If you think a $15 million Bugatti is expensive, you will be shocked to see what wealthy collectors will pay for this historic Le Mans-winning Ferrari

In a world where modern hypercars like the $15 million Bugatti Centodieci turn heads, a truly special piece of automotive history is about to make those figures look modest. The 1964 Ferrari 250 LM Scaglietti that claimed victory at the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans is heading to auction in Paris this February, with expectations of fetching over €25 million.

This isn’t just any classic Ferrari. Chassis number 5893 represents a pivotal moment in motorsport history as the last Ferrari to win Le Mans outright until the company’s triumphant return in 2023 – a staggering 58-year gap. It’s also the only privately-entered Ferrari to ever claim overall victory at Le Mans, achieving this feat under the banner of the North American Racing Team (NART).

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What makes this particular 250 LM extraordinary is not just its racing pedigree but its remarkable state of preservation. The car retains its original 3.3-liter V12 Type 211 engine and factory manual transmission, with the engine still bearing the scrutineering stamps from its multiple Le Mans appearances.

Among the mere 32 examples ever produced, this sixth chassis stands alone in its competition history, being the only Enzo Ferrari-era car to compete in six 24-hour races – three each at Le Mans and Daytona.

Since 1970, the car has been carefully preserved in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, making occasional appearances at prestigious historic events. This long-term museum stewardship has helped maintain its authenticity, a crucial factor in its extraordinary value.

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Also on offer at the same auction is a 2022 Bugatti Centodieci, estimated to fetch $15 million.

The upcoming RM Sotheby’s auction in Paris on February 4-5, 2025, marks a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire what many consider the most significant Ferrari race car of all time. While a different Ferrari 250 LM failed to meet its $18-20 million estimate at auction in 2023, chassis 5893’s unparalleled combination of Le Mans victory, originality, and continuous history suggests it could easily surpass its €25 million estimate.

For racing enthusiasts and collectors alike, this represents more than just a car – it’s a piece of motorsport history that marks the end of an era in Ferrari’s Le Mans dominance, making its astronomical price tag seem almost reasonable in the context of its historical significance.

[All images by RM Sotheby’s]