1964 Ferrari 250 GTO Coupe

The 250 GTO, introduced for the 1962 racing season, became the dominant Gran Turismo race car, winning all over the world. However, by 1964, racing technology had advanced, and knowledge of aerodynamics was increasing rapidly. Ferrari was developing the 250 LM as their next-generation Gran Turismo racer (though it was destined to be initially outlawed by the authorities as too radical), and the lessons learned were also applied to the last three of the 36 GTO's produced.

While the GTO/64 bodywork reflected the latest thinking, the mechanicals for these last cars had only minor updates from the 1962 version. Wider wheels were used to take advantage of the latest tire technology, twin master cylinders made the brake system safer, and the radiator and fuel tank changed due to the new bodywork.

5575, the last 250 GTO produced, was delivered to Jacques Swaters, Ecurie Francorchamps in May 1964. It was immediately put to work by Lucien Bianchi, contesting the Spa 500 Kms, Nurburgring 1000 Kms, 24 Hours of Le Mans and Rheims 12 Hours. By September, the GTO had been sold to Annie Soisbault-de Montaigu of Paris, France. This lady was one of the most accomplished female drivers of her era, and had already seen success driving her 1962 250 GTO #3607. In 15575, Soisbault successfully contested the Tour de France and the Paris 1000 Kms race in the fall of 1964.

By late 1965, the 250 LM had finally been approved by the FIA as a GT race car, and the era of the GTO was over. 5575, then moved to California and has spent the rest of its life in the hands of knowledgable enthusiasts in the United States.

The SOHC V-12 engine has an aluminum block and heads, dry-sump lubrication, 9.7:1 compression ratio, and Weber 38 NX 47 carburetors. The 2,953cc unit produces 300 horsepower and redlines at 8,000 RPM. There is a Ferrari 5-speed, all-synchromesh transmission, a ZF limited-slip differential, and a 2,400 mm wheelbase. Dunlop four-wheel disc brakes provide the stopping power.

Only three cars were built using the original GTO chassis but sporting the new Series II or 250 GTO/64 body style. This example (chassis number 5575GT) was the last GTO of the 36 built. The new body was re-engineered by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti. This car was raced by Ecurie Francorchamps with class wins at Le Mans and the Tour de France.