Talking about Ferrari is entering a territory where mechanics, design and history mix with cult status. However, even within the Maranello universe, there are models that rise above the rest, and the 250 GTO occupies the highest position in that hierarchy.

This is not just a car: it is an absolute symbol of classic motoring, sporting success, and extreme exclusivity.

In January 2026, one of these examples will once again shake up the collectors' market. It is a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO that will be the star of the Mecum Kissimmee auction in Florida, scheduled between January 6 and 18. Everything points to its value potentially exceeding $70 million, a figure that would place it among the most expensive cars ever sold at public auction.

A unique example within a legendary series

Between 1962 and 1964, Ferrari produced only 36 units of the 250 GTO, a figure that alone explains its almost mythical status. However, the car arriving in Kissimmee possesses a characteristic that distinguishes it even within that select group: it is the only Ferrari 250 GTO originally manufactured in Bianco Speciale.

This aesthetic detail was not a coincidence. The white finish was expressly requested by its first owner, John Coombs, a key figure in British motorsport, both as a driver and team principal.

No other 250 GTO left Maranello with this configuration, making chassis 3729GT a truly unique piece. Far from being merely cosmetic, this Ferrari retains a high degree of originality and has never undergone a complete restoration, something extremely rare for racing cars over six decades old. Born to race, not to be shown off. The Ferrari 250 GTO was conceived with one very clear objective: to dominate the FIA ??International GT Championship. To achieve this,The Italian marque combined advanced aerodynamics with mechanics that are now considered a masterpiece. The aluminum body, designed by Giotto Bizzarrini, developed by Ferrari, and built by Scaglietti, concealed a top-tier technical package. This particular example was used extensively in competition. John Coombs didn't treat it as a museum piece, but as what it was: a machine designed to win. Therefore, he incorporated functional modifications that it still retains, such as additional ventilation grilles on the hood, a third air intake on the fender, and a fresh air system connected to a fog light that feeds the cabin. A sporting history signed by legends. The Ferrari 250 GTO Bianco Speciale's record lives up to its fame. It competed on some of the most demanding circuits in the UK and Europe, achieving one victory and five second-place finishes in the GT category. Legendary drivers such as Graham Hill, Jack Sears, Mike Parkes, Roy Salvadori, Richie Ginther, and other illustrious names from the golden age of motorsport were at its wheel. In 1962 and 1963, this GTO finished second overall in the RAC Tourist Trophy at Goodwood, an official round of the FIA ??GT Championship. Its results contributed directly to Ferrari's world titles, reinforcing its historical significance.

Under the hood, it retains one of the most admired engines of all time: a fully aluminum Colombo Tipo 168/62 Comp V12, with 2,953 cc and nearly 300 horsepower, coupled to an original five-speed manual transmission.

From the racetrack to the elite of collectors

After retiring from competition, the Ferrari passed through carefully selected hands. One of its owners was Jack Sears himself, who kept it between 1970 and 1999. The car then entered the prestigious Jon Shirley Collection, where it underwent a partial restoration focused on conservation, maintaining its original white color scheme and avoiding unnecessary alterations. Since then, the 250 GTO has been a regular feature at top-tier events such as the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the Cavallino Classic, and the Goodwood Revival. It also has a confirmed invitation to the 2026 Cavallino Classic, a privilege reserved for very few vehicles. A price that could redefine the market. Ferrari's track record at auctions supports this expectation. One of the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTOs already holds the second-highest price ever paid for a car, having sold for approximately $47 million. However, the combination of rarity, originality,A unique color and an additional 250 GTO-spec V12 engine elevate the appeal of this example. It retains four-wheel disc brakes, Borrani wheels, Veglia instrumentation, and an unrestored interior that faithfully reflects the Coombs era. All of this fuels projections that point to a value close to or exceeding $70 million. At Mecum Kissimmee, this Ferrari will not only be seeking a new owner, but also a definitive place in the history of automotive auctions.