Ferrari’s only white 250 GTO is heading to auction with factory spares, race history, and a shot at $50 million or more
8 hours ago
- Ferrari only ever built one white 250 GTO from the factory.
- Mecum is selling the GTO with rare period racing spares.
- The GTO has a long racing pedigree with major UK teams.
Few cars carry the weight of legend quite like the Ferrari 250 GTO. With just 36 examples ever built, each one is a rolling piece of automotive history. So when one surfaces for sale, the event draws attention far beyond the usual circles of collectors. Next month, Mecum Auctions will offer one of these rare icons, and it could easily challenge existing sales records.
This particular 250 GTO, chassis 3729GT, is especially unusual. It’s the only example Ferrari ever painted white at the factory. On top of that, it’s one of just eight configured in right-hand drive.
Watch: See A Ferrari 250 GTO Narrowly Escape Destruction After A Flash Fire
As if that weren’t enough, the car also comes with a deep, well-documented racing history and an extensive collection of spare parts, including a full V12 engine, extra wheels, brakes, and more.
Mecum
The Ferrari was purchased new by British racing team owner John Coombs and driven by the likes of Jack Sears, Graham Hill, and Richie Ginther. It achieved second place at the RAC Tourist Trophy Race at Goodwood in both 1962 and 1963, and later took first in the 1963 Guards Trophy Race at Brands Hatch.
It continues to race throughout much of 1964 before being sold to John Pearce in September of that year. He kept it until December 1967 when it was sold to Neil Corner, and in 1970, sold to Jack Sears.
He kept it until 1999 when it was added to the collection of Jon Shirley where it has remained ever since. For those who don’t know, Shirley once served as Microsoft’s president and chief operating officer.
Mecum
Mecum notes the car is currently equipped with a 3.0-liter Colombo V12 engine built by Ferrari Classiche as part of a thorough restoration of the car. It also retains the original five-speed manual transmission, six Weber carburetors, four wheel disc brakes, and twin Marelli distributors.
The auction house hasn’t provided a sales estimate for this very special 250 GTO, but there’s a very good chance it’ll trade hands for more than $50 million. For context, the most expensive 250 GTO known to change hands was sold privately in 2018 for a reported $70 million.
Want to see what a +$50 million unicorn looks like in sheet metal? Check out the listing over here, drool a little, and maybe start a GoFundMe while you’re at it.
