Lot 217

Monterey 2013

1961 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series II by Pininfarina

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$1,100,000 USD | Sold

United States | Monterey, California

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Chassis No.
2683GT
Engine No.
2683GT
  • One of only 200 built
  • Complete ownership history
  • Well driven and well maintained
  • Matching-numbers engine

240 hp, 2,953 cc SOHC 60-degree V-12 engine with triple Weber dual-choke carburetors, four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive, independent front suspension with A-arms and coil springs, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 102.4 in.

When Pinin Farina’s Series II 250 GT was introduced in 1960, Ferrari had established its production road car program as an important component of its business. Elegant, subtle, and luxurious, the coupe and cabriolet held their heads high beside the more sporting variants of the line. These, of course, included the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta and the long- and short-wheelbase California Spiders.

The chassis of the 250 GT PF Series II followed traditional Ferrari practice, with oval tube construction and independent front suspension with unequal A-arms, coil springs, and telescopic shocks with semi-elliptic springs, and parallel trailing arms locating the live rear axle. To assist in accurate, alert handling, a front anti-sway bar was fitted. Electric overdrive was included in the four-speed transmission, and four-wheel disc brakes ensured that the PF Series II could be hauled down from the estimated 150 mph top speed of which they were capable.

Completed in June 1961, chassis 2683 was the 136th of the 200 PF Cabriolets built. From the documentation by Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, this car was originally finished in white with black leather interior and was delivered new to France. Its first owner, Mr. Baud, enjoyed his Ferrari greatly, covering almost 125,000 kilometers before selling it to another French owner, Mr. Vialfond. He also used his 250 GT well, driving it another 120,000 kilometers before treating it to a comprehensive restoration by the internationally renowned Bacchelli e Villa AutoSport in Modena, Italy, from 1993 to 1994. During this work, the color scheme was changed to dark blue over black leather.

In 1994, it was sold to Mr. Ruenzi, in Switzerland, and both show and event driven, with the mileage now approaching 300,000 kilometers. Following an auction sale in 1999, chassis 2683 went to the UK, where it was owned by Mr. Peter Mullen, of London. It was then sold to Mr. Nick Colonna, of California, who brought it to the U.S. in 2004. Prior to a showing at the 2005 Cavallino Classic in Palm Beach, Florida, the Ferrari was given a very detailed and wide-ranging service and freshening, which included a new clutch, a resurfaced flywheel, new tires, a new exhaust system, a radiator re-core, a carburetor adjustment, and extensive detail work in the engine compartment, to ensure that correct components, materials, and finishes were present. In 2006, its next owner, Mr. Joshua Teverow, took delivery, and it returned to Cavallino in 2007, the year it entered the collection of another well-known California collector.

While in his care, the Ferrari was treated to further major improvements by respected Northern California experts Kevin Kay Restorations, which included new Rosso Corsa paint, fresh chrome, and a beautiful and complementary Cognac leather interior. This work is documented by a full set of invoices that totaled over $120,000. This Cabriolet presents in extremely good condition, with its attractive and classic livery. It comes complete with the original owner’s manuals in a reproduction pouch, a quality reproduction tool roll that has a set of Beta tools, a jack and a wheel puller, and a custom-fitted car cover with storage bag.

It is obvious from both the extensive use and loving care that this Ferrari has received from new that it has been the favored road companion of all its custodians. The discreet charms of this understated GT masterpiece have come to attract an ever-increasing number of sophisticated collectors who appreciate the rare combination of style and power that these classic open-top V-12 cars possess in abundance. This 250 GT Pininfarina Cabriolet Series II now stands ready to glamour its next faithful companion.