An incredible deviation from the norm
Some cars are undisputed champions of automotive history. They capture the imaginations of the public to unparalleled degrees with their incredible stories and heroic achievements. The Ferrari 250 GTO is one such car, built by Ferrari for homologation into the FIA’s Group 3 Grand Touring Car. While Rosso Corsa is the de facto Ferrari color in modern times, the 36 examples of the 250 GTO were more often than not finished in Rosso Cina, with a few silver, gray, blue, and even green. However, a single example, Chassis No. 3729GT, was finished in Bianco (white) for British race team owner John Coombs. The best part? It’s headed to Mecum Auctions’ Kissimmee, Florida, sale in January 2026.
Now, Enzo loved seeing his cars in red, so the fact that this one left the factory in such an unusual color leads most to believe that some strings were pulled.
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“It was a huge deviation from Ferrari’s strict color conventions—one that required quiet internal approval. It is widely believed that Alfredo Reali, Ferrari’s discreet liaison for bespoke and sensitive client requests, played a crucial role in securing this unprecedented exception,” according to Mecum. Thus, the Bianco Speciale was born and cemented its place in the halls of automotive history as the only Ferrari 250 GTO to leave the factory in white.
A story fitting of such a car
The thing is, though, Coombs made his cash selling Jaguars. So what is a British car salesman doing behind the wheel of an Italian stallion? The story goes that Coombs wanted to influence the higher-ups at Jaguar to make the E-Type even better, and what better way to do that than to absolutely smoke an E-Type in a race? He entered the Bianco Speciale in the British Racing and Sports Car Club’s Peco Trophy at Brands Hatch race in August 1962 with Roy Salvadori at the helm. Alongside it were five other GTOs and a Jaguar E-Type piloted by Graham Hill, which, as Coombs expected, stood no chance against the newest creation from Maranello. The story goes that after a few more decisive victories, Coombs eventually let Jaguar’s engineers peruse what made the 250 GTO so great in 1962, which is likely what led to the creation of the Lightweight E-Type.
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Even that didn’t prove enough to dethrone the mighty Colombo V12-powered Ferrari, though, as it handily defeated the Lightweight E-Types in several races during the 1963 season.
Following John Coombs’ ownership, Chassis No. 3729GT was owned by four different British racers before ending up in the hands of Jack Sears in 1970, who would hold on to it for the next three decades. In 1999, it was sold to former COO and president of Microsoft, John Shirley, during which time it also underwent a comprehensive cosmetic refresh and began regularly attending classic racing and concours events. Despite its refresh, Shirley was careful not to erase the priceless historical racing touches that helped make the 250 GTO what it was, including the hood louvers and cockpit air hose.
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The car was certified authentic by Ferrari in 2008 and its receved its own coveted Classiche Red Book. It is currently fitted with a bespoke engine from Ferrari Classiche but will also be supplied with a spare engine in GTO specification suited for racing.
Final thoughts
It’s hard to put into words just how special this car is. In the realm of collectible classic cars, the Ferrari 250 GTO is an elite member. 36 examples ever built, countless racing wins against top competitors of the time, and otherworldy sale prices nearing the $60 million mark. By all accounts, this car should not exist. A factory white Ferrari was unheard-of heresy at the time, making this one of the most outstanding examples of the Ferrari 250 GTO; an incredible sentence to say.
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Considering the values of previous examples sold, it’s not impossible to think that the Bianco Speciale could cross that $60 million mark. It’s unfathomable to us common folk to think that a single individual can spend that much money on a vehicle, but whoever they are, they’ll be induced into one of the world’s most prestigious automotive owners’ clubs. Put that on your resume.
