Simply Abu Dhabi XXIV

2 6 5 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I T he UAE likes to boast about many things – that it has the best, the most expensive and the most exclusive – but when it comes to money-can’t-buy classic cars, at the recent Gulf Concours in Dubai it literally was true. Among the many shining lights from the likes of Bentley, McLaren, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin and more was the world’s most expensive car, a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO valued at more than $55 million and owned by leading classic Ferrari specialist, Talacrest. The immortal GTO mixed with not only near priceless, classic cars but also the ultimate in modern, bespoke luxury and supercars for the inaugural Gulf Concours held on the lawns of the world’s most luxurious hotel, the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah last month. While it holds significant value by being the second of just 36 GTOs ever made and the first example used for racing following American F1 driver Phil Hill’s second place in the Sebring 12-hour and a podium finish at Le Mans in 1962, it was up against some stiff competition for the ultimate prize of Best Classic Car on the day. When the six judges handed in their verdicts, it wasn’t the uber-rare GTO which took the accolades, but the equally desirable Ferrari 250 GT Competition Berlinetta Sport Speciale. This particular car has a colourful history in that Hollywood star Ingrid Bergman and husband Roberto Rossellini were keen Ferrari enthusiasts, buying a very special 375mm in 1954 and wanted another Ferrari to back it up. It has been rumoured that this 250GT Competition Berlinetta Sport Speciale was commissioned for Bergman a year later, although she never took delivery of the car.