
Debuting in 1960, Ferrari’s 250 GTE 2+2 was the first time a four-seater grand tourer was produced by the Italian marque on a large scale. It was also significant for being a more practical version of a vehicle that already had some significant racing history by that point, including a win at Le Mans (with more to come). Released in three series up until 1963, the new cars sported larger interiors (albeit the rear seats were hardly spacious enough for adults), which meant the engines had to be brought forward. Of course, the vehicle wasn’t used for actual Le Mans racing, but instead was tapped as the official safety car of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with the one used in 1963 now up for auction at RM Sotheby’s.

The 1960s was an incredible time to be a motorsports fan. The level of competition on display resulted in some of the most iconic automobiles of all time and pushed manufacturers to the absolute brink of innovation and performance. Dominating that era was Ferrari with eight wins in twelve years, including six in a row from 1960 to 1965. On five occasions, it was the 250 that took home the victory, not the least of which was the prototype 250 P in 1963 which featured a rear-mounted V12 engine.

Also sporting a 3.0L Colombo V12 was the Series III 2+2 that served as the safety car that year. Driven by FBA proprietor Donald Sleator, the chassis 4155 vehicle features Chapron fixtures and Blu Sera paintwork, along with Grigio leather on the interior — all of which are still intact and well-preserved. Over the years, the car has only accumulated around 63,219km (~39,283mi) on the odometer despite changing hands a few times. However, it sat idle for about two decades before undergoing a nearly-$13,000 recommission in 2017.

To own a one-of-a-kind vehicle that served as the official safety car at 1963’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, head over to RM Sotheby’s to bid on this Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2, estimated to sell between $600,000 and $700,000.