Collecting classic cars is about more than just admiring the beauty and engineering of the past, it can be a rational investment yielding great returns provided the cars are unique and of a quality build. Recently, a few very rare Ferraris have been making some noise in the news.
1963 Ferrari 250 GTO
Built in 1963 with chassis number 4135GT, this specific 250 GTO Series 1 was sold in a private sale for a stunning US$70 million, exceeding its last auction price and breaking the world record for a single car sale. The rare example was reportedly sold to WeatherTech owner David MacNeil, who is an avid Ferrari collector. The 250 GTO is always a valuable model in the vintage market as only 39 examples were ever built, but 4135 GT stands out because of its rarity and glorious racing history. It debuted in the 1963 Le Mans and finished in fourth place, and won the ten-day 1964 Tour de France road rally. The 300 bhp, V12-powered car was restored in the 1990s, but it is still highly original with mostly stock parts that contribute to its value.
1972 Ferrari Dino “Monza 3.6 Evo”
Famous car collector David Lee should be really excited about his Dino 246 GTS restomod, as it has been reported that five examples would be made for sale each year. The restomod was handled by Moto Technique from the UK and it was completed with only Ferrari parts. Highlights include replacing the 192 hp V6 with an 400 hp 3.6-litre V8, paired a five-speed manual gearbox from a 328. The alloy engine block cones from the F120A engine on an F40 and 4-valve heads from the 348 were also added, while the brakes were originally from a Ferrari 360 Modena. The original 14-inch wheels were replaced by 17-inch Campagnolo-look wheels.
1993 Ferrari F40LM
The Ferrari F40 is a good example of something a little more recent. Currently listed by Knight International on James Edition for sale at € 5,000,000, this particular F40 LM is one of the 19 examples produced, and one of the four configured to GTC spec. The racing version of the F40 has recognisable larger spoilers and different headlights. The fin on the original F40 is eliminated on the LM version to save weight, and the interior is further stripped off. The 2.9-litre V8 has been modified to produce 720 hp with larger intercoolers, more aggressive camshafts and a new injection system, while the brake system, suspension, racing gearbox and wider wheels are also upgraded over the original F40.
