Chris Evans just snapped up a rare vintage Ferrari 250 GTO for a cool £12 million. The British Radio 2 DJ and TV presenter, who is known for his love of Ferraris, reportedly had to sell 3 of his own Ferraris to afford the 1963 Berlinetta sports car.

Ferrari 250 GTOs are considered amongst the most beautiful and collectible cars in the world. With only 36 ever made, they are capable of reaching 60 mph in 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 174 mph. When first sold 47 years ago, 250 GTOs had a price tag of £6,000.

Chris Evans, who has an estimated fortune of £45 million and collects Ferraris as investments, reportedly paid some $17.7 million for the car (chassis no. 4675 GT) from a Japanese collector.

Designed to compete in GT racing, the 3-litre V12 model bought by Mr Evans can deliver 302 BHP at 7,500 rpm. It was recently described by Classic and Sports Car magazine as: "Perfection... the Leonardo da Vinci of motoring."

RM Auctions, who managed the private sale of the car, did not comment on who was involved.

According to their press statement yesterday: "In April 1963, 4675 GT left the factory finished in Rosso Cina. It was raced by such drivers as Guido Fossati, Jean Guichet, Oddone Sigala, Vincenzo Nember and Luigi Taramazzo and proved itself a tremendously capable racing car, rarely finishing outside the top three in its class and achieving numerous race wins."

According to The Sun, insurance to keep the car on the road is likely to top £1,000 a month.

Mr Evans' breakfast radio show recently hit an audience of 9.5 million.