Iconic 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO sells for a record $70 million (£52m)

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Iconic 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO sells for a record $70 million (£52m)

The Ferrari GTO smashes the previous record price for a car - set by the same model five years ago - by around $27 million (£20m).

Chances are you've never heard of David MacNeil, but the WeatherTech founder and CEO has just joined one of the most exclusive clubs on Earth after paying a reported $70 million (£52 million) for a Tour de France-winning 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO.

The vehicle, with the chassis number 4153 GT, is believed to be the most expensive car in the world.

Chicago-based MacNeil amassed a fortune selling high-end floor mats, and has used some of the profits to assemble a world class car collection. His collection also includes a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB, as well as a stable of other "prancing horses" including a 250 GT Lusso, 275 GTB, 365 GTB/4 "Daytona," F40, and F50.

MacNeil is thought to have purchased the 300bhp motor from German racing driver Christian Glaesel, who bought it 15 years ago.

Before that, it was restored in the late 1990s by Hertfordshire's DK Engineering.

Powered by a three-litre V12 engine, the car can do 174mph and 0-60 in around six seconds.

Despite its racing pedigree, the Ferrari has managed to steer clear of any accidents in its 55-year history- with a leading historian on the brand, Marcel Massini, calling it one of the finest three or four GTOs produced.

Only 39 examples of the 250 GTO were built by the legendary Italian marque between 1962 and 1964, and it's extremely rare for an owner to part with one at any price.

Some have declared that its value can't be measured in mere money