1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
Brand
Ferrari
Year
1962
Country
Italy
Generation
250
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
Brand
Ferrari
Year
1962
Country
Italy
Generation
250
About this car
Discover the history
The Ferrari 250 GTO, produced from 1962 to 1964, is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and valuable sports cars in automotive history. Designed primarily for competition in the Group 3 Grand Touring class, it was developed under the supervision of Ferrari’s top engineers, including Giotto Bizzarrini. The 250 GTO was created to compete in FIA endurance races, and its design focused on achieving aerodynamic efficiency, weight reduction, and performance. Only 36 units were built, making it one of the rarest Ferraris, which greatly contributes to its legendary status.
The 250 GTO was powered by a 3.0-liter V12 engine, derived from Ferrari’s previous race cars like the 250 Testa Rossa, producing around 296 horsepower. It featured a five-speed manual gearbox and a lightweight tubular frame, ensuring agility and performance. The aerodynamic body, sculpted by Scaglietti, allowed the GTO to reach a top speed of over 174 mph, making it one of the fastest cars of its time. Its development also included extensive wind tunnel testing at Pisa University to enhance stability and top speed performance. The minimalist interior further emphasized the car’s racing orientation, with no excess weight or unnecessary features, purely designed for performance.
On the racing front, the 250 GTO enjoyed tremendous success. Its debut in 1962 saw immediate victories, notably clinching the International Championship for GT Manufacturers in 1962, 1963, and 1964. The 250 GTO competed against formidable opponents like the Aston Martin DB4 GT and Jaguar E-Type, dominating races such as the Targa Florio and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Drivers like Stirling Moss, Phil Hill, and John Surtees helped cement its racing legacy, with the GTO proving to be both fast and reliable on a variety of circuits and endurance races.
Its racing pedigree, combined with its rarity and beauty, has made the Ferrari 250 GTO one of the most sought-after collector cars in the world. Its value has skyrocketed in recent years, with auction prices reaching upwards of $70 million, a reflection of its legendary status. The 250 GTO remains not only a symbol of Ferrari’s dominance in motorsport but also a cultural icon in the world of classic cars.
This combination of racing success, design brilliance, and rarity has firmly established the Ferrari 250 GTO as one of the greatest cars ever made, influencing generations of sports cars that followed.
