Several vintage Ferraris are set to be auctioned at an upcoming RM Sotheby’s event, slated to align with the Monterey Car Week celebration in California next month, 2023. However, one distinctive car is drawing considerable attention.
The highlighted car is a 1964 Ferrari 250 LM, recognized by its chassis number 6053. This specific vehicle was the 22nd among the 32 250 LMs manufactured by Ferrari in the early 1960s. The car was initially purchased by British racing driver George Drummond. He predominantly raced it across the U.K. but also participated in the 1966 24 Hours of Daytona and the 1968 24 Hours of Le Mans, including events in South Africa.
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The 250 LM was planned to follow up the Ferrari 250 GTO and was mainly sold to private racers. It was designed based on the victorious 250 P prototype race car, however, it was engineered for the road to qualify for GT racing. In essence, the 250 LM was a 250 P with an added roof.
Originally, the 250 LM was equipped with a 3.0-liter V-12 engine, but later versions were updated with a 3.3-liter unit. This modification necessitated the subsequent 250 LMs to compete in the prototype class at Le Mans, where they excelled. A different 250 LM, driven by the North American Racing Team, led Ferrari to overall victory in the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans. This triumph marked Ferrari’s last victory in the famous French race until their recent success in 2023 with their new 499P LMH race car.
1964 Ferrari 250 LM with Chassis No. 6053 – Photo credit: RM Sotheby’s
This particular 250 LM, the later model and finished in Rosso Cina, boasts a 3.3-liter V-12 engine that delivers an approximate 320 hp. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox.
According to its listing, this car underwent a comprehensive restoration by the Ferrari Classiche classic car department in 2021.
The car is expected to sell for between $18 million and $20 million.
The RM Sotheby’s auction will also feature other rare cars including the 2001 Ferrari 550 Maranello Prodrive, driven by Darren Turner, Rickard Rydell, and Colin McRae to a class win at the 2004 24 Hours of Le Mans, and a 1956 Porsche 550A that achieved a class win at the 1956 24 Hours of Le Mans.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ferrari 250 LM Auction
Which vintage car is anticipated to fetch the highest price at the upcoming RM Sotheby’s auction?
The 1964 Ferrari 250 LM, bearing chassis number 6053, is expected to draw the highest bid, with an estimated value between $18 million and $20 million.
Who was the original owner of the 1964 Ferrari 250 LM that’s up for auction?
British racing driver George Drummond was the original owner of this particular Ferrari 250 LM. He raced it extensively in the U.K., as well as at international racing events.
What modifications were made to the 1964 Ferrari 250 LM over time?
The car was initially fitted with a 3.0-liter V-12 engine, but later models, including the one up for auction, were upgraded with a 3.3-liter unit. This particular car also underwent a full restoration in 2021.
What other rare cars are set to be auctioned at the RM Sotheby’s event?
Other notable cars include the 2001 Ferrari 550 Maranello Prodrive, which had a class win at the 2004 24 Hours of Le Mans, and a 1956 Porsche 550A, a class winner at the 1956 24 Hours of Le Mans.
When and where is the RM Sotheby’s auction taking place?
The auction is set to coincide with the Monterey Car Week in California in 2023, though the exact date is not mentioned in the text.
More about Ferrari 250 LM Auction
- RM Sotheby’s Upcoming Auctions
- History of the Ferrari 250 LM
- Monterey Car Week 2023
- Ferrari Classiche Restoration
5 comments
gotta love the 250 LM! Seen one at a show once. pure beauty on wheels, if i hit the lottery this would be first buy!
i’d give an arm n leg to work on a beauty like that. those 3.3 liter v-12 engines, nothing sounds quite like em!
darn i’d kill for a spin in that bad boy. bet it flies like the wind, even after all these years. 60s truly was golden era for cars.
Wow, 20 mil for a car… I mean its a gorgeous ferrari, but still that’s crazy cash!
george drummond, now there’s a name i haven’t heard in a while. he really knew how to race those classics. respect.