Ferrari 250 GTO has sold privately for a record £52million — and just 36 were ever built
The 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO - known as the Holy Grail model - has been snapped up by an American businessman
A FERRARI built in 1963 has sold for a record £52million.
The 250 GTO is known as the Holy Grail model for its looks, rarity and smoothness on the road.
Just 36 were built between 1962 and 1964.
An American businessman snapped up this version, which won the Tour de France motor race in 1964.
For years it has been based in Germany but shown and driven at global events.
James Cottingham, of Hertfordshire-based DK Engineering, which restored the car in the 1990s, said: “This is one of the best 250 GTOs in existence in terms of history and originality.
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“It has never had a big accident. It won the Tour de France Automobile — a race last held in 1986 — and was fourth at Le Mans, which was a mega result.”
The Ecurie Francorchamps team’s Lucien Bianchi and Georges Berger drove it to victory at the 1964 Tour. It has also competed in hill climbs and long-distance road rallies.
Ferrari fitted the 250 GTO with a 3-litre V12 engine, which developed more than 300bhp — giving it a 0-60mph time of 6.1 seconds and top speed of more than 174mph.
Ferrari historian Marcel Massini said he expects a GTO to fetch $100million (£75million) within five years.
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