The Ferrari 250 GTO is already one of the most exclusive cars on the planet: but what if it were in 24-carat gold? As a scale model, of course.

The 1:8 scale gold sculpture of the car will be displayed at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the home of automotive exclusivity. Based on the Stieger family’s 250 GTO – chassis number 3589 GT – the masterpiece will go on display as around 20 examples of the ‘real’ Ferrari 250 GTO are simultaneously displayed on the Concours green.

The sculpture is hand-made by Swiss artist Dante Rubli, who is based in Bern, Switzerland. The 250 GTO is the third piece in his Iconic Sports Car series, which also includes an Aston Martin DB5 and Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Gullwing’, both of which will be on display at Pebble Beach. Dante has already created other masterpieces in platinum, steel and wood, as well as crafting custom furniture pieces and vehicle body designs for discerning car collectors worldwide.

A larger version of the sculpture (1:2 scale) costs 750,000 Swiss francs, while the smaller (1:4 and 1:8) ones are identically priced at 150,000 Swiss francs. The reason for the latter is that "1:8 scale is more painstaking to finish in gold, with smaller spaces to work with". They also come with a ‘museum-ready’ glass case and piano black plinth. As with the previous series of sculptures, no more than 10 examples will be produced.

All will be on display in the 'Design by Dante' tent at the RetroAuto Plaza above Peter Hay Hill, Pebble Beach Golf Course, between Thursday 18 August and Sunday 21 August 2011, where Dante Rubli will be on hand to meet prospective customers.

Text: Joe Breeze
Photos: Design by Dante