The Ferrari 250 GTO before the accident
A classic $30 million Ferrari has been involved in the most expensive car crash in the world.
The Ferrari 250 GTO was being driven by US businessman Christopher Cox in France when reports suggest that it was then hit by another car that was trying to overtake it.
The side view of the Ferrari 250 GTO
The classic Ferrari was not the only casualty in the accident as the multi-millionaire’s wife Ann suffered a broken leg during the smash. The Ferrari 250 GTO is described as being the “Picasso of the motoring world” and Mr Cox had been in France to take part in the 50th anniversary tour of the Ferrari 250 GTO.
This particular Ferrari is one of only 29 ever built and is worth northwards of $30 million. The accident occurred just outside Saint-Etienne-des Guirets, near Blois, and the convoy of cars had a combined value of $750 million. Cox was driving to Le Mans when the incident took place on Friday morning.
The Ferrari 250 GTO in action
The annual five-day tour sees enthusiasts drive around the iconic Gueux racing circuit in Reims before they head to the Abbey of Hautvillers where Dom Pirignon champagne is made. French reports also claim that two passengers traveling in the other car were taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The anniversary jaunt has attracted a few celebrities with Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason and JCB boss Sir Anthony Bamford both taking part.
The Ferrari 250 GTO earlier in the tour
The Ferrari 250 GTO was built between 1962 and 1964 and with a top speed of 74mph, the car was originally sold new for $9,000. The model that was involved in the accident last week had chassis number 3445GT and left the factory back in April 1962.
The Ferrari was initially red but in 1963, it was resprayed blue with a yellow stripe down the center of the car to honor Swedish-born race driver Ulf Norinder. The car was then rebodied in 1976 after an accident and then it underwent an entire restoration in 2005 when Mr Cox purchased it.
The value of Ferrari 250 GTO cars has recently gone through the roof with a green model originally built for Stirling Moss selling last month for a record breaking $31 million.
