A rare, factory-white 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, the “Bianco Speciale,” is set to be auctioned at Mecum Kissimmee 2026. This unique supercar boasts a rich racing history and original components. Speculation is high that it could become the most expensive Ferrari ever sold, potentially surpassing previous records due to its distinct color and heritage.
Mecum Auctions
It has been maintained, repaired, and refinished, but never restored…and that’s just the tip of the iceberg of the features a rare Bianco Speciale 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO has to offer. It’s one of just 36 250 GTOs produced from 1962 to 1964 and the only Ferrari 250 GTO to be delivered in factory white livery. And it’s up for sale through Mecum Auctions at its Kissimmee 2026 event starting this week.
The buzz about this unique supercar is high, and some are speculating this could be the most expensive Ferrari ever sold at auction. Someone will take ownership of this car in the near future, and all of the glorious history that goes with it. Not only was it built to stand out, it was a working racecar piloted by great drivers like Roy Salvadori, Graham Hill, Jack Sears, and Mike Parkes over the years.
Mecum Auctions
“To understand the Ferrari GTO’s place in the history of Maranello, we really have to go back and look what Ferrari, the engineers, the designers, the mechanics, the aerodynamicists were doing prior to the arrival of the GTO,” says automotive expert Steve Matchett. “And that was the 250 GT series, which was a very popular, very successful series of cars.”
The new owner of this 1962 Ferrari, at whatever price it fetches, is about to adopt a unicorn.
A Storied History
After an illustrious career on the track, the car changed hands only a couple of times before landing with former driver Jack Sears in 1970. Sears kept the Ferrari for 30 years before selling it to current owner Jon Shirley in 1999. Over the past 26 years, Shirley had the Bianco Speciale refinished in its original Bianco paint color and 1962 Goodwood Tourist Trophy livery as raced by Graham Hill, and the car has participated in several Ferrari 250 GTO Anniversary Tours and competed in Ferrari Challenge racing events.
The Bianco Speciale has also appeared many times at the Palm Beach Cavallino Classic, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca, and the Goodwood Revival in England. Like a spirit of the heavens, this white racecar is one you can’t forget once you’ve seen it.
Mecum Auctions
“One of the things that makes this particular car unique is the fact that it was a beautiful white color that came from the factory,” says Fred Russell, the curator for this extraordinary car. Shirley, a prolific classic car collector, agrees.
“When you get a bunch of red [Ferrari models] together, they’re okay, but the white one just stands out,” Shirley says. Plus, he adds, if want to have the best, you’ve got to have a GTO.
The Best Of The Best
Equipped with its original five-speed manual gearbox and right-hand drive (one of only 8 of the 36 Ferrari 250 GTOs produced from 1962-64), the Bianco Speciale also includes six Weber twin-choke carburetors, twin Marelli distributors, and more. Under the hood awaits a Colombo 2953-cc Tipo 168/62 Comp V12 engine built by Ferrari Classiche, and as a bonus, a separate Ferrari 250 GTO-spec V12 engine for street, touring and track use is included.
Just in case you miss your chance with the Bianco Speciale, take a look at the extensive Bachman Ferrari Collection with 46 pristine and low-mileage Ferrari models up for sale. Phil Bachman, who passed away in August, was a true Prancing Horse enthusiast (especially if they were yellow) and he amassed an incredible set of supercars.
Mecum Auctions
Described by Mecum Auctions as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to bid on some of the most coveted Ferraris ever seen together under the same roof,” the collection of Ferrari masterpieces will cross the auction block at Mecum Kissimmee 2026 on Saturday, January 17.
As for the Ferrari Bianco Speciale, it’s going to be worth watching even if it’s just from your couch. Previously, a 1962 330 LM/250 GTO sold for nearly $52 million in August of 2023, making it the most expensive Ferrari ever sold. This one could eclipse even that.
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This story was originally published on forbes.com and all figures are in USD.
