Far from being unique, the history of the automobile is in fact a multitude of tales that unite enthusiasts and exceptional vehicles! To showcase these extraordinary stories, Rétromobile is bringing you "Un véhicule, Une histoire", a video series that gives a voice to enthusiasts from all walks of life. In this episode: the Ferrari 250 GTO presented by Girardo & Co at Rétromobile 2024.

The Ferrari 250 GTO by Girardo & Co

Does the legendary Ferrari 250 GTO still require any introduction? The result of Enzo Ferrari's desire to offer a sportier, more competitive version of the Ferrari 250 GT, the vehicle is now considered to be one of the most accomplished ever produced by the Maranello firm.

The car presented by Davide de Giorgi was sold new in Rome in 1963. Shortly after leaving the dealership, it was entered in the Tour de France Automobile by its owner before retiring due to an accident. The car was then returned to the Ferrari workshops, where it evolved into the 250 GTO Series 2, which was re-bodied to make it more aerodynamic and competitive. Subsequently sold to a French gentleman, our Ferrari 250 GTO took part in the legendary Targa Florio race before continuing its career around the world. More than half a century after leaving the workshop, enthusiasts of exceptional vehicles will have had the chance to catch a glimpse of it on the Girardo & Co stand at Rétromobile 2024.

  

  

Ferrai 250 GTO : the eventful journey of a legendary vehicle

However, the road leading to the creation of this legend was strewn with obstacles. In 1961, the chief engineer and project manager Giotto Bizzarrini was dismissed from the company following a violent disagreement with Enzo Ferrari. To replace him, 'Il Commendatore' enlisted the help of Mauro Forghieri and Sergio Scaglietti, engineer and designer respectively, who had the onerous task of finalising the creation of the vehicle. Together, they created a mechanical jewel that incorporated the most emblematic Ferrari technologies of the time (5-speed gearbox, disc brakes, hand-welded chassis, etc.) and was powered by a 3-litre V12 engine capable of developing almost 300 bhp and hitting 100 km/h in under 6 seconds.

Initially dubbed the 'Ferrari GT 250 GT Competizione 62', the car was soon entered in a number of motor races. Unsurprisingly, it was a great success. So much so that it quickly fanned the flames of jealousy among the brand's rivals. Together, they lodged an appeal with the Fédération Internationale Automobile, arguing that Ferrari was not complying with the requirements in terms of the number of vehicles produced (only 36, as opposed to the 100 required by the regulations). However, in the face of Scuderia Ferrari's power and Enzo's threats to pull out of the team, the FIA finally authorised Ferrari to line up the car on the grid. The story prompted the press of the time to nickname the car the "Ferrari 250 GT Omologato", a name that was later shortened and officially adopted by the Maranello firm. 

The Ferrari 250 GTO was born. The legend, however, had only just begun...

On the same subject: « Un véhicule, Une histoire – La Citroën Traction BL de 1952 »