1-of-1 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO “Bianco Speciale” – The Only Factory White GTO – Heads to Mecum Kissimmee Auction in January 2026
Every Ferrari 250 GTO is an extraordinary automotive legend, but Chassis No. 3729GT, known as the “Bianco Speciale,” stands in a league of its own. This unique 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO is the only example ever to leave the factory in white (Bianco), a stunning deviation from Enzo Ferrari’s favored red hues. This historically significant vehicle, with a storied racing past and impeccable provenance, is set to be a star attraction at Mecum Auctions’ Kissimmee, Florida, sale in January 2026, where it could potentially break records with a sale price nearing or exceeding the $60 million mark.
Bianco Speciale: A Unprecedented Deviation from Ferrari Tradition
The existence of a factory white Ferrari 250 GTO is a testament to extraordinary circumstances and influence.
- Rarity: Only 36 examples of the Ferrari 250 GTO were built for homologation into the FIA’s Group 3 Grand Touring Car.
- Color Heresy: While most GTOs were finished in Rosso Cina (Ferrari red) or other traditional racing colors, Chassis No. 3729GT was specially commissioned in Bianco (white) for British race team owner John Coombs.
- Quiet Approval: According to Mecum, this “huge deviation from Ferrari’s strict color conventions” required quiet internal approval, widely believed to have been facilitated by Alfredo Reali, Ferrari’s liaison for bespoke client requests. Thus, the “Bianco Speciale” earned its unique place in automotive history.
A Racing Legacy: Influencing Jaguar and Dominating Tracks
The Bianco Speciale’s history is as captivating as its rarity, involving a fascinating rivalry with Jaguar.
- Coombs’s Strategy: John Coombs, a prominent Jaguar salesman, acquired the GTO with a strategic goal: to pressure Jaguar to improve the E-Type by showcasing Ferrari’s superior performance on the track.
- Brands Hatch Victory: In August 1962, the Bianco Speciale, piloted by Roy Salvadori, decisively defeated five other GTOs and a Jaguar E-Type (driven by Graham Hill) at the British Racing and Sports Car Club’s Peco Trophy.
- Impact on Jaguar: After several more victories, Coombs allowed Jaguar engineers to study the 250 GTO, a move believed to have directly inspired the creation of the Lightweight E-Type. However, even the Lightweight E-Types struggled to dethrone the mighty Colombo V12-powered Ferrari in the 1963 season.
Impeccable Provenance and Modern Preservation
Following its illustrious racing career, Chassis No. 3729GT maintained a prestigious ownership lineage and meticulous care.
- Ownership History: After Coombs, it passed through four different British racers before being acquired by Jack Sears in 1970, who owned it for three decades.
- Microsoft Executive Ownership: In 1999, it was sold to John Shirley, former COO and president of Microsoft. Shirley oversaw a comprehensive cosmetic refresh, carefully preserving its priceless historical racing touches like the hood louvers and cockpit air hose.
- Ferrari Classiche Certified: The car received its coveted Classiche Red Book and was certified authentic by Ferrari in 2008.
- Auction Ready: It is currently fitted with a bespoke engine from Ferrari Classiche and will also be supplied with a spare GTO-spec engine suitable for racing.
Final Thoughts: A Multi-Million Dollar Masterpiece
The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Bianco Speciale transcends mere collectibility; it is a monument to automotive achievement and a testament to audacity. Its extreme rarity (1-of-36, 1-of-1 in white), illustrious racing history, and impeccable documentation place it in the elite echelon of classic cars.
Considering previous 250 GTO sales have neared the $60 million mark, it is entirely conceivable that the Bianco Speciale, with its unique factory white finish and compelling backstory, could command a price that sets new records. This auction offers a singular opportunity for an individual to join one of the world’s most exclusive automotive owners’ clubs, acquiring a piece of history that defied convention to become an icon.
