One to Buy: ex-Ecurie Francorchamps 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
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To replace the long and short wheelbase 250 GT Berlinettas that had monopolised the Group 3 Grand Touring class since its inception, Ferrari conceived the rule-bending 250 GTO which went on to dominate for three consecutive years (1962 through 1964).
The GTO caused controversy on account of its trick small diameter tubular steel chassis which was in direct contravention of the rules. However, such was Enzo Ferrari’s influence that the FIA ultimately approved the GTO to race, much to the dismay of rival manufacturers.
As a consequence of its stellar competition record, perfectly proportioned bodywork and status as arguably the ultimate GT racing car ever created, the GTO has for decades been sought out by the wealthiest collectors as Ferrari’s archetypal Gran Turismo.
With just 36 examples built and most transactions carried out in private, these cars rarely come onto the open market. However, currently on offer with Tom Hartley Jnr. is an exceptional Series 1 GTO that still retains all of its original components.
Chassis 3527 GT was raced in period at the likes of the Nurburgring, Montlhery and Monza 1000km events in addition to the gruelling Tour de France which driver Lucien Bianchi very nearly won during 1962. That year, Bianchi also famously drove chassis 3527 GT to victory in the Angolan Grand Prix.
During 1965 this spectacular GTO was modified for street use by Graber in Switzerland, since which time it has resided with a handful of renowned collectors.
