Copyright © 2022. All rights reserved. Powered by Damian Żurawski
Condition
New
Transmission
Manual
Condition:
New
Transmission:
Manual
Category:
Car
Description
An Exciting Find; In Static Storage Since 1969
Originally Finished in Attractive Grigio Fumo with Beige Interior
Features Unique Period Covered-Headlight Conversion and Numerous…
An Exciting Find; In Static Storage Since 1969
Originally Finished in Attractive Grigio Fumo with Beige Interior
Features Unique Period Covered-Headlight Conversion and Numerous Accessories
An Ideal Restoration Candidate; Retains Matching Chassis and Engine Numbers
The 158th of Just 353 Examples Built; Accompanied by Massini Report
2,953 CC Tipo 128D SOHC V-12 Engine
Three Weber Carburetors
220 BHP at 7,000 RPM
4-Speed Manual Gearbox
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
Front Independent Suspension with Coil Springs and Shock Absorbers
Rear Live Axle with Leaf Springs and Shock Absorbers
Unveiled at the 1958 Paris Motor Show, the new Pinin Farina-styled Ferrari 250 GT Coupe featured refined styling and offered a series-production road car that allowed Enzo Ferrari to stabilize his company’s finances, taking advantage of Pinin Farina’s newly expanded Grugliasco plant. Replacing the outgoing Ellena- and Boano-bodied models, the new coupe’s elegant lines are largely considered timeless today.
This 1959 Ferrari 250 GT Coupe, chassis 1359 GT, is the 158th of just 353 examples ever built. It was fitted with the desirable tipo 128D twin-distributor, inside-plug engine, three Weber carburetors, four-speed manual gearbox, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, and Borrani wire wheels. Entering Carrozzeria Pinin Farina to receive its coachwork on March 18, 1959, it was completed in June and finished in the stunning color of Grigio Fumo (Smoke Grey). Trimmed with a Beige vinyl and Connolly leather interior, it was certainly a striking and elegant example.
Delivered new to official Ferrari dealer Vendita Automobili Roma S.r.l. in Italy in July 1959, the car went unsold until February 1960 when it was acquired by its first owner, Alberto di Tanna of Rome. Sig. di Tanna also owned a Grigio Fumo 250 GT Series II Cabriolet, chassis 2139 GT, which he acquired in September. By summer 1961 – possibly because the Cabriolet had taken the Coupe’s place in Sig. di Tanna’s stable – the Coupe was sold to a pharmaceutical company based in Rome.
Over the next seven years, the Ferrari was owned by a succession of four individuals residing in Brescia. In 1969, the car was acquired by an individual in Switzerland, and period photographs on file depict the car there, still wearing Brescia license plates and sporting shaved bumpers and a covered-headlight conversion which it retains today. It is unknown when this conversion was applied or by whom, but the nose features Carello headlight covers. Other unique features which the car retains today are dual ignition switches, earless knock-off bolts, and a relocated battery and fuse panel. These modifications suggest that the car may have seen competition use at some point in Switzerland or Germany, where it resided later in the year.
In late 1969, the Ferrari was acquired by a US serviceman based in the Bavarian Alps. The serviceman promptly shipped the car back to his home in Newark, New Jersey, and drove it a few times before placing it in storage.
Documented by Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, this 250 GT retains its matching chassis and engine numbers and elements of its original beige interior. A wonderful find in its unrestored condition, this Ferrari is a unique prize for the astute collector.
Engine running well, it’s strong and healthy. Car driving so good.
Before you decide to buy a car, read its history for free.