After nearly four decades in private ownership, the sole factory-owned Series I Ferrari GTO (chassis No. 3765) was claimed by a new owner for $51.7 million this week during Sotheby’s New York Marquee Week Sales of Modern and Contemporary Art.

The only GTO Tipo 1962 raced by Scuderia Ferrari; this example boasts an impressive and perhaps legendary history. Its racing pedigree alone includes clinching a class win and a second-overall finish at the 1962 Nurburgring 1000 Km. It was piloted by Mike Parkes and Lorenzo Bandini for Scuderia Ferrari at the 1962 24 Hours of Le Mans, and also secured the position of runner-up in the 1965 Sicilian Hillclimb Championship.

Previously owned by a chairman of the Ferrari Club of America, it won an FCA Platinum Award and the Coppa Bella Macchina at the Cavallino Classic, placed 2nd in the GTO class at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and received a Best of Show at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.

See the full story and additional photos at VintageMotorsport.com.