The musings of car enthusiasts have come true. The Ferrari 250 GTO is a piece of art. This isn't hyperbole, either. The vehicle has been officially declared art, outlawing imitations.

In a recent ruling by an Italian court, the Ferrari 250 GTO is considered a piece of art and may not be replicated or reproduced. The vehicle is entirely original and "production, commercialization, and promotion" belongs to Ferrari.

The Ferrari 250 GTO is a popular but a quite rare vehicle model. Produced for two years in the 1960s, only 36 examples were ever produced. It also holds the record for most expensive vehicle ever sold in an auction, being sold for $48 million. This legal effort began when Ferrari levied a complaint against a different Italien form that was producing replica 250 GTOs.

While this originates as an effort to protect intellectual property, this is the first time a vehicle is registered as a piece of art. It will be interesting seeing this precedent set for automakers in the future.