Ferrari – 250 GT (1957)

The original Ferrari 250 GT with a wheelbase of 2.60 metres was built in the period from 1955 to 1958. This model series was the beginning of the 250 family and formed the platform for most Ferrari road-going sports cars during the second half of the 1950s. Gioacchino Colombo’s short V12 3 litre design was harnessed to power these timeless cars. The majority of such vehicles were given a standard body by Boano and from 1958 onwards by Ellena. For the first time, Ferrari achieved significant production figures with the Boano/Ellena models, and the automaker began to build series with standardised bodies. They were the first road-going Ferraris to reach units numbered in three digits. This chassis cloaked in Boano bodywork was originally registered in the principality of Monaco on 31st December 1957. At the outset, the sports car was painted in ‘Marrone 1115’ (dark brown) but at the time of sale – as a virtually new Ferrari – it was repainted in ‘Verde Riviera 1160’ to luxuriate in a shade of very dark green. The interior was trimmed in ‘Grigio Arbo Tan 682’ leather. The car has worn its green livery since 1957/58 and competed in a series of events in 1958, including the Monte Carlo Rally, the Coupes des Alpes and the Tour de France. This 250 GT was delivered on Michelin Pilot racing tyres and incorporated powerful Marchal fog lights in the front grille. Another racing participation was revealed in 1986 when Ferrari historian Antoine Prunet informed the owner that the car had won the second Rallye Marseille-Provence on 9th March 1958. He enclosed a photograph and added that the Ferrari had most likely spent its entire life on the Côte d’Azur. This unrestored example of an early Ferrari has only graced us with a few public appearances since 1958 and it passed half a century in the custodianship of just two previous owners.