From the world of today’s fast, high-tech race cars at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, let’s go back into history. These next few lines are for one of the most beautiful, rarest, and most expensive cars on the planet.
If there is one name that means racing, it is Ferrari. And if one Ferrari is more special than all the others, it is the Ferrari 250 GTO.
If there is a car people would sell their soul for, it is the Ferrari 250 “Gran Turismo Omologato”, or just 250 GTO.
This car shows what Ferrari is really about – racing, speed, style, and vision.
The 250 GTO was made in 1962, because of special racing rules. It was built for only two years, and from the start, it was a rare and special car.
Two famous designers, Giotto Bizzarrini and Sergio Scaglietti, made this car look amazing. Then Ferrari gave it one of the best V12 engines ever used in a race car.
Only 36 cars were made. That is why they are now sold for very high prices at auctions.
Why is this car so expensive?
The 250 GTO was not made for rich people to drive on weekends. It was made to win races in the GT class during the 1960s.
Every 250 GTO was built by hand, and each car was a little bit different. Some experts say that even the left and right sides of the same car were not the same size!
That makes this car even more special – because it was still a winner.
The first big race – Sebring 1962
The first big race for the 250 GTO was in 1962, at the 12 Hours of Sebring. Two famous drivers, Olivier Gendebien and Phil Hill, drove the car.
Even though they were in the GT class, they finished second overall. They were faster than many faster prototype cars!
This result made people around the world notice the 250 GTO. A legend was born.
Between 1962 and 1964, the 250 GTO won many races.
It won the 12 Hours of Sebring, the Tour de France, and the International Championship for GT Manufacturers three times in a row.
In 1964, racing rules changed. New rules said each GT car must be made in at least 100 copies. So, Ferrari stopped racing the 250 GTO.
The end of racing, but not the end of the legend
Since then, the 250 GTO has become one of the most valuable cars in the world. At auctions, it often becomes the most expensive car ever sold.
Even though Ferrari made many other great race cars after the GTO, none became as famous or loved.
And to be honest, no other Ferrari was ever this beautiful.
Even when the 250 GTO is just sitting still – it still looks perfect.
