Ferrari 250 GTO History

The 250 GTO represents pure competitive performance for the 250 GT series. Debuting in 1962 at the annual pre-season Ferrari press conference, it was one of six racing models displayed by Ferrari. The 250 GTO was the only front engine model on display and was created to compete in the Group 3 GT category in response to the threat posed by Shelby's Cobra and Jaguar's E-Type.

Evolving from the 250 GT SWB. Development was assigned to chief engineer Giotto Bizzarrini, with further development from Mauro Forghieri after the majority of Ferrari engineers left after a dispute with Enzo Ferrari in 1961. The chassis was altered to reduce weight, stiffen the frame and lower the new engine – replacing the previous one with the Le Mans winning Tipo 168/62 Comp. 3.0 L V12 from the 250 Testa Rossa.

Aerodynamics were a main focus of the design, aiming to improve top speed and stability. Testing in a wind tunnel as well as on the track, the the result was an all-aluminium body with a long, low nose with distinctive air intakes. This innovated design propelled the 250 GTO when it was deployed to race, where it decimated the competition.

Ferrari achieved maximum points in the 1962 Division 3 Championship for sports cars over 2.0 L, while at the fifth round of the 24 Hours of Le Mans the 250 GTO placed second and third behind a Ferrari 330 TRI/LM. Other manufacturers argued with the governing body that the GTO was not a GT car, as less than 100 had been produced. Citing Appendix J, Section 25, a car was not disqualified if it was a normal evolution of the type. Upgraded from the largely produced 250 GT, the GTO was declared legal.

The 250 GTO was highly sought after but costing close to £6000 (enough for a small house at the time) limited the customer base. On top of this, Enzo Ferrari hand-picked those who could purchase one, with some citing that it was deemed too dangerous to drive for all but the most experienced racers by Ferrari. One of these drivers was Luigi Chinetti of N.A.R.T. (North American Racing Team), who took his car to the 1000 km of Paris where it won 1st place under Pedro and Ricardo Rodriguez.

This car was chassis number 3987GT. Originally, it was painted classic red and sported the number 1 along with the N.A.R.T. team stickers on the rear. By the end of 1962, it was sold to Mecom Racing Team of Houston, Texas, to be raced by Roger Penske and Augie Pabst. Mecom modified the bodywork, adding a third side slot vent, removing the front rectangular lights and installing an orange roof light. Still painted red, it was raced in the 12hr at Sebring. The car’s next race would be the Road America 500, but further modifications were made. The shape of the front bonnet was changed and it was painted light metallic blue with a white centre stripe.

After this, the car changed hands numerous times. Otto Zipper Motors purchased it in 1963 and raced it once with Richie Ginther. In 1972, when it was owned by Stuard Baumgard, the car caught fire and the original engine was changed with a 6045 from a 250 LM.

In 1985 it was sold to fashion tycoon Ralph Lauren for $300,000 USD, who had it fully restored over the following years by repainting it in the original red colour and refitted with an original engine bought from Don Walker. The car was displayed at L’art de L’automobile, the Ralph Lauren collection at Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, with an estimated value of $48.4 million USD.