The Tragic Story Of A Rp451.3 Billion Ferrari That Was Destroyed At Le Mans Classic

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JAKARTA - Like a Michelangelo painting that was slashed by a knife. Such was the accident experienced by the Ferrari 250 GT 'Breadvan' at the Le Mans Classic in early July.

But, in fact, the accident actually made automotive lovers feel at home for a long time to see it. Not without reason, this is a unique car in the world, as well as icons and gems that can be paid for more than 30 million euros (Rp 451.3 billion) at auction.

You might think that the solution is to call the Ferrari Classiche department directly and have them take it to the Maranello factory.

But it's not so simple. The car was actually a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT. At that time, the car was ordered by Count Volpi, a wealthy car lover who had formed the Scuderia Serenissima racing team.

However, in 1962, Ferrari issued the 250 GTO, an evolution of the much more efficient 250 GT, with improved aerodynamics and a five-speed gearbox.

Volpi wanted a new model, but Enzo Ferrari rejected it for reasons that are still unclear.

Enraged, he decided to convert his 250 GT into a better car than the 250 GTO and commissioned the design from Giotto Bizarrini, who had worked for Ferrari.

The result was a radical looking car, with a height (lower than the GTO) and a roof so flat that it earned the nickname 'Breadvan'.

The car quickly proved its immense potential, even outperforming the GTO when it debuted at Le Mans in 1962 until it had to be retired due to mechanical problems.

However, in the same year, the car won two races in the GT endurance class despite using a four-speed gearbox.

The fact that the car wasn't officially designed by Ferrari means the company doesn't have a plan or measure to guide the proper overhaul of its bodywork.

The mechanic could probably do it, but it would cost more time and money. The chassis on which the body sits, which is made of thin tubes, will also suffer damage.

And Ferrari will also be able to restore its steering and suspension, albeit at a price.

Although the Breadvan is not considered a Ferrari, its historical value has led Ferrari to consider it one of its cars.

This consideration has been cherished by fans' hearts and has even inspired one sports car enthusiast to turn his 550 Maranello into a 21st century Breadvan.