Reviving a Legend: The Restoration of a Ferrari 250 GTO

[@wombatsyoutube]

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!

[@AntonHoward-mx9sb]

I recently bought a Bburago 250 GTO at at a car boot, it has pride of place on my bookcase.

[@knoxyish]

art work? nah

[@TheMuttBuster]

Dreams do come true

[@benzinapaul7416]

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!

[@four4eyes]

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 .

[@MrRonan3]

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,

[@RaceDayReplay]

this car just won Best in Class for Late model Ferraris at Pebble Beach. Congrats!!!

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Cheers!

[@paolo7436]

This is not just a restoration,this is a love letter to Ferrari history...God bless you Tom.

[@EverythingAutomotive13]

No one has put together a Classiche presentation like this for these type of cars for the potential customers. Outstanding!

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Wow, thanks!

[@acskls]

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.

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ZondaF355]

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!

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Wow, thanks for this comment!

[@nunolopes1112]

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!

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@makalu69]

Blown away - thanks for recording this Tom. You have done the motoring world a great service!

[@roytrevisan3491]

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.

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Our pleasure!

[@j.m.4444]

This is nothing but spectacular. Gives me goosebumps. A truly masterpiece.

[@theworldaccordingtochris4370]

My heart was jumping watching it.

[@darrenhemming42]

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.

[@Halfwaythere_]

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

[@charleswhitfield8915]

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 $!

[@robinoconnor1203]

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.

[@soyounoat]

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!

[@dapro2848]

The most beautiful car ever made period.

[@theworldaccordingtochris4370]

I could cry. The car, the colour, the restoration, it's as if God placed this car on earth.

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

We’re so glad you feel this way!

[@theworldaccordingtochris4370]

@@TomHartleyJnrLtd you would have to love it, it's emotional and beautiful. 👍

[@bobk3432]

Mic dropped…my goodness, that blue is mesmerizing. What an engine note, pure symphony!

[@TheSnookerGym]

Goosebumps all over my body at that end reveal! INCREDIBLE - and so happy for you Tom!

[@allanreardon]

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.

[@jacke9760]

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.

[@ArbFriJuly]

If only there were more automotive channels like this one. Thank you for sharing.

[@mikesavage5545]

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. ❤🙏🏻🍻

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Thanks so much.

[@neilrwoods]

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 👏👏

[@wareidav]

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.

[@peterhealey2668]

How incredibly awesome to take delivery of a brand new ( again ) Ferrari 250 GTO in 2024.

[@amjedghazzalikalaff5303]

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.

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Many thanks!

[@alexgoulding8459]

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!

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Our pleasure!

[@Matnrach2-mf9qr]

Worthy of being show in the cinema. Thank you

[@timothywhalen9352]

This video illustrates the feeling of "La Passione". This is why I love Ferrari...

[@Elon6of9]

Is it crime to drive art ? No , this is art come to life . Incredible, Thanku Tom , Thanku Ferrari.

[@chrisnicholson3194]

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.

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Thanks for watching!

[@MikeaSmith-e6g]

Wow, what an amazing and very emotional piece of film. Everyone involved with this GTO must be so proud of what they have achieved.

[@markreihl7742]

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.

[@matth8924]

This is automotive art. Thanks for putting this on KZbin, 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.

[@guyspooner4580]

Huge congratulations on Best in Class at Pebble Beach!

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Many thanks!

[@cobra2ca652]

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 ❤

[@Binit_777]

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.

[@stefanonicola3445]

What a privilege to witness such an involved, fascinating and emotional process. I love seeing these artisans-artists at work. Thank you!

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Our pleasure!

[@DB-ls2zi]

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 !!

[@rupertcollier6029]

Just incredible, an achingly beautiful masterpiece. There are restorations and then there's this.

[@DavidParker-sx5ps]

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!

[@andydayes6624]

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.

[@bobbyjones6054]

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 🇿🇦

[@frankyork5808]

This must be the Number One 250GTO on the planet now. What an amazing restoration. Well done Tom.

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Thanks a lot!

[@randoroberts]

Thank you for taking so much care in this restoration. Beautiful.

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Our pleasure!

[@johnprince5931]

More of an Antiquarian than a car dealer. A very important figure in the Classic Car industry. Lovely edited and produced film, thank you.

[@LynGriffiths70]

This has to be one of the best restorations ever done.

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

We agree!

[@BlueTriangleRecords]

Congratulations on your Pebble Beach win!!!

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Thank you!!

[@77sdb]

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

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Cheers!

[@bondy284]

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👍🇦🇺

[@DonAl9114]

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. 😊😊😊

[@jorgepronto5894]

Thank you sir for sharing this part of #3589 journey. Simply Stunning!

[@robertburton4622]

Cant believe what i have just watched what a incredible story. Possibly the best you tube video i have watched

[@Futureprooffill]

Hats off to everyone involved. Truly the most beautiful car ever built and what a way to revive it. Bravo Tom.

[@mrmartin2079]

Its hard to find the words to describe this labour of love video adequately - Kudos

[@paoloorio6224]

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.

[@albertomarino242]

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 !

[@gentnextdoor]

What an absolute treat watching this, the score, camera work and the passion of everyone involved. And of course what a Car. Bravo!

[@Thehugomac]

The best thing i've ever witnessed on KZbin.... Sensational!!!

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Cheers!

[@RichardMichaelOwen]

Video of the year, restoration of the year, best of show!!!

[@kevmagill5163]

Once again you've saved a treasure. It's breathtaking. Thank you for sharing the meticulous process of achieving perfection.

[@conorbuckingham2750]

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.

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Thanks a lot!

[@johnlummis5119]

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.

[@rjdavies1982]

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.

[@regularguy3665]

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.

[@barsaf9989]

Absolutely amazing video. Exceptional quality and editing. Spectacular story about this car being restored by the makers themselves. This is car is priceless!

[@NigelTufnel612]

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!

[@MrSpartanPaul]

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%

[@niosanfrancisco]

Just incredible Tom. Time stopping & restarting with this amazing car.

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Couldn't agree more!

[@M9fdb1]

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

[@ianjones7486]

This video is so special. I have just finished watching it and will be going straight back to watch it again. Bellisimo.

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Good stuff!

[@Steven_Myers_]

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?

[@frankyork5808]

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.

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Thanks 👍

[@paulunderhay3031]

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!

[@TrippyNoodles]

Need to watch this on the big telly 📺 😮 🔊 🤩

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Would be rude not to!

[@christaylor6640]

Absolutely stunning… Congratulations on a fantastic restoration!

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Thank you very much!

[@Ratarossa]

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.

[@gr0schibre572]

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!

[@simoncasson3327]

A stunning car and super history charting this 250, with the refit back to original...

[@institutmorningkiss]

Good Lord. I hope this kind of work will still be done in 100, 500, 1000 years...

[@deepakkantgir]

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

[@gregorysotiriou7071]

Fantastic! Thank you for sharing your passion! This GTO needs it's own book!

[@derekantill3721]

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.

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Thank you too!

[@znagazanga]

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!!

[@guyspooner4580]

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.

[@jimmcculloch3786]

Thank you Mr Tom, what an incredible and beautiful film!

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

You are very welcome

[@soundhub2852]

I have no words other than to say..............Simply beautiful and thank you Tom

[@andrewwhittaker4097]

Tom thank you so much for making this film beyond good

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

No worries!

[@kevinneal8128]

Congratulations on best of class! What a truly amazing story.

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Much obliged.

[@rtoky]

Thank you for sharing this incredible experience !

[@rabidrabiesracing]

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 ❤

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Wow, thanks! The pleasure is ours!

[@rabidrabiesracing]

@@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!

[@maidenthemetalhead]

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 😊

[@bodhispapa]

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!

[@maxhofer3223]

my god speechless….this is perfection….!!!!

[@fredzilco3943]

The 250 gto is a creation that even god could acclaim. Stunning. Its incredible beauty and performance is what makes it not just a car, but absolute art. Bravo.

[@guyspooner4580]

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

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

It certainly was a unforgettable moment...

[@markwood5073]

A beautiful video of an even more beautiful car. Incredible how you can convey such emotion through this media. A true masterpiece.

[@TomHartleyJnrLtd]

Thank you very much!

[@GavBowers]

What a remarkable car and an equally captivating video to go with it. Incredible job done by all involved as it's a masterpiece. I'm only 45 minutes away from your showroom and would love to be able to see it.

[@formula112967]

I have heard of Ferrari itself restoring classic Ferrari cars, but I have never seen one actually done like this one, which is just incredible. A restoration like this performed at the Ferrari factory would be worth any cost on a car like the 250 GTO.