A pristine 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO – perhaps the most sought-after car in the world – has sold to an American collector for a stunning $70million (£52million). David MacNeil, CEO of WeatherTech – a market leader in car floor mats and accessories – is a renowned collector who likes to drive and show his classic cars, so this magnificent machine is likely to remain in the public eye.
It is believed to be a record price for a private sale, and with restorers DK Engineering, experts in the model who brought it back to the condition it is in, describing it as ‘one of the best’ that should come as no surprise.
Illustrious History
The 250 GTO was designed as a roadgoing racing car, and chassis 4153GT – a series 1 model and one of only 33 made with this body style – has a rich racing history. It has competed at the Le Mans 24-hours, where it finished a fine 4th in 1963, and its biggest success was victory in the gruelling Tour de France in 1964, in the hands of Lucien Bianchi and Georges Berger.
The car raced in the early days for the famous Belgian teams Ecurie Francorchamps and Ecurie National Belge, a fact that is commemorated in the current colour scheme, a stunning silver with the Belgian national yellow stripes across the bonnet. The car is one of the most original of its type, and has never been involved in a major accident.
Renowned Collector
MacNeil is a highly regarded collector of classic Ferrari’s and other cars, and his current inventory includes a Ferrari 250 GT Lusso, examples of both the F40 and F50 supercars, models from the 275 and 330 ranges of the 1960’s and many more besides. His cars have won awards at prestigious shows such as Pebble Beach, and he also enjoys racing in the Ferrari 488 Challenge Cup.
