In early February, car enthusiasts with deep pockets will have a chance to bid on a piece of racing history. A 1964 Ferrari 250 LM by Scaglietti—the same car that secured victory at the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans—is heading to auction. After spending 54 years as a centerpiece at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, this iconic beauty is expected to sell for over $26.5 million (€25 million) at RM Sotheby’s Paris event.
An Iconic Ferrari with a Legendary Past
This particular 250 LM, known as chassis 5893, was the sixth one ever built. It first landed in the hands of Luigi Chinetti Motors and briefly passed through a Connecticut collector before returning to Chinetti. But Chinetti wasn’t content to let the car sit in a garage—he had bigger plans. The car joined the North American Racing Team (NART), a move that set the stage for its moment of glory.
The Le Mans Victory That Made History
In the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans, chassis 5893 lined up against 11 other Ferraris and qualified 11th. It wasn’t off to a blazing start, dropping to 18th place within the first four hours. But as the race wore on, the competition thinned. Ford GT40s suffered mechanical failures, and other rivals were forced to drop out.
By the 18th hour, the 250 LM had climbed to 2nd place. Then, fate intervened—the leading car suffered a puncture, allowing the Ferrari to seize the lead. It held on until the very end, claiming an unforgettable victory. This triumph was especially significant because it was the only time a privately entered Ferrari beat the factory team’s works car at Le Mans.
A Legacy That Endures
After its historic win, the 250 LM continued to race. It competed twice more at Le Mans and made three appearances at the 24 Hours of Daytona before being retired in 1970. Shortly after, it found a new home at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, where it’s been lovingly preserved for decades.
Today, this Ferrari is considered one of the most desirable and collectible race cars ever made. Whether you’re a die-hard car collector or just someone who appreciates automotive legends, this 250 LM is worth a closer look.
If you’re feeling lucky—and your wallet is as powerful as the car itself—you can check out the RM Sotheby’s listing for all the details. Who knows? With $26.5 million to spare, this piece of racing history could be yours.
