David MacNeil, the founder and CEO of WeatherTech, has recently joined one of the world’s most exclusive clubs after reportedly paying $70m for a Ferrari 250 GTO that won the Tour de France in 1963. You’ve most likely never heard of MacNeil. The automobile with the chassis number 4153 GT is considered to be the most expensive car ever sold anywhere in the world.

MacNeil, who is headquartered in Chicago, built a fortune by selling luxury floor mats and has used some of the proceeds to put together an automobile collection that is on par with the best in the world. His collection also includes a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB, which has just won best in class at the 2018 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, as well as a stable of other “prancing horses,” including a 250 GT Lusso, 275 GTB, 365 GTB/4 “Daytona,” F40, and F50. His collection also includes a 365 GTB/4 “Daytona”

An excursion through Italy with Flavio Manzoni, the creative director of Ferrari Between 1962 and 1964, the illustrious Italian manufαcturer produced only 39 copies of the 250 GTO, and it is incredibly uncommon for an owner to sell their vehicle at any price. There are others who believe that its value cannot be reduced to a simple monetary figure.

“David is a really powerful guy who is fully committed to the world of automobile collecting,” said Ted Gushue, an automotive photographer and former director of the lifestyle hub Petrolicious that specializes on old cars.

“His possession of such a crown jewel takes him to the next level. Furthermore, purchasing it allows you entrance to one of the most elite meetings on the planet: the invitation-only 250 GTO Tour, which is held in a variety of luxurious places throughout Europe. As soon as you sign up, you are initiated into a mysterious society that includes some of the world’s most fascinating men “Gushue observes that, in addition to being the richest.

This small group includes Ralph Lauren, Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, and Lord Anthony Bamford, the only individual ever to own two 250 GTOs. In the United Kingdom, Lord Anthony Bamford is also a billionaire.

“The Ferrari 250 GTO is the automotive market’s equivalent of Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers,” says James Knight, Group Motoring chairman at UK auction house Bonhams, and a talisman for any top-end collection.” “And the recently sold GTO was one of the top five best examples remaining in existence. It does not suggest that the value of a Jaguar E-Type has suddenly skyrocketed, but it does bring reassurance and confidence that collectors are willing to spend new sums to obtain the suitable vehicle.”

This is fantastic news for MCH Group, the business behind the Baselworld watch show as well as the global Art Basel events. MCH Group is preparing to launch a new series devoted to collector vehicles. The inaugural event, Grand Basel, will take place in Switzerland in September, and will be followed by editions in Miami and Hong Kong the following year.

“We are seeing an increasing number of collectors from countries throughout the world where the enthusiasm for collecting automobiles has virtually no history,” stated Mark Backé, Global Director of Grand Basel. “At the same time, a new generation of car lovers and collectors is maturing. As a result, we predict that the liveliness of this market will improve.”

Idris Elba, a British actor who has been mentioned as a potential James Bond successor, has recently signed on as a spokesmodel for Grand Basel. In the film, he declares that autos have been “a lengthy passion of mine” and focuses on their artistic quality.

A Ferrari historian named Marcel Massini predicts that a 250 GTO will sell for $100m within the next five years. Meanwhile, a Bonhams spokesperson was cited as saying that collectors will be looking to other models that may be “index linked” to the GTO due to the fact that they have comparable degrees of rarity and demand.

The renowned Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato, he claims, is the most formidable competitor. “A contemporary of the 250 GTO, the DB4GT Zagato competed against the renowned Ferraris in the hands of some of the world’s most celebrated drivers,” he explained. “One of the most successful racing cars in history was the 250 GTO.” “These models are uncommon, beautiful, and have a really significant historical past,” in addition to being a relative bargain at around $20m each. “These models are uncommon, elegant, and have an illustrious historical pedigree.”