A classic Ferrari first built for Sir Stirling Moss has sold for a world record £22.7-million (R299-million), making it the most expensive car in the world.
The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, owned by UK-based businessman Eric Heerema, was sold to a collector in the USA. It is one of eight classic Ferraris sold over the past six weeks for a total of £97million amid high demand in the classic car market.
Chris Evans, the radio presenter, is understood recently to have sold his Series II 250 GTO for about £18million, making a £6.5million profit in just two years. He is thought to have sold it to help fund a more expensive Series I.
John Collins, who runs Talacrest, a specialist Ferrari dealer in Ascot, Berkshire, has been involved in five of the eight deals. He refused to identify buyers or sellers but confirmed Ferraris were now extremely valuable investments.
“If someone wanted to sell their 250 GTO, I could find a buyer in 30 seconds,” he said. “A Chinese customer told me there are three things worth investing in now - diamonds, Warhols and classic Ferraris.”
Mr Collins previously sold the Stirling Moss Ferrari in the mid-Nineties - for £4million.
Only 39 of the 250 GTOs were made between 1962 and 1964 with company founder Enzo Ferrari selling them for £6000. Now there’s a resale value no one can sniff at.
Other owners include Ralph Lauren and Pink Floyd star Nick Mason.