Ferrari 250 GTO Spaceframe, Brass

Ferrari built only 36 250 GTOs, from 1962 to 1964, and every one was built around a hand-welded frame of oval tubing, its chassis based on that of the 250 GT SWB. Over it went all-aluminium bodywork by Scaglietti, with a long, low nose, its shape informed by wind tunnel testing at Pisa University. Giotto Bizzarrini is usually credited as the designer, though the car was a joint effort: Mauro Forghieri took over its development and worked with Scaglietti on the body. The engine was the Tipo 168/62 Comp., a 3.0-litre V12 of 2,953 cc.

This piece shows the frame alone, with no engine, running gear or body. Every tube is brass, from the oval hoop that forms the nose to the roof hoop, the cross-braced bulkheads and the frame of the tail, and the brackets, bosses and joints where the body and mechanical parts would mount are left in plain view. It rests on four workshop-style axle stands, each cast with an M monogram inside a shield and fitted with a pin on a red tag, and the whole display stands on a high-gloss burr wood base with a small plaque. It is sold as a set with the copper 250 GTO body shell that sits over it, both made by hand at 1:8 scale. The set is made to order, with delivery in 60 to 90 days.