A 250GTO Berlinetta has surpassed the world record figure for a car sold at auction, crossing the block at Bonhams' Quail Lodge sale for £22,843,633 on 14 August.
As expected, the ex-Fabrizio Violati 1962 model chassis 3251GT knocked the Mercedes-Benz W196 Grand Prix racer sold by Bonhams at Goodwood in 2013 off the top of the table, but some market pundits expected a higher price.
The sale was delayed due to a traffic hold-up, but eventually the sensational sports prototype drove onto the block to a huge cheer from the packed audience, which included long-term GTO owner Nick Mason. The sale took less than 15 minutes as Robert Brooks conducted a drawn-out bidding battle that started at $10million between an American buyer and overseas rival.
"It's been a genuine privilege to represent this outstanding car and we are delighted with today's result," said a jubilant Brooks. "We've always maintained that the car would bring between $30-40million, and today the GTO did just that."
A Ferrari 250 Mille Miglia also posted an impressive figure. The ex-Phil Hill and Road & Track cover car was the second best performer, selling for $6.6m.
In total, £39,522,440 changed hands during the sale of the Maranello Rosso Collection.
Greg MacLeman is a contributor to and former Features Editor of Classic & Sports Car, and drives a restored and uprated 1974 Triumph 2500TC