res gallery above.

Ferrari 250 GTOs take to the track at Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Aug 2011 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance

Drew Phillips — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Classics

Every year on the Thursday before the Pebble Beach Concours, each of the entrants is given the opportunity to prove its roadworthiness on the scenic roads of 17 Mile Drive and Highway 1. A good selection of cars are usually up to taking on the challenge, although some are better equipped than others.

The Tour d'Elegance, as it's known, also provides car enthusiasts the opportunity to get a look at the all of the amazing vintage metal without having to pay the $175 ticket that allows access to Pebble Beach's 18th fairway on Sunday. Many would also argue that seeing the cars out on public roads is better than seeing them parked in rows on grass.

The big news for this year's Pebble Beach Concours is the 50th anniversary gathering of the Ferrari 250 GTO, and several stunning examples participated in the tour. Fortunately we'll see more of the cars throughout the next few days including on track at Laguna Seca and on the lawn at Pebble Beach on Sunday. You can see the 250 GTOs and more cars from this year's Pebble Beach Tour in the high-res gallery above.

Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pebble Beach to celebrate 50th anniversary of Ferrari 250 GTO with historic gathering

Drew Phillips — Fri, 06 May 2011 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Ferrari

Ferrari 250 GTO - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 250 GTO has long been considered the most desirable Ferrari of all time, and up until last year was regarded as the most valuable car in the world. The 250 GTO's rarity (just 39 were produced including a single prototype), its success in international racing in the 1960s, and the beautiful shape designed by Bizzarrini are an unmatched combination.

The 50th anniversary of the 250 GTO is just around the corner, and to celebrate, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance has decided to hold a gathering of as many of the cars as possible. An invite has been sent out to each of the owners, and more than half have already committed to attend. If it's anything like the Jaguar XK-SS reunion held at Pebble Beach last year, then the sight should be nothing less than epic. Hit the jump for the official PR from Pebble Beach, or peruse through our collection of Ferrari 250 GTO photos in the gallery below.

Continue reading Pebble Beach to celebrate 50th anniversary of Ferrari 250 GTO with historic gathering

Pebble Beach to celebrate 50th anniversary of Ferrari 250 GTO with historic gathering originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 May 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

The Next Best Thing: 1965 Ferrari 250 GTO Evocazione up for auction at Brooklands

Noah Joseph — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Auctions, Ferrari, UK

1965 Ferrari 250 GTO Evocazione - Click above for high-res images

Practical considerations aside, cost no object, if you could have any car ever made, what would it be? We'd bet that a large proportion of you would be thinking of the legendary Ferrari 250 GTO. Unfortunately, cost is an object for the vast majority of us. And considering how the iconic GTO is one of the most valuable, most sought-after classic sportscars ever made, the overwhelming likelihood is that most of us - make that practically all of us - could never stand a chance of owning one.

It's only natural, then, that there should be replicas made. Scratch that - "tributes." But if you're going to replicate a GTO, you're not going to start with an old Firebird as your underpinnings. You're going to start with another classic Ferrari. Just one not quite as valuable.

That's what the owner in that other video did. And that's what you're looking at here. This 1965 Ferrari 250 GTO "Evocazione" started its life as a Ferrari 330 GT, and in 1993 was sent to Italy to have its chassis modified before being fitted with painstakingly handmade aluminum bodywork in the UK. Attention was paid to every detail, down to the gauges and Borrani wire wheels. And now it's up for grabs, courtesy of newly inaugurated auction house Historics at Brooklands. Once it crosses the block there on September 25, it's expected to fetch around £240,000 ($377k) - which may seem like a fair chunk of change, but it's a far cry from the $18 million reportedly last fetched by the original.

Gallery: 1965 Ferrari 250 GTO Evocazione

[Source: Historics at Brooklands]

Continue reading The Next Best Thing: 1965 Ferrari 250 GTO Evocazione up for auction at Brooklands

The Next Best Thing: 1965 Ferrari 250 GTO Evocazione up for auction at Brooklands originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Aug 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ultra-rare 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO up for sale by RM Auctions... will it set a record?

Drew Phillips — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Auctions, Ferrari

1963 Ferrari 250 GTO #4675GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Very rarely does a Ferrari 250 GTO come up for sale, and if it does, you'll probably never hear about it. Most sales are done behind closed doors, and the amount of said transactions are almost never disclosed to the public. That's just part of the mystique behind the world's most valuable car, and it's partially why the cars are so coveted. Just 36 examples were built between 1962 and 1963, each still in existence and easily carrying an eight-figure price tag. A few years ago, a 250 GTO supposedly changed hands for nearly $30 million, but no one can completely confirm the rumor.

We will, however, have more details about the next sale of a 250 GTO. RM Auctions have announced that they will be doing a "private treaty sale" of 1963 250 GTO chassis #4675GT. The car has been in possession of its current Japanese owner, Yoshiho Matsuda, since 1996 (a low point for the value of the car compared to the high prices of the late 1980s), and it has an extensive racing history.

We saw the car at the Pebble Beach Concour d'Elegance back in 2004, and while its Series II bodywork isn't quite as stunning as earlier models, it's still an extraordinarily beautiful car. If you've got millions of dollars just sitting around, now is the time to break out the checkbook and buy your very own rolling piece of V12-powered Italian artwork. Hit the jump for the official press release from RM or click the high-res gallery below for a beautiful studio shot plus several of our photographs from our 2004 encounter with the car.

Gallery: 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO chassis #4675GT

Non-Studio Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: RM Auctions]

Continue reading Ultra-rare 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO up for sale by RM Auctions... will it set a record?

Ultra-rare 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO up for sale by RM Auctions... will it set a record? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: Ferrari 599 GTO? EVO says 700-hp bruiser is on the way

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Ferrari, Rumormill

Ferrari 599XX - click above for hi-res image gallery

Few words have greater impact when mashed together than "Ferrari" and "GTO." While there are rivals at times, the most expensive car in the word for the last three decades has been the original, Daytona Coupe battling, Le Mans winning Ferrari 250 GTO. Designed by Giotto Bizzarrini and raced into history by Phil Hill, few cars wear the moniker "legendary" quite as well. After all, only 39 were ever made.

But, like Leah, there is another. The mighty Ferrari 288 GTO. Developed -- like Porsche's 959 and 961 -- for Group B action, few if any cars set our hearts so totally on fire. Know nothings might scoff at the 2.85-liter displacement, but those of us in the know will point to the two turbochargers, two intercoolers and 400 stampeding horses. We might even tell them that if they turned the boost pressure up from 11.6 psi to something a bit higher, 600 hp is well within reach. However, the 288 GTO isn't, as just 272 examples (though some say 273) were made. Compare that to the 1,315 Ferrari F40s that were built. A car we should point out, that's basically a 288 GTO with a body kit.

Now there might be three. EVO is reporting that Ferrari is about to let loose a new GTO upon the world in the form of a 700 horsepower monster called the 599 GTO. Obviously, it's an evolution of the street 599, and in fact EVO's claiming it's the racetrack only 599XX for the street. During a recent interview, Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa told the Brit mag that when the 458 Italia debuted, the 599 was internally reassigned to the "Sports Car" division, instead of where it used to reside, as a "GT."

More interestingly, should it come to fruition, the 599 GTO will have specs to make Enzo owners smack their own foreheads. 700 hp will come from the raising the 6.0-liter V12's redline to a stunning 9,000 rpm. A faster transmission should shave gear change times down from 100 milliseconds to an essentially F1 quick 60 milliseconds. And it will be light. Everything should add up to a 3.2 second dash to 60 mph and an Enzo-matching top speed of 217 mph. Though if the 599 GTO went a little bit faster than that, we wouldn't be all that surprised. Tip of the Ferrari branded $50 Kimi Räikkönen baseball cap (no, really) to Kevin!

Gallery: Geneva 2009: Ferrari 599xx

[Source: EVO]

Rumormill: Ferrari 599 GTO? EVO says 700-hp bruiser is on the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

The Little Nürburgring: Ferraris in their Natural Habitat at Mont Tremblant

Noah Joseph — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:56:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Ferrari, Canada

2009 Ferrari Challenge at Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've always found the idea of going on safari or a diving expedition rather intriguing. But while we can appreciate those willing to spend their precious vacation time and hard-earned cash to see nature's most beautiful creatures in their natural habitats, most of us here at Autoblog aren't exactly the nature-adventure types. We're car guys. The Ferrari Challenge... now that's more like it.

Like a lion in the Sahara or a bear in the forest, Ferraris belong on the race track. But the unfortunate reality is most end up sitting in tiled garages adjoining big mansions in prestigious locations. We get to see more than most, but more often than not they're perched on an auto show stand under floodlights and flash bulbs. So when Ferrari invited us to join them at the legendary Circuit Mont Tremblant for a round of wheel-to-wheel racing, we could hardly resist. Follow the jump for more.

Gallery: 2009 Ferrari F430 Challenge at Mont Tremblant

Gallery: 2009 Ferrari Historic Challenge at Mont Tremblant

Continue reading The Little Nürburgring: Ferraris in their Natural Habitat at Mont Tremblant

The Little Nürburgring: Ferraris in their Natural Habitat at Mont Tremblant originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: 240Z-based Ferrari 250 GTO replica

Noah Joseph — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 16:49:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Classics, Videos, Nissan, Ferrari

click above image to view video

With far more people wanting Ferraris than those who can actually afford one, replicas based on lesser donor cars are nothing new. Some are more convincing than others, and while we'd recommend a nice Corvette over a faux-rarri, once in a while there's an example that catches our attention, for better or worse.

If you're in love with the 250 GTO and don't have the millions it takes to buy one, this car might be the closest you can get. Follow the jump to find footage - nicely edited footage, actually - of a 250 GTO replica based on a Datsun 240Z that's set to the rather apt soundtrack of The Who's "Won't get Fooled Again", which you may recognize from CSI.

[Source: Busca Tuning via Motorpasion]

Continue reading VIDEO: 240Z-based Ferrari 250 GTO replica

VIDEO: 240Z-based Ferrari 250 GTO replica originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Dec 2007 16:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ferrari GTO cufflinks made of real Ferrari GTO

Alex Nunez — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Ferrari

Much like the Sex Panther cologne in Anchorman, which was "made with bits of real panther," Alfred Dunhill's enthusiast-oriented Provenance cufflinks are shaped like miniature Ferrari 250 GTOs, and are made of actual Ferrari 250 GTO aluminum body panels. Worry not, friends, as we're quite certain that Dunhill isn't wantonly slaughtering GTOs for the sole purpose of keeping French cuffs stylishly managed. A few panels were probably enough to make a full production run of the limited-edition baubles, which are as close to actual Ferrari GTO ownership as some buyers are going to get. With a price tag of $1800, even that subset of customers will assuredly be among the very well-heeled.

[Source: Dunhill via Acquire Mag]

Ferrari GTO cufflinks made of real Ferrari GTO originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jul 2007 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments