Reviving a Legend: The Restoration of a Ferrari 250 GTO
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ย. 2024
- This has been the best kept secret in the car world for many years. In 2021 we purchased #3589 GT and embarked on what we hoped would be the ‘reference’ restoration for other GTOs to compare to in the future.
This is no normal GTO (if there is such a thing?!), this was an incredibly successful car in period, not just winning many races but breaking many lap records along the way. It was also finished from new in a unique specification for Tommy Sopwith’s Equipe Endeavour team, a Dark Blue over Rosso Connolly VM 893 leather and cloth seats.
It’s one of the very few examples that can boast its original chassis, body, engine and gearbox, only a handful of owners throughout its life and no accident to speak of.
However, the original body was removed from the chassis in a restoration carried out by it’s previous custodian nearly 35 years ago but thankfully remained with the car, on a mannequin in that owner’s garage and where we purchased both from. Upon completion of our purchase, there was no hesitation but to reunite the chassis with its original body and there was only place to do that and that is back at Ferrari!
In this video, we share with you the process, the lengths we went to in order to ensure the restoration is perfection and importantly totally period correct. You will see footage of us in Ferrari’s incredible archive room, where we benefitted from the original drawings, original correspondence plus we even matched the paint to the original paint sample that they still have within the chassis file.
Reuniting the chassis with its original body was no small task. With a body so old and removed from the chassis for so long, it’s fragile and could easily be damaged if mishandled. Ferrari and ourselves mutually agreed on our friends Brandoli to undertake such a task and bravo to them for completing it with such care and precision.
Collaborating with Ferrari has been a lot of fun. We had the privilege of Piero Ferrari inspecting the restoration with Tom and we have no doubt it’s a restoration that would have also impressed Il Commendatore Enzo Ferrari himself.
It’s been a real push from all involved to get this car ready for this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance but we’re pleased to announce it will be there next week and we hope it will wow the judges as much as it has us!
![[Live] : ONE 168 วันนี้!! "โจนาธาน vs ซุปเปอร์เล็ก"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/0jIN65KgJsI/mqdefault.jpg)
For anyone with the slightest bit of
petrol in their veins this has to be one of the best video’s about a car
that has ever been on youtube.
Well done Mr Hartley for now owning one of the best cars in the world and having a team that got this car to perfection,
This is not just a restoration,this is a love letter to Ferrari history...God bless you Tom.
No one has put together a Classiche presentation like this for these type of cars for the potential customers. Outstanding!
Wow, thanks!
This is artwork on another level Tom. I'm 54 years old, the first car I 'bought' was a red die cast 250 GTO Burago 1/18 model when i was around 7 and admired it every day. I've been fortunate enough to be involved in restoration, on some quite rare and exotic examples, but to see this one leave the factory took me back to the dream and passion I had as that small boy!
I recently bought a Bburago 250 GTO at at a car boot, it has pride of place on my bookcase.
art work? nah
Dreams do come true
I'm 50 this year, the 250 TR was my first, followed by the GTO. Amazing to think back then they were only 20 to 25 years old, like looking back now to cars of the late 1990s/early 2000s, my head can't compute this!
I mean absolutely no disrespect in the slightest however All artwork of the highest calibre is
" artwork on another level "
That being said, it is utterly breathtaking .
this car just won Best in Class for Late model Ferraris at Pebble Beach. Congrats!!!
Cheers!
Just when you think you've seen every special Ferrari on this channel you show us this ! Thanks for sharing this fabulous story on this very special Ferrari. Keep up the good work. Andy.
Glad you enjoyed it
This is artwork Tom! I am glad the world has a person like you, truly passionate about cars....proper cars! Thank you for what you do in the car world and car enthusiasts, those are the only words I have to say!
Glad you enjoy it!
This is nothing but spectacular. Gives me goosebumps. A truly masterpiece.
My heart was jumping watching it.
This incredible work of art just oozes passion, romance and LIFE! I would have choked up as soon as I turned that precious key! What an outstanding story to be a part of. Congratulations Tom! Well done sir…well done. ❤🙏🏻🍻
Thanks so much.
This is automotive art. Thanks for putting this on TH-cam, it was great to see the incredibly difficult process of doing a restoration at the highest level. This will undoubtedly sell for a record price.
If there was ever a reason why Tom Hartley Jnr Ltd exists, it is this immaculate period restoration of one of the best looking cars of all time. Hats off to everyone involved especially you Tom. Wishing you the best for winning the Best of Show at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. i have no doubt you will win. What a wonderful story and video to share with the world. Thank you and congratulations again.
Blown away - thanks for recording this Tom. You have done the motoring world a great service!
Unbelievable craftsmanship passionata and willingness to build the best as it was in 1962 - the history lives on and I remember in the 90’ hearing about the 250GTO a field in Texas 🏁 congrats to Ferrari and the new owner - hopefully I can see her one day live ❤
I could cry. The car, the colour, the restoration, it's as if God placed this car on earth.
We’re so glad you feel this way!
@@TomHartleyJnrLtd you would have to love it, it's emotional and beautiful. 👍
So impressive, Tom. The work done by the likes of you, Simon Kidston, Paul Russell and others to preserve and restore cars faithfully to their original specification and with the original materials and, where possible, craftsman is such an inspiration. Let's not kid ourselves: there's obviously big money involved in the ultimate sale of these cars, but equally there's a genuine passion to ensure that the job is done as well as it can be so future generations can enjoy these classic cars as much as people did when they were new. Maybe more because now we appreciate their greatness with the passage of time.
What an absolute work of art that is! You must be over the moon. The dedication and passion from all involved is staggering and rarely seen nowadays.
Countless people have imagined through the lens of time how it would feel to take ownership of a new 250 GTO from the factory, knowing them as we see them now. This is essentially what has happened here. That first drive must have been like a surreal dream come true. Fantastic!
Worthy of being show in the cinema. Thank you
What an absolute gem. When i was 13 I was given a 1/18 scale model of 250GTO. It was my intro to such an amazing car. Over tne years the model i had fell into disrepair, but a couple of years back i was gifted a replacement. It stands proudly in my office. Hahaha. I can only imagine what it is like to be the custodian of the real thing.
I had the pleasure of spending some time with Innes Ireland back in the 90's during a Monza GP weekend. A lovely gentleman with some wonderfully colorful accounts of his racing career. He told us he was offered that GTO at the end of the season and turned it down. Something he deeply regretted.
This is more than just a car. I don’t find words to be honest. Thank you so much for sharing this story with us. 😊😊😊
Is it crime to drive art ? No , this is art come to life . Incredible, Thanku Tom , Thanku Ferrari.
When car the rolling from the factory I got goosebump and teary eyes. I don't even have the car but my heart is filled with joy seeing the car going through such an amazing restoration
Massive respect to the new owner - he’s obviously an enthusiast not just a collector. Having restored a thing or two it’s critical to have an investment of heart as well as $!
Need to watch this on the big telly 📺 😮 🔊 🤩
Would be rude not to!
This is an incredible production. What I like most is it explains brilliantly what "provenance " means. What a story. THJ you work hard to have the best job in the world!
Our pleasure!
What an absolute treat to see the transformation of a true beauty into a thing of incredible elegance style power and desirability. Tom and the guys at Ferrari should be so very very proud of what they have given back to the world.
Wow. The video, history, car, details, stories behind the car, and of course the owners. Absolutely out of this world. Speechless. What a project!
Loveee seeing classic cars getting brand spanking new life
Cheers!
Thank you for taking so much care in this restoration. Beautiful.
Our pleasure!
What an incredible story and only possible with one like Tom and Ferrari classic to do together. Just mind blowing work of art and passion too. Probably never to be repeated by anyone any time soon nor never.
Thank you.
Many thanks!
If only there were more automotive channels like this one. Thank you for sharing.
Everybody has seen photos of this car on a trailer in disrepair so seeing it now is so cool
The amount of work and craftsmanship required is staggering and the importance has left me.. misty. I am moved and thankful to watch this video. Than you so much!! Forza Italia.
Our pleasure!
I find it so hard to comprehend how this was just given away to a school only after a few years from purchase.
Furthermore that after that it was bought and left in a field.
This was almost destined to return to the earth , but here I am watching a video of its restoration..
Incredible story !
It really makes you think of all the cars that have gone from existence that today would be worth a lot both sentimental and monetary !!
How incredibly awesome to take delivery of a brand new ( again ) Ferrari 250 GTO in 2024.
I sometimes sit and scratch my head trying to work out how you walked away from the old job. But then you make a video like this. And everything becomes very clear indeed.
Just incredible, an achingly beautiful masterpiece. There are restorations and then there's this.
Just WoW, I am 1 year younger than this beautiful time piece being born in April of 63. Watching this had a tear in my eye several times, but seeing your face at the end receiving the key was the best part. Congratulations to you mate, all the way from the colonies down under.
The mastermind of prestige automative marketing, truly respectful custodian and unparalleled passion for doing things correctly. There are lot's of lessons we can all learn here. Thanks Tom for the inspiration! I wonder if you'll ever let her go?
Grazie Mr. Tom, per avermi fatto sognare !!!! Queste si che erano Auto. Purtroppo oggi penso alle auto di oggi e mi chiedo, ma cosa è successo nel frattempo. Dove abbiamo sbagliato. Dove sono finiti tutti gli artigiani che costruivano queste meravigliose auto . Parlo di inglesi, tedeschi, italiani, uomini che avevano dentro e nelle loro mani le conoscenze di stile, classe, eleganza e velocità . Infinitamente ancora Grazie, per l'impegno suo e della Ferrari, con la quale avete messo la vostra abilità, capacità e determinazione per riportare in vita un opera d'arte.
Fantastic! Thank you for sharing your passion! This GTO needs it's own book!
Its hard to find the words to describe this labour of love video adequately - Kudos
Cant believe what i have just watched what a incredible story. Possibly the best you tube video i have watched
The best thing i've ever witnessed on TH-cam.... Sensational!!!
Cheers!
Mic dropped…my goodness, that blue is mesmerizing. What an engine note, pure symphony!
Unbelievable, captivating video from start to finish on what is one of if not the very best 250s in the world. Hats off to all involved. Beautiful
Thanks so much for this comment!
My goodness Tom, you’ve really hit it out of the park with this one. It must have been a pinch yourself moment to take it on that first drive and it’ll be hard to hand it over. But kudos to you for investing. Someone is going to need to untrouser a fortune to secure it, but deservedly so
It certainly was a unforgettable moment...
More of an Antiquarian than a car dealer. A very important figure in the Classic Car industry.
Lovely edited and produced film, thank you.
Video of the year, restoration of the year, best of show!!!
Absolutely stunning… Congratulations on a fantastic restoration!
Thank you very much!
This has to be one of the best restorations ever done.
We agree!
In the parlance of our times...'This is the way.'!
What a perfect way to honour a remarkable car.
Interestingly enough, it has the same birthday as my 1962 Morgan 4/4!
I saw one in person once. Had to pull off the road and go back to look at it sitting in a parking lot. I immediately fell in love 100%
This video illustrates the feeling of "La Passione". This is why I love Ferrari...
Thank you for showing this beautiful restoration of this particular GTO done to perfection of this car with a fascinating history. Only you Tom can achieve perfection to this high standard.
Thank you too!
Huge congratulations on Best in Class at Pebble Beach!
Many thanks!
Stunning piece of kinetic art. Kudos to Ferrari Classiche for honouring Enzo Ferrari's word and to you Tom for making it happen. No doubt a winner at Pebble Beach. Video please!
This must be the Number One 250GTO on the planet now. What an amazing restoration. Well done Tom.
Thanks a lot!
Wow, what an amazing and very emotional piece of film. Everyone involved with this GTO must be so proud of what they have achieved.
This is a monumental restoration and thank you so much for documenting it so beautifully and more importantly sharing it. Turn it into a live show for students of automobile design and engineering. Watching the film and getting to see the car will literally blow a young mind and hopefully inspire others to work to such exacting standards. I restore cars and I am floored. You have honoured Ferrari like how the legendary drivers through their skill helped build the brand
This has to be one of the best automotive restoration videos EVER. Tom thank you for taking the time to produce and share such a wonderful film, simply outstanding. Best of luck at Pebble Beach but no matter the outcome this is one of the finest restorations ….Period.
Thanks for watching!
To have the opportunity, to take that wonderful car back to Maranello, to be reborn has to be a very special event. I loved seeing the mature craftsmen, still working their magic on a battered piece of metal. If I had gone through that process, I would never part with the car. I know Tom has a business to run, so it has to go to another custodian. Tom has one of the best jobs in the Automotive world.
This video was incredible Tom, loved every minute of it. To see such a special car be restored to practically brand new condition was amazing, and to see Ferrari restore it and rightly so was special. Great work to all involved.
Thanks a lot!
A stunning car and super history charting this 250, with the refit back to original...
Hats off to everyone involved. Truly the most beautiful car ever built and what a way to revive it. Bravo Tom.
Tom thank you so much for making this film beyond good
No worries!
Hi Tom,
Just watched your latest video and absolutely loved it.
It had everything !!!!.
Having recently turned 62 years of age...obviously means i was born in 1962.
While i will not have the honour of owning such a holy grail piece of beauty i can still dream.
Thank you for sharing👍🇦🇺
An absolutely stunning car and a beautifully told story. I would love to see this car in person but I doubt that will happen. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Goosebumps all over my body at that end reveal! INCREDIBLE - and so happy for you Tom!
Exquisite documentary, Tom; your encyclopedic knowledge of the marque, coupled with your taste and aesthetic, had to combine into one of your best projects in your career. I would imagine the former Texas high school auto shop students still talk about their experience with this car!
Tom and team this is beautiful thank you so much for sharing with the world 😎🖤🇮🇹
I've been lucky to lay eyes on many Ferraris from this period, 275s, Dinos, even including Steve Mcqueen's 250 Lusso. There is something about the GTO though, I think quintessential is the best word to describe it.
Congratulations Tom 😊
This is on a completely different level!! Wow is all can say to the attention to detail and passion that has gone into this amazing piece of history.
Tom you really are a man on a mission with a passion that is hard to see matched.
I salute you for all that you are doing and I am sure you and the car will do well well at Pebble beach.
Amazing video to watch and what a car to have been privileged to be able to own and restore!
Keep up the amazing work.
I would love to join your team and be part of the history you’re building.
Please do post another video with more information and of you driving this amazing machine
You should be incredibly proud, Tom. that’s taking adding value to a completely different level. Where do you go from here? 👏🏻
Thank you for sharing this incredible experience !
What an absolute treat watching this, the score, camera work and the passion of everyone involved. And of course what a Car. Bravo!
Absolutely amazing video. Exceptional quality and editing. Spectacular story about this car being restored by the makers themselves. This is car is priceless!
This video is so special. I have just finished watching it and will be going straight back to watch it again. Bellisimo.
Good stuff!
Congratulations on your Pebble Beach win!!!
Thank you!!
Just incredible Tom. Time stopping & restarting with this amazing car.
Couldn't agree more!
Absolutely incredible, very emotional story, well done
I have no word! It’s amazing, and thank you so much for sharing this with all of us.
That is a real masterpiece.
Amazing!
Thank you Mr Tom, what an incredible and beautiful film!
You are very welcome
Absolutely stunning, both the car and the film. Excellent work
I have no words other than to say..............Simply beautiful and thank you Tom
Concours-quality cars are often given upholstery, paint, plating, and mechanical restoration to a standard far exceeding that of the car when it was new, which is exactly what took place here especially with the video production.
Beautifully done. Hats off Tom!!
I disagree. I think the genius of this restoration is that it didn’t exceed the original standards but kept true to them - warts and all.
What a privilege to witness such an involved, fascinating and emotional process. I love seeing these artisans-artists at work. Thank you!
Our pleasure!
Congratulations on best of class! What a truly amazing story.
Much obliged.
I’d imagine all that time and effort to restore this vehicle will result in a mind blowing profit.
The production quality of this video is phenomenal, amazing work. 😍
I think this is one of, if not the most amazing car videos ever made. Thank you for producing this for the world to see. I wish I was fortunate enough to make an offer to buy it. Enjoy it dearly until you sell it ❤
Wow, thanks! The pleasure is ours!
@@TomHartleyJnrLtd I’ll bet! Good luck with this one sir! I’m still trying to put my tongue back in my mouth after what you have shown us all!
That was quite one of the most riveting, interesting videos I’ve ever watched.. simply amazed the lengths you go to achieve that level perfection 👍
The most beautiful car ever made period.
Sensational. Brilliant work. Congrats to you and your team.
Thank you so much 😀
Amazing video . The work performed to restaure this GTO, keeping in mind that it must be fully like the car built in 1962, So the work, the car are master pieces . This GTO is truly wonderful. I am a graduated engineer in mechanic so i have truly appreciated to see some experts work .The project is not to sell the 250 GTO, but compared to the other GTO prices, this blue dream can be sold for more than 100 millions of Euros . For me, with the heart factor , it worth 150 millions of Euros . Congratulations SIR Tom HARTLEY, you have given life to a supercar, a myth, that will live for one or two century.
Thanks so much for the comment!
Tom , the car is extraordinary , I have no doubt the cost of restoration was immense but worth it all when looking at the end result . I imagine the car is priceless but not restored for that reason , but for history and passion , it is the car equivalent of the ' Mona Lisa ' , something to be preserved forever , very very well done Tom.
Unreal! These guys did a perfect job ♥️
Truly a thing of great beauty and importance. What a pity on completion to turn the key and have the sound of violins and not the pure symphony of a Ferrari engine. Bellissimo.
The 250 gto is a creation that even god could acclaim. Stunning.
Its incredible beauty and performance is what makes it not just a car, but absolute art. Bravo.
Congrats on your well deserved Pebble Beach result. Watching it roll up on the stand brought back good memories of doing the same in '87 with my dark blue car (4219).
Much appreciated!