It certainly isn’t everyday that one gets to see a Ferrari 250 GTO, the most expensive Ferrari ever, in the flesh. Experiencing one from the passenger seat is a feat that’s even rarer. The British Racing Driver’s Club (BRDC) is offering a generous donor exactly that — hot laps in a V12 Ferrari 250 GTO piloted by a “leading driver” later this year.
To make the occasion even more special, the hot lap is being hosted at the venue of the British Grand Prix, the historied Silverstone racetrack. The experience is part of the Cliveden House auction by RM Sotheby’s in support of the Great Ormond Street Charity, with the other lots including memorabilia from the racing driver Nigel Mansell.
The Ferrari 250 GTO racked up over 300 race wins in the period it was actively participating in motorsport, including wins in the Tour de France, Targa Florio, Le Mans 24 Hours, Nurburgring 1000, and Tourist Trophy at Goodwood. Apart from winning people’s hearts along the way, seeing as these ex-racecars have evolved to become the most expensive Ferrari in the world.
A pristine example was sold last year for over $70 million by RM Sotheby’s themself. Getting seat time in a 250 GTO, especially on a hot lap around Silverstone where it’s gathered many of those career wins, is priceless. Silverstone itself is steeped in history, originally being an RAF bomber station during World War II, with formal race events having first been held in 1949. Silverstone now hosts both Formula 1 and MotoGP, being one of a handful of racetracks that host both the “top-tier” racing series.
This experience is definitely a once in a lifetime affair for most people. Excluding the lucky owners of the 39 units of the 250 GTO ever made—many of whom are gentlemen racers who compete in historic race events with their million-dollar investments, like Nick Mason, the Pink Floyd drummer and enthusiastic Ferrari 250 GTO owner. As far as charities go, you could be forgiven for being a little selfish in your reasons for wanting to support this particular one.
