A US billionaire has paid 35 million dollars for the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO owned by a Dutch wine-grower.

Dutchman Eric Heerema bought the sports car ten years ago for 8.5 million dollars. The Dutchman earned a fortune on investments and now runs a vineyard in Britain, where he lives.

Just 39 Ferrari 250 GTOs were ever made. The model sold on Friday was specially made for the British racing driver Stirling Moss. But Moss never drove the car - just after it was built, in 1962, he ended his racing career following a crash.

The Ferrari did participate in the 24-hour race of Le Mans in 1962, but that was both the first and the last time the car entered a race.

(cl/ae)

© Radio Netherlands Worldwide