by Unique White Ferrari 250 GTO to Be Auctioned
The automotive world is preparing for an incredible event: one of the rarest cars in history, a Ferrari 250 GTO, will be sold at the Mecum auction in January. This model is a true legend, as only 36 units were ever produced. Every appearance of such a car on the market becomes a sensation, and this case is no exception, as the vehicle could set a new sales price record.
Why Is This Particular Car Special?
Chassis number 3729GT is unique even among the unique. It is the only Ferrari 250 GTO that left the factory workshops painted white. Furthermore, it is one of just eight cars with right-hand drive. But that’s not all: the lot also includes an impressive set of original racing spare parts, among which are a complete V12 engine, additional wheels, brakes, and other components.
Rich Racing History
This Ferrari’s new owner in 1962 was John Coombs, a British racing team owner. At the wheel of this racing car, famous drivers such as Jack Sears, Graham Hill, and Ritchie Ginther achieved victories. The car demonstrated excellent results on the track, taking second place in the RAC Tourist Trophy race at Goodwood in 1962 and 1963, as well as winning the Guards Trophy Race at Brands Hatch in 1963.
This Ferrari was purchased by the new British racing team owner John Coombs and was driven by people like Jack Sears, Graham Hill, and Ritchie Ginther.
After an active racing career, the car changed several owners, and from 1999 it was part of the collection of Jon Shirley, former President and Chief Operating Officer of Microsoft, where it remained until the present time.
Technical Condition and Auction Expectations
The car is currently equipped with a 3.0-liter Colombo V12 engine, which was specifically rebuilt by the Ferrari Classiche department as part of a comprehensive restoration. The original 5-speed manual gearbox, six Weber carburetors, disc brakes on all wheels, and dual Marelli distributors have been preserved.
The auction organizers have not announced a pre-sale estimate, but experts suggest the price could exceed $50 million. For comparison: the most expensive 250 GTO was sold privately in 2018 for approximately $70 million. This white example, with its impeccable history and exclusive kit, could approach that mark or even break the record, as collectors value not only rarity but also authenticity and provenance.
The sale of such a car is always more than just a transaction. It is an event that captures the state of the classic rarity market and demonstrates that even in a world of high technology, objects with rich manual history and emotional value continue to be a universal symbol of status and passion. The history of this particular GTO, from British race tracks to the collection of a tech magnate, perfectly illustrates this, making it not just a machine, but a tangible carrier of an entire motorsport era.
