1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, the holy grail of collector cars, is up for auction

Over the years, RM Sotheby's has auctioned off some of the most iconic and classic vehicles which collectors all over the world drool over. Recently, the auction house has acquired what they say is the ultimate collector car – a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO – and is set to headline the upcoming RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale.

What makes the Ferrari 250 GTO the ultimate collector's item you ask? For starters only 36 units were built from the span of 1953 and 1964. This specific 250 GTO on offer is chassis no. 3413 GT and is the third out of the 36 units built. Furthermore, it also had a colorful racing history as it began as a factory test car driven by Philip Hill. Under the ownership of Edoardo Lualdi-Gabardi, it went on to win nine races in 1962.

Throughout the years, chassis no. 3413 GT continued to gain success and wins through its other owners. Today, it is currently in the hands of Dr. Greg Whitten who has continued the career by competing in various vintage racing series and four GTO anniversary tours.

Apart from its wonderful racing history, what makes chassis 3413 unique is that it still has its original engine, transmission, rear axle and Series II body. In other words, this makes it a numbers-matching vehicle.

Should all go to plan, the '62 Ferrari 250 GTO is expected to sell for more than US$ 45 million. This would beat the last car to break an auction record – another 250 GTO – which sold for US$ 36.65 million back in 2014.

“Due to the evolution of technology and safety regulations that followed, the GTO was essentially the final true road racer, marking the end of an era when drivers really got their hands dirty. This was the last car that you could park in your garage, drive to the track, win the race, and then drive home,” said Shelby Myers, Car Specialist, RM Sotheby’s.

Happen to have a spare US$ 45 million lying around? Why not bid for this at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale this August.