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Classic Ferrari becomes most expensive car ever sold in Britain
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The legendary Ferrari 250 GTO is the world’s most sought-after car, especially as there were only 39 models built between 1962 and 1964.
This 1963 model - number 5095 - is believed to have been sold by British businessman Jon Hunt, who bought it in 2008 for what was then world-record at £15.7million.
Therefore the businessman, who founded the Foxtons estate agency and sold it for £370m before the housing slump, has made a £4.5million profit on the car in just three years.
It is the second most-expensive car ever sold in the world after a 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC went for ‘between £20 and £26million’ in 2010.
The sale was agreed in secret over the past fortnight but rumours of the sale soon began circulating in the vintage car industry.
John Collins, chairman of classic Ferrari specialist Talacrest, confirmed the GTO’s sale but refused to reveal if it was Mr Hunt’s model.
He said: 'Wealthy people are spending a lot of money on classic Ferraris and everyone wants a GTO at the moment.
'Classic Ferraris have seen more gains than others, they’re like the Picassos of the car world.
'And the 250 GTO is the golden car of its generation, show me a man who wouldn’t want one. They are bought by people who have a love of cars and see them as an investment.
But records show Mr Hunt as the current owner of 5095 - which is now thought to be on its way to Spain.
The multi-millionaire businessman declined to comment on the sale today.
When it was launched in the 1960s by Enzo Ferrari, the 250 GTO came with a price-tag of a relatively small £6,000.
The 250 GTO was fitted with a 3-litre V12 engine developing 300bhp - meaning a 0-60mph time of 6.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 174mph.
Despite the economic downturn, the demand for a vintage Ferraris has gone through the roof with collectors regarding them as bulletproof investments.
Ascot-based Talacrest, which has been selling bluechip Ferraris for more than 30 years, had record sales in 2011.
'I have bought and sold seven over the years including this model and I wish I had kept one now, but hey ho.'
British Ferrari fans Chris Evans and Nick Mason both own 250 GTOs with Evans paying £12 million for his Series II model in 2010.
Pink Floyd drummer Mason, 68, bought his model in 1975.
Top 5 auction best-sellers:
1. £27m - 1936 Bugatti Type 57C Atlantic sold in 2011 for £27m
2. £20m - This week's purchase of a Ferrari GTO for £20.2m
3. £15m - 1957 Ferrari Testa Rossa sold at auction in 2011
4. £12m - Chris Evans bought his 1963 Ferrari Testa Rossa in 2010
5. £12m - 1954-55 Mercedes-Benz W196 was sold in 1990
