In 1962, one of the most impressive Ferrari GTO cars was created and the only factory GTO Tipo 1962 example to have been campaigned by the Scuderia Ferrari, the 1962 Ferrari 330 LM / 250 GTO. This unique car was sold a few days ago at an auction for 51.7 million dollars, making it one of the most expensive Ferraris ever.
In the early 60’s the FIA CSI set new regulations, so Ferrari began to design a new racing car to compete in the GT class with a 3.0 L engine. The FIA tried to limit the competition to only GT models, but under pressure from the organizers of La Mans, the ACO stipulated a larger-displacement 4-liter class whose purpose was ostensibly to develop cars that might eventually translate into road car production. This gave Ferrari the opportunity to install a 4-liter engine in the newly developed 250 GT.
This unique car with chassis number #3765, finished in Rosso Cina, debuted at the Nürburgring 1000 KM on May 27. It was powered by a 4.0L V12 engine with 390 hp (287 kW), which was enough to reach a top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph). In its first race at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 250 GT secured a 4th-place starting position, but did not finish the race.
After the end of the season, the car was refurbished as necessary for client sales. The following year it was returned to Maranello for a conversion to 250 GT specification, when a 3.0L engine was installed, which is still there today.
Between 1964 and 1967, the car continued to compete in various hillclimb races, where it achieved good results. Until then, it had changed several owners, and in 1968 it was bought by Jack Reuter from St. Louisa, Missouri, when the car began participating in American marque gatherings.
In 1974 it was sold to Fred Leydorf of Birmingham, Michigan, in whose possession it remained for 10 years, until it was sold to the seller. The seller delivered the car to the specialists at Shelton Ferrari in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, who restored it. After that, this 250 GT earned a class award at the Vintage Grand Prix at Mid-Ohio, the Cavallino Classic, the Scuderia Ferrari Cup, and the Coppa Bella Macchina.
This 330 LM / 250 GTO is documented with factory records that clarify its early history, including two sets of build sheets (one each for the factory preparation for the Nürburgring and Le Mans), and a third spec sheet that outlines the factory modifications to 250 GTO specifications conducted for privateer racing in May 1963, including installation of the currently fitted engine.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
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