The only white Ferrari 250 GTO ever produced by Maranello has sold at auction for R615 million
Produced between 1962 and 1964, the Ferrari 250 GTO road car was developed to homologate Maranello’s Grand Tourer racing aspirations of the time. Destined to become one of the most celebrated and, indeed, sought-after Ferraris ever created, just 36 examples left the production line, eight of which were built in right-hand drive configuration, and only chassis number 3729GT was finished in Bianco Speciale (Special White) exterior paint.
Weighing less than a tonne, the 250 GTO is fitted with a 3.0-litre V12 engine capable of delivering 221 kW and 294 N.m of torque to the car’s rear wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Delivered to UK-based racing team owner John Coombs in 1962, this unicorn 250 GTO was put straight to work on the local racing scene, achieving notable success and piloted by the likes of Formula One stars Graham Hill and Roy Salvadori. Coombs would later fit bespoke bonnet louvres and a unique air hose directing cool air from one of the car’s fog lamp openings into the cabin.
Somewhat incredibly – and likely without Ferrari’s consent – this car was lent to Jaguar Competition Department for them to complete benchmark aerodynamic and performance testing for its own cars.
Raced to victory by Jack Seers in the GT Class in the 1963 Guards Trophy Race at Brands Hatch, this one-of-one 250 GTO would swap ownership on two more occasions before it was added to the collection of former Microsoft president Jon Shirley. Remarkably, with its black leather interior as it left the factory, a refinish of the car’s Bianco Speciale paintwork, as well as some minor panel repairs, remain the only work done on this car in 64 years.
A highlight of the 2026 Mecum Kissimmee auction, held in Kissimmee, Florida, this 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO finished in Bianco Speciale was sold for $35.5 million, which, after commissions and fees, landed at $38.5 million, or around R615 million.
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Ian McLaren has more than 25 years of experience as a motoring journalist. Here, he will be compiling a series of articles documenting his learning curve when it comes to all things auction. Find him on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok at @IanMcLaren76.
These articles aim to offer insights only and in no way encourage reckless or hit-and-miss purchasing decisions.