Official partner of the centenary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, RM Sotheby's will disperse the day before the start, June 9, within the circuit, a selection of 21 vehicles that have distinguished themselves in the Sarthe. The most original did not race there but it occupied an important, if not essential, place in the history of the Sarthe event. This is the vehicle that officiated as a safety car during the 1963 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans won by a Ferrari 250 P.RM Sotheby's sells the Ferrari250 GTE that Franco Britannic, the French importer of the Italian brand based in Levallois-Perret, supplied to the Automobile Club de l'Ouest. The 2 + 2 berlinetta had been ordered for this purpose. Leaving the factory on January 30, 1963 in an elegant navy blue coordinated with a light grey leather interior, the 250 GTE #4155 belonging to the Series III was delivered to the Franco Britannic during the month of February.
Kevin Van Campenhout ©- 2023 Courtesy of RM Sotheby's
It then takes the path of the Chapron workshops to receive the modifications for Le Mans, namely the installation of pennant holders, badges, seat belts and additional light in the center of the grille.
Many times during the 24 1963 Hours of Le Mans, the 250 GTE would take to the track. Especially during the accident of Roger Masson's René Bonnet or the one that cost the life of Christian "Bino" Heinz (Alpine M63). It was piloted by Donald Sleator, one of the bosses of the Franco-Britannic.
Kevin Van Campenhout ©- 2023 Courtesy of RM Sotheby's
After its role at Le Mans, the 2 + 2 berlinetta appeared in the film Pouic-Pouic with Louis de Funès. Back from filming, it is then restored and sold to Guy Verrechia. He kept it only a few months before parting with it in favor of Charles Pozzi at that time official Ferrari dealer. In May 1965, the 250 GTE changed hands again in favor of a certain Pierre Foujean. In 1970, it became the property of Christian Fifis. Following his death in the early 2010s, the car was sold. Since leaving the Maranello factory in January 1963, the navy blue berlinetta has covered only 63,129 km as evidenced by the documents and invoices accompanying the sale file. The sale of Le Mans is undoubtedly a unique opportunity to acquire the most famous of the 250 GTEs. Sold without reserve price, it is estimated between 550,000 and 650,000 euros.
Kevin Van Campenhout ©- 2023 Courtesy of RM Sotheby's