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Few vehicles generate more fascination worldwide than a Ferrari. But, even within that select group composed of Italian cars of different ages that have marked the way forward in terms of performance and design, there is a particular model that, despite being well into years, is considered by experts in classic cars as a true "Holy Grail" on four wheels.

This is the 250 GTO model, a large car produced by Ferrari from 1962 to 1964 powered by a V12 engine. The number "250" corresponds to the displacement in cubic centimeters of each of its cylinders, while the acronym "GTO" refers to the term Omologate Grand Tourism, vehicles actually born to compete on tracks that were approved and produced in small quantities to circulate on public roads.

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Only 36 units were produced in total and Enzo Ferrari himself had to approve the buyers in person. It was sold again in the US for a whopping USD 18,000, a value that adjusted to current inflation would be around USD 150,000; raised considering the price of the current super sports but a real bargain if you consider the price that a model 250 GTO of 1962 in particular hopes to achieve.

RM Sothebys will be behind the auction of the vehicle in question at an event that will take place in the spectacular coastal city of Monterrey in California, on August 24.

Its experts say that, with a base estimated at USD 45 million, it could become the highest value ever paid for a car in a public auction. Among his record, he boasts having runner Phil Hill as one of his pilots. It was also owned by Gianni Bulgari, of the famous jewelery family.

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He participated in 20 races, which ended all and never suffered a shock. It still retains its original engine, transmission and rear axle, as well as the Scaglietti Series 2 body with which it was originally manufactured in 1964.

In June 2018, a Ferrari 250 GTO of 1964 set a historical record when sold for USD 70 million, but the transaction was a transfer of ownership, held in private between both parties. The fact that the vehicle in question won the Tour de France helped inflate its value.

In October 1953 Paul Pappalardo, a Connecticut-based collector, sold the chassis model 5111 GT to an unnamed buyer for around USD 52 million.

In 2004, Sports Car International magazine nominated the 250 GTO as the most relevant sports vehicle of all time. The publication Motor Trend Classic placed it in the first position of the ranking of "The most important Ferraris" while Popular Mechanics designated it the "Hottest Vehicle" in history.

GTO models do not usually go to auction, so Sotheby's managers estimate that they exceed the base of almost USD 50 million.