Ferrari’s Final Showdown: A Vintage Legend Is Set to Tear Up Auction Records
Hold onto your seats, car lovers— a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO is about to blow the roof off the auction world. RM Sotheby’s claims it will fetch more than US$45 million (about S$61.2 million) in August, shattering the previous record and crowning the GTO the most valuable ride ever offered to the public.
Only 36 Titans of the Road
These red beauties are a rare breed: a fleet of just 36 250 GTOs were ever built by racing legend Ferrari. This particular model is not just a pretty face—it won the 1962 Italian National GT Championship and a staggering nine other races back in 1962. That’s right, the first owner, an on‑track driver, turned a showroom piece into a championship champion.
From Garage to Racetrack and Back Again
Unlike the glossy Ferraris of today that stay in museums, the GTO was the ultimate “road‑ready” racer— you could stash it in your garage, swoop onto the track, crush the competition, and drive home the same night. Shelby Myers, RM Sotheby’s car specialist, summed it up: “The GTO was essentially the final true road racer, marking the end of an era when drivers really got their hands dirty.” And the attitude? Pure, unfiltered joy.
Owner Spotlight: Dr. Greg Whitten
- Since 2000, the car has roamed the roads in the hands of American collector Dr. Greg Whitten, the chairman of Numerix software.
- Whitten has personally raced the GTO in vintage events, proving it’s still a wild stallion on the track.
- Why he’s selling? The legend’s motive remains a mystery, but the car’s price tag might be the main reason.
Where It All Takes Place
The auction will be hosted at the iconic Concours d’Elegance motoring week in Pebble Beach, California. This event attracts enthusiasts from around the globe, turning the street into a runway of horsepower and heritage.
A Preview of the Competition
- 2014: A 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO sold for US$38.1 million, setting the earlier record.
- 2018: This upcoming auction aims to surpass that milestone, setting a new high for the most expensive car ever sold publicly.
So, buckle up! The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO is about to race its way into history, and the crowd will be on the edge of their seats— cheering, laughing, and maybe even shedding a tear at this magnificent, once‑glorious beast turning the keys on its last grand finale.
