The Problem with Buying a $50 Million Ferrari

Ever wonder what it would be like to legally bicker over a 60-year-old Ferrari race car for less than 1% of its value?

Many consider the Ferrari 250 GTO to be one of the most beautiful cars ever created. Due to its legacy and rarity, these cars are known to fetch extreme selling prices. Is the car the rarest Ferrari ever? Not exactly. There were 39 of these vehicles built back in the 1960s. While that might not necessarily be a large amount, it was like any other homologation race car during this period. Companies were obligated to build a certain amount of a certain model for road use to participate in the corresponding race series. The 250 GTO was no different.

Recently, one of these stunning vehicles went up for sale back in 2017. This car was chassis number 3387, the second 250 GTO to ever be built. In addition, it carries quite a pedigree. It was the first 250 GTO to ever race. In its 25 races, it secured over 17 class podium finishes. British racing driver Gregor Fisken purchased this 250 GTO for $49.4 million from a man named Bernard Carl. According to Fisken, the negotiated price included Carl sourcing the GTO’s original gearbox. However, according to an article by Motor Authority, this never happened.

Based on reporting by The Telegraph, Fisken ended up selling the GTO shortly after the purchase but is now suing Carl for a breach of contract over the missing gearbox. Apparently, the original gearbox was at a U.S. dealership who requested a hefty $25,000 “release fee” for the transmission. Fisken and Carl were also never able to agree who would pay the fee or for the gearbox’s delivery and shipping.

Carl is also seeking a $500,000 recompense from Fisken for his attempt to source the gearbox. Either way, it is almost ridiculous that people can argue over what is essentially chump change when purchasing a $50 million piece of history. This is definitely a lifestyle we will never know. In this case, we are glad to not be a part of it.

Photos: TALACREST / SWNS

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Daud Gonzalez

Daud Gonzalez is a lifelong car enthusiast, and automotive writer with a specialty in modified and race-ready rides. Gonzalez is a regular contributor to the Internet Brands Auto Group websites, including Corvette Forum, 6SpeedOnline, and Honda-tech, among others.

He spends most of his time modifying his cars, and ruining them in the process. He is the owner of a track build BMW 335i, a semi-off road spec 1981 Toyota Hilux, a drift-ready 1990 Nissan 240sx and a 1990 BMW K75 motorcycle.

Most of his free-time is dedicated to making sure his vehicles survive to see the next day. You are likely to catch him at one of Southern California's race tracks on the weekends.

Daud can be reached at Autoeditors@internetbrands.com, and followed on his Instagram account.

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