RM Auctions will have numerous headline attractions at its London sale in September, but almost none are as special as this 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Competizione ‘Tour de France’, considered to be one of the most significant Ferraris ever made in the Italian marques extensive and illustrious history.
This 250GT, which is chassis number 0563 GT, is the eight of only nine 1956 250 GT ‘Tour de France’ models built. It began its life with Jacques Peron, of Nice, France, who campaigned the car in several races including the 1956 annual Tour de France Automobile. It achieved multiple podium finishes in its lengthy racing career before being exported to the United States in 1959, where it eventually went under an extensive restoration process.
RM says this 250 GT TdF is a stunning numbers-matching example presented “in outstanding condition”. The car has been certified by Ferrari Classiche and would be “welcomed entry at any important historic racing or concours event around the globe,” including the exclusive Mille Miglia.
“In many ways, the TdF is the ultimate symbol of Ferrari’s long pursuit of perfecting the dual-purpose sports car,” said RM car specialist Augustin Sabatié-Garat. “As a result of their extremely low production numbers and, in turn, high desirability, these cars rarely make their way to the open market. Chassis 0563 GT is a very compelling example of its breed, as it boasts two top 10 finishes in the very race that earned the car its fabled nickname.”
The 250 GT TdF is expected to fetch around £4,500,000 when it crosses the auction block on September 8 in London.
