The 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO Chassis 4293 is one of just thirty six 250GTO’s produced. It was sold initially to Jaques Swater’s Francorhamp Racing Team. #4293 GT enjoyed a short but spectacular racing career. It won the Spa 500 Km in its initial outing. The following month it finished first in class and second overall at the LeMans 24 hour race. The car was then driven to Brussels for a victorious homecoming. A win at Zolder and another first in class, third overall at Rheims, followed that homecoming.
In the 250 GTO, Ferrari produced the quintessential sports racing car of the post war era. Derived from the successful 250GT SWB Berlinetta, the GTO marked the culmination of the world-beating 250 Series.
Thanks to its comparatively short, accident free racing career, followed by a lifetime of caring ownership, 4293GT remains one of the most original GTO's in existence today.
Background and History
- Manufacturer: Ferrari
- Production Year: 1963
- Model: 250 GTO (Gran Turismo Omologato)
- Chassis Number: 4293GT
Specifications
- Engine: The 250 GTO is powered by a 3.0-liter V12 engine (Tipo 168/62 Colombo).
- Power Output: Approximately 300 horsepower at 7,400 rpm.
- Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox.
- Chassis: Tubular steel frame with lightweight aluminum bodywork.
Design and Features
- Body Style: The 250 GTO features a sleek, aerodynamic design with a long hood, a short rear deck, and distinctive front grille and air vents. The bodywork was designed by Sergio Scaglietti with input from Ferrari’s chief engineer, Giotto Bizzarrini.
- Interior: The interior is minimalist, focused on weight reduction and functionality, with essential instrumentation and racing seats.
- Exterior: The car’s design includes signature elements such as the three ventilation openings on the nose, the "kammback" tail for improved aerodynamics, and various ducts and vents to cool the brakes and engine.
Performance
- Top Speed: Around 174 mph (280 km/h).
- Acceleration: 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.4 seconds.
- Racing Pedigree: The 250 GTO was built for homologation into the FIA’s Group 3 Grand Touring Car category, making it a formidable competitor in various racing events. Chassis 4293GT participated in numerous races and achieved significant success.
Racing History of Chassis 4293GT
- Drivers: Some of the most notable drivers, including David Piper and others, piloted this car in various races.
- Races and Wins: This particular GTO competed in several prestigious events, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where the 250 GTO series performed exceptionally well.
- Endurance Racing: The 250 GTO series was known for its endurance racing capabilities, often finishing at the top in events like the Tour de France Automobile and the Targa Florio.
Legacy
- Significance: The 250 GTO is widely regarded as one of the greatest sports cars ever made. It embodies Ferrari's commitment to performance, design, and racing success.
- Rarity: Only 36 units of the 250 GTO were produced between 1962 and 1964, making it one of the rarest and most desirable Ferraris.
- Collectibility: The 250 GTO is one of the most sought-after classic cars. It regularly fetches record-breaking prices at auctions, often selling for tens of millions of dollars. Chassis 4293GT is particularly valuable due to its racing history and excellent condition.
Notable Achievements
- Auction Records: The 250 GTO holds multiple records for the highest auction prices for cars. While the exact figures for 4293GT can vary, GTOs have sold for upwards of $70 million in recent years.
- Cultural Impact: The 250 GTO is not just a car but a cultural icon, symbolizing the pinnacle of automotive engineering and design from the 1960s.
You may purchase a print of the 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO Chassis 4293 in our dElegance 2012 online gallery.