The 1963 Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 is an exceptional car. It is one of only a handful of Ferraris that have ever served as the official safety car at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and it is also one of the most well-preserved examples of its kind.
Good condition
The car is in excellent condition and has only been driven a few miles. It has several desirable features, including a 3.0L Colombo V12 engine, Chapron fixtures, and Blu Sera paintwork.
The 1963 Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 is a rare and valuable car and will be a popular auction item. It is estimated to sell for between $600,000 and $700,000 and is likely to be sold to a collector who appreciates its historical significance and excellent condition.
Here are some additional details about the car:
- Chassis number: 4155
- Engine number: 4155
- Body style: 2+2 grand tourer
- Gearbox No:41/63
- Body No:68387
- Rear Axle No:38/63
- Documents:French Certificat d’Immatriculation
- Engine: 3.0L Colombo V12
- Power: 240 hp
- Transmission: 4-speed manual
- Top speed: 155 mph
- Production: 957 units
The car’s history:
- The car was initially delivered to Donald Sleator, the proprietor of FBA, a British Ferrari dealer.
- Sleator used the car as his car and raced it occasionally.
- The car was the safety car at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1963.
- The car was sold to a new owner in the United States in 1967.
- It was stored for many years and was not driven.
- And was restored in 2017 and is now in excellent condition.
Here are some additional details about the pros and cons of the 1963 Ferrari 250 GTE:
Pros:
- Elegant design: The 1963 Ferrari 250 GTE is a beautiful car with classic Ferrari styling. A sloping hood, a prominent grille, and round headlights highlight the long, sleek body. The interior is also luxurious, with comfortable seats, a stylish dashboard, and a wood-trimmed steering wheel.
- Powerful engine: The 250 GTE is powered by a 3.0-litre V12 engine that produces 240 horsepower. This engine provides plenty of power for both city driving and highway cruising. The 0-60 mph time is just over 6 seconds, and the top speed is over 150 mph.
- Luxurious interior: The interior of the 250 GTE is just as elegant as the exterior. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and the dashboard is well-appointed with various gauges and controls. The wood-trimmed steering wheel adds a touch of class to the interior.
- Collectable value: The 1963 Ferrari 250 GTE is highly collectable, and deals have steadily increased in recent years. This makes it a good investment for those looking to add a classic Ferrari to their collection.
- Good handling: The 250 GTE is a well-handling car that is easy to control, even at high speeds. The suspension is firm but comfortable, and the steering is precise. This makes it an excellent car for both track driving and everyday use.
- Comfortable ride: The 250 GTE car is comfortable, even over long distances. The seats are supportive, and the suspension is well-damped. This makes it an excellent car for road trips or long commutes.
Cons:
- Expensive to purchase and maintain: The 1963 Ferrari 250 GTE is an expensive car to buy and maintain. The purchase price can be over $1 million, and the cost of parts and maintenance is also high.
- Difficult to find parts: Parts for the 250 GTE can be challenging, and those available can be expensive. This is because the car was only produced for a few years, and few are left in circulation.
- Not as fast as some other sports cars of its era: The 250 GTE is not as fast as other sports cars, such as the Lamborghini Miura or the Ferrari 275 GTB/4. This is because it has a smaller engine and less horsepower.
- Not as practical as some other sports cars of its era: The 250 GTE is less practical than some other sports cars of its era, such as the Porsche 911 or the Aston Martin DB5. This is because it has a smaller trunk and less passenger space.
The 1963 Ferrari 250 GTE is an excellent choice for someone looking for a classic sports car with a lot of style and performance. However, it is essential to be aware of the high cost of ownership before making a purchase.
If you are interested in bidding on the 1963 Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2, you can do so at RM Sotheby’s auction website. The auction will take place on June 11-12, 2023.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
Photos by Kevin Van Campenhout
