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Writing about the 250 GTO means asking too many questions without finally finding clear answers. Is it the first “supercar” in history, the most sought after (let’s not say expensive) car in the world, or the ultimate Ferrari? In the collective imagination, it embodies the essence of extreme GT in every situation, combining performance, advanced technologies and a legendary pen stroke. argument It clearly traces the history of this project, developed under the tutelage of Enzo Ferrari.
The birth of an automotive jewel
Fun fact: The 250 GTO is often referred to as “a work of art” in collector circles. But almost all of the technical underwear comes from old prancing horse models. Therefore, it is important to contextualize its creation. In 1960, the 250 GT SWB berlinetta began to age, later entering competition. Ferrari should also count on the progress of the competition betting on new models: AC Cobra, Jaguar Type E and fellow Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato scramble at the doorstep of the world championship.
At the time, Scuderia Ferrari, a racing department closely linked to overall production, looked to the car to try to refine it in depth. Engineer Giotto Bizzarrini and bodybuilder Scaglietti were placed on the 250 GTO project, and trials continued until the end of 1961 in Italy. One of the final tests will be done by Stirling Moss at the Monza circuit. Without going into details, the results will be there quickly. He won 2 victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (62′, 63′ in his category) and the World Sportscar Championship in 1962, 1963 and 1964. A total of 36 copies will be printed in these three years.
More than 300 hp, less than 900 kg
The Ferrari 250 GTO is known above all for its instantly recognizable lines. A fluidity in design explained by the desire to work on aerodynamics to the maximum. The brand’s engineers set themselves the task of significantly increasing the top speed and stability of the car compared to the 250 SWB. In detail, we still find this long hood and shortened rear overhang typical of the front-engined sports coupe of those years. The vents for cooling, the air intake on the hood or the rear spoiler will be modified according to the vintage, while the last 3 models will have a special body designed by Pininfarina in 1964.
Beneath its destruction, the 250 GTO completely hides a classic tubular chassis and a rigid axle at the rear. A technology that was almost outdated at the time, but has proven itself in terms of competitiveness and reliability. New suspensions, Cone shock absorbers at the front and lowering the center of gravity will help improve performance. The most important part of the Italian is still its mechanics: the famous V12 3.0 Colombo sits under the hood. The competition model 250 is taken from the Testa Rossa and develops around 300 hp at the rear wheels. So the Diva could have crossed the 280 km/h limit more than 60 years ago! Add to that the weight of under 900kg and real disc brakes to understand how the GTO was a ground-to-ground missile during its career years, both on the road and on the track.
An extraordinary speculation
Since Enzo Ferrari’s death and with the collector’s car market in good shape, the prices of the Ferrari 250 GTO have gone wild over time. It’s simple, it is currently considered by experts to be the most expensive car in the world. All 36 copies are still available (and even 39 if you count 3 cars equipped with a 4-liter V12), some of which were sold for tens of millions of euros. The absolute record belongs to 2018. The chassis number 4153GT, which won the 1964 Tour de France, was purchased by WeatherTech founder David MacNeil. The approximate amount of the transaction will be over 70 million euros…
Other derivative models are sought in the same way. We consider the 330 LM, which is very similar in terms of design, to come in 1963. The 250 LM, a 32-unit version of the GTO developed in the same year, will not ultimately be homologated in the category and released later. state of unawareness. For the less fortunate among you, there are more or less exact replicas of the Ferrari. Indeed, after a trial between the manufacturer and Italian bodybuilder Ares Design, the design of the 250 GTO is no longer Ferrari’s. Edelweiss Customs, like other drafters, can offer their vision of the model without risking the case.
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