1963 Ferrari 250 GTO Overview
The 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO is a homologation special built by Ferrari to compete in FIA Group 3 grand touring classes. The model used a 3.0-liter Colombo V12 engine, a tubular steel chassis, and a lightweight aluminum body designed by Giotto Bizzarrini and later refined by Mauro Forghieri. Production ran from 1962 to 1964, with the 1963 specification representing the most recognized series among collectors and historians source.
The 250 GTO is widely cited as the most valuable Ferrari model and one of the most expensive cars ever sold at auction. In 2018, a 1963 250 GTO sold for $48.4 million at RM Sotheby's, setting a public record for the highest price paid for a car at that time. The record was later surpassed by other ultra-rare classics, but the 1963 GTO remains a top benchmark in the collector car market source.
Production Numbers and Specifications
Ferrari produced 36 units of the 1963 250 GTO, with chassis numbers ranging from 4153 GT to 5203 GT. The car used a 3.0-liter Tipo 168/62 Colombo V12 engine producing approximately 300 horsepower, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The top speed was around 174 mph, and the dry weight was roughly 1,984 pounds, giving it a power-to-weight ratio competitive with modern sports cars source.
Key Technical Details
Engine and Chassis
The 1963 GTO used a longitudinally mounted V12 with six Weber 38 DCN carburetors, a compression ratio of 9.5:1, and a bore and stroke of 73 mm by 60 mm. The chassis was a tubular steel spaceframe with independent suspension at all four corners, disc brakes, and rear limited-slip differential. These specifications were optimized for endurance racing, particularly the FIA World Sportscar Championship source.
Current Market and Valuation
As of the latest public auction data, the 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO is valued between $30 million and $70 million depending on provenance, originality, and competition history. Prices are influenced by factors such as matching numbers, documented race participation, and factory documentation. Recent private transactions and sealed-bid sales suggest values continue to rise, with the model consistently ranking among the top five most valuable cars worldwide source.
The 250 GTO is frequently cited in