Every driver counts the cost of a road traffic accident (RTA) – whether in terms of insurance or points on the driving licence. Some road traffic accidents have a human cost, also – with RTAs being one of the most common reasons for making a person injury claim in the UK and among Brits travelling abroad.
However, spare a thought for the owner of a treasured and rare Maranello Ferrari 250 GTO, valued at more than $31 million.
US businessman Christopher Cox was driving his prized possession in a motorcade heading for 2012 Le Mans Classic in July.
The procession of Ferrari 250 GTOs – there are only 39 in existence – was heading to northern France when the unthinkable happened – Mr Cox and his wife Ann were involved in a collision with another vehicle.
The accident reportedly happened as Mr Cox and his wife were trying to turn left off the D766 in northern France and another motorist caused a rear shunt collision.
Mrs Cox suffered a broken leg in the car crash and four people in total are thought to have been taken to hospital for treatment after the accident.
It is not yet know whether Mr Cox’s rare and expensive Ferrari has been salvaged.
Ferrari 250 GTOs were produced for a few years only and date from 1962-64 only.
It is thought the car owned by Mr Cox was previously involved in a road accident in 1976, but was fully restored before ownership passed to Mr Cox in 2005.
The chassis number of Mr Cox’s 250 GTO is reported as being 3445GT – a Series 1 250 GTO, of which only 36 were built. Three Series II 250 GTOs were added later by Ferrari.
Chassis No 3445GT was spotted in the motorcade heading to the Le Mans Classic, but sadly was not present on the track, suggesting this is the one which has been badly damaged in the accident.
However, a total of 18 Ferrari 250 GTOs did turn up for the 2012 Le Mans Classic and they can be seen in action online.
Some months ago another of the 39 models produced by Ferrari sold for $35m – it reported to be a version sprayed mint green, which was a popular colour in the 1960s.
Some people hold superstitions about car colours, however – and green is often said to be an unlucky colour for car.
The Ferrari 250 GTO damaged in the 2012 Le Mans Classic motorcade is thought have been light blue with a yellow stripe. Almost green, but not quite.
