Posted 2011/05/05 @ 5:00 PM
By Myles Kornblatt
There are three words that mean big bucks in classic cars: rare, winning, and Ferrari. The car that embodies all three of these the best is the 250 GTOs. There were only 38 of these ever produced over a three –year period (including the “330” GTOs), but from 1962 to 1964, these screamers dominated just about every race they entered, and won their racing class for those years.
To kick off the 50th anniversary of this model’s development, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance has invited all the original cars to join the 2011 show field. Although event is not until August, Pebble Beach has already received confirmation from over twenty 250 GTO owners.
The Ferrari 250 GTO was based on the 250 GT SWB (short wheel base). The GTO received a lightened and reinforced the chassis, and the engine was moved behind the front axle for improved weight distribution. The 3.0-liter V12 engine was enhanced to make 300 hp, and the transmission was improved to a five-speed fashioned in Ferrari’s now famous metal gate shift pattern.
Its first debut was at the 12 Hours of Sebring on March 24, 1962. So although the GTO does not officially turn 50 until next year, the Pebble Beach Concours is getting a head start on its celebration. After all, this Ferrari’s golden anniversary will be old news by next summer, and that just isn’t Pebble Beach’s style.
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