White Ferrari 250 GTO Sets $38.5M Auction Record

A singular Ferrari that captivated the auction world

A one-of-one 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, finished at the factory in Bianco Speciale and known by its chassis number 3729GT, has set a new benchmark for Mecum Auctions. The car achieved $38.5 million in Kissimmee, combining a $35 million hammer price with the buyer’s premium. That figure marks the highest result ever recorded by the auction house. It also reinforces the 250 GTO’s mythic standing among historic sports and racing cars.

This result did not arrive by chance. The 250 GTO blends top-tier design, proven competition performance, and a rare color specification that exists on no other GTO. Moreover, this example’s documented history with elite drivers adds a compelling layer. Together, those elements created a perfect storm for collectors who chase the most complete stories in the marketplace.

While the broader market can move in cycles, cars like this remain cultural touchstones. Therefore, they often defy ordinary trends and command top bids when they surface.

Why the 250 GTO remains the ultimate blue-chip classic

Ferrari built just 36 250 GTOs, and each one occupies a specific place in the model’s lineage. The GTO’s name, Gran Turismo Omologato, points to its purpose: a road-legal machine engineered to dominate on track. Under the sculpted body sits Ferrari’s celebrated V12, paired with a lightweight, race-ready chassis. That formula delivered high speeds, agile handling, and durability.

Beyond performance, the car’s shape captured hearts. The long hood, compact cabin, and purposeful tail combined art with aerodynamics. Consequently, the GTO became both a weapon and a design icon. It succeeded in period competition and inspired generations of road and race Ferraris that followed.

Collectors view the 250 GTO as the pinnacle because it unites scarcity, aesthetics, and results. Furthermore, it carries a consistent record of rising demand over decades. As a result, when a standout example appears, global attention follows.

The unique story of chassis 3729GT

Chassis 3729GT separates itself from the pack in several ways. Most visibly, it is the only 250 GTO painted Bianco Speciale at the factory. That decision gave the car a distinct identity from day one. In the world of GTOs, where differences are closely studied, such originality matters a great deal.

Its racing résumé adds even more weight. In period, notable drivers including Formula 1 champion Graham Hill and American racer Richie Ginther took the wheel. They brought skill, fame, and results, which enhanced the car’s story then and now. Documented competition history like this is a key driver of value for any thoroughbred Ferrari.

As with many hard-driven racers of the era, mechanical components sometimes changed during active campaigns. Some sources note a possible engine swap in this car’s long life. Even so, its provenance, specification, and performance history remain exceptionally strong. Consequently, the market treated 3729GT as a singular opportunity.

Inside the record sale at Mecum Kissimmee

The Kissimmee sale unfolded with intense interest. Bidding climbed to $35 million before fees, and the final tally reached $38.5 million. Although the number stopped short of the highest private sale rumored for a GTO, the result still set a house record. It also confirmed the model’s broad appeal beyond the most exclusive, invite-only venues.

Moreover, the transaction highlighted how values vary from car to car. Color, period competition, originality, and condition all influence final numbers. Notably, vehicles with factory-unique features and verifiable racing successes often command outsize premiums. The outcome for 3729GT aligned with that pattern.

Auctions remain a vital stage for cars of this caliber. They deliver transparency, pace, and theater. Therefore, when a unicorn appears, bidders respond quickly and decisively. The GTO’s performance at Mecum underscored that dynamic yet again.

The buyer and what this moment signals for collectors

Prominent Ferrari collector David Lee acquired 3729GT, adding it to an already notable stable. After the sale, he described the car as his “last infinity stone,” a nod to the model’s unmatched standing. For collectors, the purchase signaled continued confidence at the top of the market. It also suggested that best-in-class cars still set their own rules.

This purchase goes beyond status. It reflects a commitment to stewardship, research, and preservation. Important cars carry stories, and owners help protect those stories for future generations. Consequently, the community benefits whenever a historically significant vehicle remains accessible and well documented.

Looking ahead, the sale may influence consignors considering when to bring major cars to market. It may also encourage careful restoration decisions that respect originality while honoring competition history. For enthusiasts, it offers a reminder: the right car, with the right past, can still move the entire room.