Reviving a Legend: The Restoration of a Ferrari 250 GTO
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- Опубліковано 5 лют 2025
- 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!
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.
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!
No one has put together a Classiche presentation like this for these type of cars for the potential customers. Outstanding!
Wow, thanks!
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
The MAGIC of Ferrari is impossible to explain with mere words. This presentation is as close to truly revealing that magic that those of us who feel it understand at a cellular level. You could feel the spark while watching and seeing Tom, a man who truly understands and lives this magic for all that cannot. Seeing him take the keys at the factory and drive out of the gates of Maranello like it was 1962 is simply a majestic sight to behold. I am proud to follow and support someone like Tom, who follows his heart and has reverence for the past and celebrates the like-minded men for whom we should all look up to. This is why some of us eat and breath cars. If an award existed similar to the Oscars but for the automotive sector this story would receive gold statue to all involved. From the man with the knowledge and passion to commission such fine mechanical artwork to the artisans who made it a reality. This is why we get consumed by this subject and what a subject to be consumed by!
Wow, thanks for this comment!
This is nothing but spectacular. Gives me goosebumps. A truly masterpiece.
My heart was jumping watching 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!
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.
Blown away - thanks for recording this Tom. You have done the motoring world a great service!
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
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!
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!
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 $!
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.
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!
Mic dropped…my goodness, that blue is mesmerizing. What an engine note, pure symphony!
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.
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.
Is it crime to drive art ? No , this is art come to life . Incredible, Thanku Tom , Thanku Ferrari.
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.
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.
Goosebumps all over my body at that end reveal! INCREDIBLE - and so happy for you Tom!
I’m not ashamed to admit , this gave me goose bumps and a tear in my eye . My first die cast model was a 250 GTO , it’s a unicorn that only a select few can afford ( but the prod is great full you can ) whilst us mere mortals can only dream to touch. Huge respect to those involved bringing this beauty back to its former glory and to the custodians……. Just enjoy 👏👏
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.
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. 👍
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!
If only there were more automotive channels like this one. Thank you for sharing.
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 ❤
This video illustrates the feeling of "La Passione". This is why I love Ferrari...
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. 😊😊😊
Worthy of being show in the cinema. Thank you
Just incredible, an achingly beautiful masterpiece. There are restorations and then there's this.
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!
More of an Antiquarian than a car dealer. A very important figure in the Classic Car industry.
Lovely edited and produced film, thank you.
Wow, what an amazing and very emotional piece of film. Everyone involved with this GTO must be so proud of what they have achieved.
I would have watched this video even if it were 24 hours long; it was spectacular. I almost cried at the end. I love cars and restorations. Thank you from 🇿🇦
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.
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👍🇦🇺
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 !!
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.
What a privilege to witness such an involved, fascinating and emotional process. I love seeing these artisans-artists at work. Thank you!
Our pleasure!
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!
Absolutely stunning… Congratulations on a fantastic restoration!
Thank you very much!
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.
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!
This is automotive art. Thanks for putting this on UA-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.
Cant believe what i have just watched what a incredible story. Possibly the best you tube video i have watched
This must be the Number One 250GTO on the planet now. What an amazing restoration. Well done Tom.
Thanks a lot!
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!
Tom, you did better than l ever could have. Had l purchased a 250GTO, everyone would have known even before l took delivery!!!!! It must have been an amazing journey. She looks amazing. Congrats.
Thanks 👍
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
What an absolute treat watching this, the score, camera work and the passion of everyone involved. And of course what a Car. Bravo!
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.
The best thing i've ever witnessed on UA-cam.... Sensational!!!
Cheers!
Tom - you have managed to capture the 'magic' of Ferrari in this film. Absolutely riveting and genuinely moving. For any 'petrol head' this is surely the closest you will ever get to God?
Pure passion and that car....a perfect synthesis of beauty and savagery. Thank you sir, keep it coming!
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!
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?
Absolutely amazing video. Exceptional quality and editing. Spectacular story about this car being restored by the makers themselves. This is car is priceless!
Its hard to find the words to describe this labour of love video adequately - Kudos
Congratulations on your Pebble Beach win!!!
Thank you!!
Just incredible Tom. Time stopping & restarting with this amazing car.
Couldn't agree more!
The most beautiful car ever made period.
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 😊
Thank you sir for sharing this part of #3589 journey. Simply Stunning!
Once again you've saved a treasure. It's breathtaking. Thank you for sharing the meticulous process of achieving perfection.
How incredibly awesome to take delivery of a brand new ( again ) Ferrari 250 GTO in 2024.
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!
Hats off to everyone involved. Truly the most beautiful car ever built and what a way to revive it. Bravo Tom.
Thank you for taking so much care in this restoration. Beautiful.
Our pleasure!
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.
Thanks for preserving this wonderful piece of history - to me, this is absolutely how one should approach any classic car . An approach clearly borne from a deep respect and love for these wonderful machines. Superb.
Need to watch this on the big telly 📺 😮 🔊 🤩
Would be rude not to!
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...
Wow. What an amazing "restoration". I give it the quotes, because it's obviously more than that. An absolutely jaw-dropping job by everyone involved (especially the lighting director and crew!), and I thank you for it. Stellar work, folks!✌️❤️🙂🇨🇦
Thank you very much!
This video is so special. I have just finished watching it and will be going straight back to watch it again. Bellisimo.
Good stuff!
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!
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!
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 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
Stunning. I'm just back from visiting both Ferrari museums and loved seeing around and looking at the classic cars up close.
Video of the year, restoration of the year, best of show!!!
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!
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!
Fantastic !! What an absolute pleasure to see, thanks for sharing the restoration journey with us. That is one very special car to own.
Congratulations Tom.
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!
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 👍
Tom what you and Ferrari Classiche have achieved here is truly spectacular. You really are an inspiration, a gifted and foreword thinker. Thank you for sharing this project with us. I’m staggered at the detail Classiche go into and are able to. Thank you. You are a true ambassador for the global classic car community. I write this aged 57 as the nephew of the late David Jolliffe owner of Portman Lamborghini, who worked for Rob Walker Racing and collected and delivered the 250 SWB to Stirling Moss (Supercar Classics/Supercars I have known) through whom I was exposed to all manner of Ferrari and Lamborghini throughout my childhood and early adulthood. Not just for this project but I believe this restoration will be your crowning glory. Surely an MBE can’t be far away?
Best regards Tom.
Samuel Archer
History will never have a reason to look back at any electric car to be remembered/ celebrated/ restored as a legendary car as this ! EVER !
Tom and team this is beautiful thank you so much for sharing with the world 😎🖤🇮🇹
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!
I have no words other than to say..............Simply beautiful and thank you Tom
The production quality of this video is phenomenal, amazing work. 😍
There are many reasons why I don't watch your channel but if you don't have anything nice to say then don't say it all. Today though...... wow! Just brilliant. I know this was not cheap to produce but more please.
I COMMEND YOU FOR SAVING THIS FERRARI AND BRINGING BACK TO ORIGINAL LIFE THROUGH FERRARI CLASSIC. I WOULD KEEP IT IN YOUR FAMILY, DONT SELL IT.
A stunning car and super history charting this 250, with the refit back to original...