Ferraris are undoubtedly special cars: they stand out on every occasion for their strong character and refined technique. The sales estimates of the 250 GTO /330 LM which will go up for auction on November 13th at RM Sotheby’s are a clear example of the public’s love for these works of art on wheels.
All cars that bear the Prancing Horse emblem are special. They tell us the best part of history of our country, the passion, the sacrifice, the sweat of men who have never been afraid to dare. Ferrari has always represented the best of technique and style when it comes to sports cars worldwide. A role that brings with it great honors and equally great burdens.
Enzo Ferrari managed to change the history of the automobile like very few other men in the world have been able to do. His determination and tenacity in the darkest moments made the difference, and his character slowly became a true legend. Moreover, it is no mystery that his passing left an unfillable void which, after thirty-five years, is still felt. And it’s also no secret that the cars produced by the company while he was still alive are still the most coveted.
Mike Parkes / Lorenzo Bandini, 24 Hours of Le Mans (24 June 1962).
The story of a legend
Developed at the beginning of the 1960s, the noble lineage of the GTO set itself the arduous objective of replace the Ferrari 250 SWB. Technological advances in the automotive field and the new FIA rules required a radical renewal of the Cavallino racing cars. Thus, the need for a more competitive, faster, more aerodynamic car with better driveability emerges: the 250 GTO.
Presented in February 1962, this car could boast a bodywork resulting from the intuitions of Scagliettiwith the contribution of a genius Giotto Bizzarrini. Under the bonnet there was a 3-litre V12 engine from the school of Little Columbus gamecapable of expressing 300 HP.
Mike Parkes and Willy Mairesse, 1000 KM of the Nürburgring (27 May 1962).
The example that will go up for auction soon is the only one equipped from the start with a volume increased to 4 litres, equipped with dry sump lubrication, special carburettors and modified camshafts. This GTO, improved in many aspects compared to the initial version, debuted at the 1000 KM of the Nürburgring, where it also won his first success.
In fact, the famous drivers Mike Parkes and Willy Mairesse led it towards a great one category victory, simultaneously obtaining second place in the general classification. But of course this was only the first step in the adventurous history of this special Ferrari, characterized by chassis number 3765.
Ferrari 250 GTO / 330 LM #3765: how much is a dream worth?
Many would find it hard to believe but the most coveted collector’s cars have lived their careers in a daring way, often coming abused beyond belief. Disastrous accidents, hasty repairs and arbitrary modifications were only a small part of the dangers that a racing car regularly encountered. Those days are now far away and many of the survivors of those heroic years rest, with all the honors they deserve, in the garages of lucky and wealthy collectors.
The Ferrari 250 GTO / 330 LM #3765, after a life full of daring adventures and important competitions, found a home with a collector who kept it for 38 long years in competition condition. This car has achieved many satisfactions on the track, just like those obtained at the most renowned international exhibitions for vintage cars.
Now, however, the time has come to find it a new owner: RM Sotheby’s is responsible for ensuring it has the best possible location, obviously at the right price. With estimates that speak well 60 million dollars we can safely expect a new world record. Of course, not many will be able to take part in the auction, but watching doesn’t cost anything: on the official RM Sotheby’s website you can find the complete story with all the details of this queen of the Cavallino.
And naturally we will talk about it again here, on the Tuttotek pages. Continue to follow us!