Fantasy Junction

Description

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Re-creation
Chassis No. 3121
Engine No. 3121
Red with Blue Interior

The Ferrari 250 GTO is widely considered by sports car historians and motorsports experts to be the best all-around sports car of the 20th century. Three consecutive World Championships, overall victories in the Tour de France and Tourist Trophy, and an endless stream of class successes at Le Mans, Sebring, Targa Florio, not to mention numerous other events that framed the Golden Era of racing in the early 1960s. Enthusiasts, drivers, and journalists all agree, the GTO’s performance, design, and legendary racing prowess are all seamlessly captured in its timeless blend of design and engineering. Not only is the GTO a superb performance car, the mere 32 examples constructed by Ferrari have made each of these highly desirable cars prohibitively expensive even for the most dedicated enthusiasts.


Though originally built for the rigors of racing and driven with passion and courage, nearly all original examples have shifted both their purpose and presence to museum displays or invited viewings at premier concours events. Original examples rarely come to market and when they do, record prices achieve stratospheric levels. The rarity and precious nature of original examples has offered an attractive proposition for modern craftsmen and Ferrari enthusiasts – the challenge to re-create the original GTO utilizing period-correct Ferrari mechanicals, accurate components, and faithfully matched body lines. A properly built and accurately re-created GTO offers an enthusiast the opportunity to experience the pinnacle of the Enzo-era Ferrari derived from the same passion, pride, engineering excellence found in the originals.

This Ferrari GTO re-creation is one of the best examples of the re-creation genre. The combined artistry and engineering, Ferrari components, and attention to correct details are evident throughout. The build began with a Ferrari 250 GTE as the basis for construction. Ideally suited for the 250 engine and gearbox, the chassis, suspension, brakes, and mechanical systems were all key components to create the most accurate GTO possible. The build began in 2008 in the hands of highly experienced craftsman and Ferrari expert, Steven Giacobbi. A personal and singular project for his own enjoyment, Giacobbi was able to engage his Ferrari expertise and artisanal craftsmanship for both the mechanical systems and the alloy body construction. As fate would have it, a factory built GTO had arrived at Giacobbi’s shop for repairs to the body after a fire. Having built an accurate body buck for the repairs to the original car, the body for this car was formed using the same buck, accurately capturing the original design and dimensions. During the build, the engine was rebuilt with higher compression pistons and larger exhaust valves producing 300hp. For the transmission, Giacobbi continued his adherence to originality with a clever solution - he commissioned a former Motion Products mechanic to use an original 250 case which was reconfigured internally to allow fitment of 5-speed Tremec gears, while retaining the visual exterior features and castings of the original gearbox. 



Among the many special mechanical features and thoughtful improvements, a custom mounted aluminum radiator was installed with isolation mounts not attached to the frame as this original design heavily vibrated the radiator. The nine-quart oil sump was cleverly constructed as an alloy case shrouding a modern composite case pump canister, retaining the original vintage appearance. Additionally, the front mounted oil cooler was lined to the sump and the sail panel filler location on the outside of the car was fitted with an oil dipstick. For the interior, all details were constructed with authenticity in mind with a few concessions including modern seat belts, a fully integrated roll bar, and improved instrumentation. After this car was completed, Giacobbi was told by a former original GTO owner that he was unable to tell the difference between this car and the original. With the car completed, Giacobbi enjoyed driving and displaying at various events. In 2016, the Giacobbi consigned this GTO to Fantasy Junction and subsequently was sold to a collector in New Zealand. In 2020, the car returned to the states under Fantasy Junction consignment which resulted in Giacobbi purchasing the car. As such, Giacobbi has the unique distinction of being the builder and the first and third owner.

Once returned to Giacobbi in 2020, the owner engaged Ferrari expert Patrick Ottis to freshen all mechanical systems and perform all necessary services. The invoices on file document all services including rebuilding the water pump with new seals, new bearing, and a new carbon faced seal, the installation of a new worm and peg gear set, a new brake light pressure switch, muffler location adjusted for improved clearance, and the engine compression tested with 170 psi recorded for all 12 cylinders. Services included removing the Weber 40 CDN carburetors and installing new venturis, chokes, and new jets, with the carburetors rebuilt using 30 mm chokes, new pump jets, new gasket needles and seats, and correct hardware reinstalled. At the same time the distributors were removed and tested on the in-house machine, dwell set, contact sets synchronized, condensers replaced, and distributors were reinstalled.

While the engine was partially disassembled, the cam covers and chain covers were removed and valve hardware inspected (found to be new) valve adjustment was performed, cam timing reset, and new gaskets installed for cam and chain covers. With the carburetor and ignition work completed, a new set of Michelin 225/70 VR15 XWX tires were installed and balanced, and the hubs greased. While the wheels were removed, the rear exhaust section was removed, silent-block bushings replaced, rear wheels reinstalled and front end alignment performed. new plugs were gapped and installed along with new wires. Finishing with transmission and differential fluid service, fourteen gallon fuel tank inspection and filter replacement, nine-quart capacity oil sump service, filter and gasket replacement, chassis lubrication, and road testing with carburetors set for sea level operation.

Today this beautiful Ferrari GTO re-creation presents in superb condition throughout. Finished with correct Ferrari components and striking alloy coachwork, the build quality and attention to detail are captured in every detail. The Ferrari red finish is exceptional and finely detailed including the yellow Ferrari fender shields. The alloy body panel gaps are excellent including crisp closure and fit to all opening features. The forward hinging hood allows ample access to the engine compartment and is fitted with chromed metal hood latches, dual air scoops with plexiglass covers, and shaped with the raised hood center accommodating the traditional six Weber carburetors. Details throughout the car are accurate and correctly finished, reflecting the original GTO in body contours and signature design features. Chrome trimmed headlight covers and correct headlamps, rectangular road lights, perimeter grille in alloy with recessed grille Cavallino, triple front fender vents, gorgeous fastback lines with Kamm back tail, and exposed alloy fuel filler are but a few of the notable design elements that comprise the GTO legend. And no Ferrari would be complete without a set of correctly finished 15” Borrani wire wheels and Michelin XWX tires fronting four wheel disc brakes, finished with single hub chrome plated triple-eared knockoffs.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608