A one-of-a-kind 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO — the only factory-built example finished in Bianco Speciale — is set to headline Mecum’s Kissimmee auction in January 2026, with experts predicting it could become the most expensive car ever sold at auction.
Why the Ferrari 250 GTO Is Already a Legend
The Ferrari 250 GTO (short for Gran Turismo Omologato) was engineered with the marque’s iconic 3.0-liter Colombo V12 to dominate GT racing while fueling Ferrari’s road car sales. Between 1962 and 1964, the model delivered a string of major victories for Scuderia Ferrari, including:
- 24 Hours of Le Mans – 1962 and 1963 class wins
- Tour de France Automobile – 1963 and 1964 victories
- Nürburgring 1,000 km – 1963 and 1964 wins
Its rare combination of race-winning performance and road usability cemented the GTO as one of the most iconic and valuable cars in automotive history.
The Only Factory White 250 GTO
Out of just 36 examples ever built, this is the only GTO painted in Bianco Speciale from the factory. Ferrari was famously strict about color choices in the 1960s — most GTOs wore the traditional Rosso Corsa red — but this car’s first owner, British racing team boss John Coombs, received special approval after discreet negotiations, reportedly involving Ferrari’s behind-the-scenes liaison Alfredo Reali.
Coombs, who made his fortune selling Jaguars, campaigned the car from 1962 to 1964, securing:
- Class win at the Guards Trophy at Brands Hatch
- Multiple podium finishes in European GT events
- Consistent victories over Jaguar E-Types, possibly influencing Jaguar to develop the E-Type Lightweight
Record-Breaking Potential
The current record for the most expensive production car sold at auction belongs to another 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, which fetched $51.7 million in 2023.
According to Hagerty’s price guide:
- A “Good” 250 GTO is worth $53 million
- An “Excellent” example is valued at $60.1 million
- A Concours-condition car is pegged at $72 million
Given its unique color, documented racing pedigree, and pristine condition, experts believe this GTO could exceed all previous benchmarks.
What Makes This Sale Historic
- Only white GTO ever built — absolute rarity in the Ferrari world.
- Proven race history — wins and podiums during the GTO’s golden era.
- Exceptional provenance — owned by a major figure in British motorsport.
- Market momentum — classic Ferraris are achieving record highs at auction.
If bidding meets expectations, this could be the first production car to surpass $72 million at auction.
When and Where to Watch the Sale
- Auction House: Mecum Auctions
- Event: Kissimmee 2026
- Date: January 2026
- Location: Kissimmee, Florida
Collectors, investors, and Ferrari enthusiasts will be watching closely — not just for the final hammer price, but for what it signals about the future of ultra-rare car values.
Why is the Ferrari 250 GTO so valuable?
Its extreme rarity, proven racing success, timeless design, and status as the pinnacle of 1960s GT racing make it one of the most collectible cars in history.
How many Ferrari 250 GTOs were made?
Only 36 were built between 1962 and 1964.
Has a Ferrari 250 GTO sold for more than $70 million before?
Yes — in private sales, one example reportedly sold for $70M in 2018, but this would be the first time such a figure is achieved at a public auction.
What is unique about this particular 250 GTO?
It’s the only example finished in Bianco Speciale from the factory, breaking Ferrari’s strict 1960s color rules.
