1963 Ferrari 250 GTE Le Mans Safety Car

Ferrari is no stranger to Le Mans, with nine overall wins and 35 class victories since first coming to the circuit in 1949. This Ferrari Le Mans entrant was slightly different however — serving as the safety car for the 1963 race. Built in January 1963, this 250 GTE 2+2 Series III left the factory in Blu Sera over a Grigio interior — a fitting combination for Le Mans. The car was delivered to Franco-Britannic Autos Ltd in Paris and immediately sent on to coachbuilder Henri Chapron for fitting the flag stands, emblems, and lights required for its duty as safety car. On June 15 and 16, Franco-Britannic Autos proprietor Donald Sleator drove this Ferrari and was a marshal during the event. After the event, the car would go on to filming for the French comedy film Pouic-Pouic, still equipped with its Le Mans gear. The car's previous ownership includes a 47-year stint, remaining in France over its lifetime. Thie extremely unique Ferrari 250 GTE goes to auction during RM Sotheby's Le Mans event June 9, 2023.