1964 Ferrari 250 LM by Scaglietti
$17,600,000… the amount this particular vehicle sold for at auction in 2015.
A marvel of Italian engineering that captivated motorsport enthusiasts in the mid-1960s, the Ferrari 250 LM by Scaglietti stands as a remarkable achievement in automotive design and performance.
This mid-engined masterpiece, introduced in 1963, marked a significant shift in Ferrari’s approach to sports car racing.
The 250 LM’s exterior was a striking departure from its predecessors. Scaglietti’s body design featured a low profile with a long, sloping rear deck, emphasizing the car’s mid-engine layout.
The nose was characterized by a sharp, aerodynamic shape, while the doors extended into the roof, creating a distinctive “gull-wing” appearance when opened. Large air intakes behind the doors fed cool air to the potent V-12 engine, underlining the car’s racing pedigree.
Under the rear clamshell lay the heart of the 250 LM – a 3.3-liter V-12 engine producing approximately 320 horsepower. This powerplant was a derivative of the 250 GTO’s engine, but its placement behind the driver marked a revolutionary change for Ferrari.
The engine was mated to a five-speed manual transmission, allowing drivers to exploit the car’s full potential on both road and track.
The interior of the 250 LM was spartan and purposeful, reflecting its racing intentions. A large tachometer dominated the instrument cluster, flanked by additional gauges monitoring vital engine functions.
The steering wheel, positioned close to the driver’s chest, provided optimal control and feedback. Bucket seats offered minimal comfort but maximum support during high-speed cornering.
Ferrari initially intended the 250 LM to compete in the GT class, but homologation issues forced it into the prototype category. Despite this setback, the car proved highly competitive.
Its finest hour came in 1965 when a 250 LM secured overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans – the last Ferrari to achieve this feat to date.
The 250 LM faced stiff competition from other sports prototypes of the era, including the Ford GT40 and Porsche 904. However, its combination of handling prowess and V-12 power made it a formidable opponent on circuits around the world.
One of the 250 LM’s most notable features was its advanced chassis design. The tubular steel space frame was both lightweight and rigid, providing an excellent foundation for the car’s suspension system.
Independent suspension at all four corners, featuring unequal-length wishbones, coil springs, and telescopic shock absorbers, contributed to the car’s exceptional handling characteristics.
The braking system was equally impressive for its time, with disc brakes at all four wheels providing reliable stopping power. This was essential given the car’s performance capabilities and its intended use in endurance racing.
Production of the 250 LM was limited, with only 32 examples built between 1963 and 1965. This rarity, combined with its racing success and status as one of the last front-line Ferrari racers powered by the legendary 250-series V-12 engine, has made the 250 LM one of the most sought-after classic Ferraris.
Today, the Ferrari 250 LM remains a prized possession for collectors and enthusiasts, commanding astronomical prices at auctions and concours events. The example shown here sold for an astounding $17.6 million in 2015.
Its combination of breathtaking design, engineering innovation, and racing success solidifies its position as one of the most significant Ferraris ever produced.
Credit: RM Sotheby’s
