Ferrari 250 GTO – Targa Florio 1964

Ferrari 250 GTO Targa Florio

On April 26, 1964, Sicily came alive with the roar of engines as the Targa Florio, one of the most prestigious and grueling races in the world, took place. That year, a Ferrari 250 GTO made its return, but with a major change: it traded its iconic red livery for a striking yellow and blue color scheme, a much rarer and more eye-catching combination. This change marked not only a new chapter in the car’s history but also a significant moment in its legacy. Here’s the story of the blue and yellow Ferrari 250 GTO.

Chassis 3445

The Ferrari 250 GTO with chassis number 3445 left the Maranello factory on April 30, 1962. It was initially dedicated to Luciano Conti, a Bologna-based entrepreneur and publisher. Its first race engagement was at the Bologna-Passo della Raticosa, before being sold to Giovanni Volpi di Misurata, an aristocrat with whom Enzo Ferrari had a strained relationship at the time. Ferrari had refused to sell him a car due to Volpi’s investment in the competing Automobili Turismo e Sport (ATS), founded by former Ferrari engineers Carlo Chiti and Giotto Bizzarrini.

In 1962, under Volpi’s ownership, the 250 GTO participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with drivers Nino Vaccarella and Giorgio Scarlatti. Over the following years, the car raced under the colors of Scuderia SSS Republica di Venezia (Scuderia Serenissima), Volpi’s team. Notably, it took part in the 1962 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it retired after the 15th hour due to an engine failure, and won the Trophée d’Auvergne in 1962 with Carlo Maria Abate and Nino Vaccarella.

The Targa Florio 1963 and 1964

In 1963, this Ferrari 250 GTO made its first appearance at the Targa Florio. With drivers Juan-Manuel Bordeu and Giorgio Scarlatti, it finished 6th overall and 2nd in the GT3.0 class. In 1964, the car, now owned by Swedish driver Ulf Norinder, returned to Sicily for the legendary race. Wearing its new yellow and blue livery, it sported the number 112 for the occasion. The Norinder-Troberg duo managed to finish 9th overall after 720 kilometers and 10 laps of the Piccolo Circuito delle Madonie, leaving a lasting impression with its unique appearance and impressive performance.

The Legacy of the Blue and Yellow 250 GTO

Following its standout performance at the Targa Florio, Ulf Norinder continued to race the Ferrari 250 GTO in various competitions, including the 500 Kilometers of Spa-Francorchamps and the 1000 Kilometers of Nürburgring. The car also competed in the 12 Hours of Reims with drivers Jackie Stewart and Chris Amon. On home soil, Norinder won the Vastkustloppet race before participating in the Tour de France Automobile, where he finished 9th overall and 2nd in his class.

This chapter ended in 1965 when Norinder modified the car’s bodywork, erasing its Swedish identity. After a crash in 1976, the car was restored and enjoyed a new life, participating in historic racing events across Europe and Japan.

Today, the Ferrari 250 GTO Targa Florio, in its iconic blue and yellow livery, remains one of the most legendary and iconic cars in motorsport history, a true testament to Ferrari’s passion and excellence during the 1960s.

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