Record-Breaking $38.5 Million Sale of the Unique "Bianco Speciale" Ferrari 250 GTO at Mecum Auctions

In a historic moment for the automotive auction world, an ultra-rare 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO recently shattered records at the Mecum Kissimmee event in Florida. This specific vehicle, identified by chassis number 3729GT and finished in its distinctive factory white paint, achieved a final sale price of $38.5 million this past January. The transaction marks the highest price ever paid for a car in the history of the Mecum auction house, highlighting the enduring allure of Maranello’s most legendary creations on the global stage.

Known affectionately as the "Bianco Speciale," this 250 GTO is a true anomaly among its peers. Out of the mere 36 units ever produced by Ferrari, it is the only one to have left the factory finished in a striking white livery rather than the traditional racing red. It was originally commissioned by John Coombs, a prominent British racing team owner, and was delivered to him on July 28, 1962. Beneath its elegant hood lies a 3.0-liter Tipo 168/62 Colombo V12 engine, which was engineered to produce a formidable 300 horsepower.

The car’s pedigree is further cemented by an illustrious competitive history involving some of the greatest names in motorsport. Legends such as Graham Hill, Richie Ginther, and Jack Sears have all spent time behind its wheel during its active racing years. Its competitive debut took place in August 1962 at the Peco Trophy in Brands Hatch, where Roy Salvadori secured a second-place finish. This was followed by another impressive second-place result at the RAC Tourist Trophy in Goodwood, this time with the iconic Graham Hill steering the white Ferrari to the podium.

The winning bidder was the renowned enthusiast and collector David S.K. Lee, who is widely recognized in the digital space by his handle ferraricollector_davidlee. Lee described the acquisition as the "final piece" that completes his world-class automotive collection. Before this sale, the car was meticulously maintained for decades, including a long tenure starting in 1999 with owner John Shirley. Shirley kept the vehicle in a climate-controlled environment, ensuring that while it received necessary repairs and paintwork, it was never subjected to a full restoration, thus preserving its authentic and highly sought-after patina.

While the $38.5 million figure is staggering, it actually fell short of some market forecasts that predicted the price might exceed $50 million. For context, private sales of other 250 GTO models reached as high as $70 million back in 2018. Industry analysts suggest the final price was influenced by a significant event in 2023, where the original engine was unfortunately destroyed in a fire. Consequently, the car now houses a replacement V12 engine. Despite this mechanical change, chassis 3729GT remains the most expensive vehicle ever sold under the Mecum hammer.

The Mecum Kissimmee auction proved to be a powerhouse for elite automotive sales beyond the GTO. Other notable transactions included a 2003 Ferrari Enzo, which set a model record at $17.875 million, and a Ford GT40 MkII Factory Lightweight that fetched over $12 million. These figures underscore a robust and growing appetite among global collectors for high-tier, historically significant machinery from the golden era of racing, proving that the market for blue-chip classics remains incredibly strong.