Image Credit: Bring a Trailer.Some cars become so valuable that actually driving them starts to feel like an irresponsible financial decision. The Ferrari 250 GTO crossed that threshold a long time ago, with surviving examples now occupying a very different world from the average collectible Ferrari.Only 36 were originally built between 1962 and 1964, and their combination of racing success, rarity, and unmistakable styling has turned them into automotive royalty. Seeing one on a public road is unusual enough; getting the opportunity to push one through a winding back road is something few enthusiasts will ever experience.There is, however, a Ferrari currently up for auction at Bring a Trailer that offers a surprisingly convincing taste of that experience. It has the shape, proportions, and stripped-down atmosphere of a 250 GTO, right down to its Borrani wire wheels and competition-inspired cabin.Look beyond the familiar red bodywork, and its story becomes much more interesting. This isn't an original 250 GTO, yet calling it an ordinary replica doesn't quite explain what went into creating it either.It Still Has A Ferrari Colombo V12Image Credit: Bring a Trailer.The donor 250 GTE's 3.0-liter Colombo V12 is still found under the hood, although it didn't stay completely stock. During the build, the engine was overhauled with higher-compression pistons, larger exhaust valves, and a dry-sump lubrication system.Six Weber 40 DCN carburetors feed the V12, while power reaches the rear wheels through an unusual five-speed manual. The gearbox uses Tremec internals housed inside a Ferrari 250 transmission case, blending modernized internals with period Ferrari hardware.The car received an extensive mechanical refresh in 2020 from Ferrari specialist Patrick Ottis in Berkeley, California. Work included rebuilding the Weber carburetors, water pump, and distributors, along with adjusting the valves and cam timing and replacing fluids.The Body Was Shaped Using A Real GTOImage Credit: Bring a Trailer.Its aluminum coachwork carries the details expected of a 250 GTO, including the three nose openings, faired-in headlights, fender vents, rear spoiler, and Monza-style fuel filler. Fifteen-inch Borrani wire wheels secured with three-eared knockoffs complete the period appearance.Inside, things are similarly purposeful. Blue cloth bucket seats sit among gray-painted surfaces, joined by a roll bar, drilled pedals, gated shifter and Veglia instrumentation.The chassis combines coil-sprung independent front suspension with a leaf-sprung solid rear axle and Watt's linkage. Four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes handle stopping duties.It's Still Legally A 1962 Ferrari 250 GTEImage Credit: Bring a Trailer.The car carries chassis number 250GTE3121 and comes with a clean Montana title identifying it as a 1962 Ferrari GTE. Its chassis mileage is unknown, which isn't particularly surprising given the extent of its transformation.At the time of writing, bidding had already reached $388,888. The auction is scheduled to conclude October 12, so the final price could climb substantially higher.Whatever it sells for, nobody should mistake it for one of Ferrari's original 36 GTOs. Unlike many replicas, though, this one really did begin its life in Maranello, and there's still a genuine Ferrari V12 waiting behind that famous-looking nose.If you want more stories like this, follow Guessing Headlights on Yahoo so you don't miss what's coming next.
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