THE SERIES II PF CABRIOLET

As the 250 GT model line continued to develop in the twilight of 1959, Ferrari introduced a second generation of its Pininfarina-bodied luxury cabriolet—essentially a grand touring version of the concurrent competition-derived 250 California spider. Featuring four-wheel disc brakes and the outside-plug engine derived from the 250 Testa Rossa sports racing prototypes, the new cabriolet was the most tractably powerful 250 GT to date, claiming both fine road manners and strong performance.

Only 200 examples of the second-series cabriolets were built, lending model a degree of rarity to accompany its obvious elegance. These mid-production 250 GTs offer the best of both ends of the spectrum, as their striking open coachwork envelops more modern chassis components in a combination that today’s collectors can particularly enjoy on vintage touring events.

Furthermore, important updates were supplied to the model’s styling, performance, and touring functionality. These included open headlamps with a slightly more rounded nose and elongated taillamp lenses. Slightly more space in the interior and trunk also made long journeys more comfortable. Finally, Ferrari also fitted the car with the updated, outside-plug version of the Colombo V-12, designated Tipo 128F. Quite simply, the 250 GT Cabriolet has always been an exquisite machine for enthusiasts with exquisite taste.

250 GT 2683

The Oscar Davis Collection’s 250 GT Series II Cabriolet offered here was completed at Maranello on 10 July 1961 and thereafter distributed to Walter Sleator’s Franco-Brittanic Autos in Paris, France. As the 136th example of the model produced, it was originally clad in Bianco (MM 12435) over a Nero interior (VM 8500) and matching cloth top.

This lovely example was sold new to Georges Baud of Paris, the chief chemist and director of the famous French perfume maker Parfums Carven. Chassis 2683 GT continued to reside within the greater Paris metropolitan area until the early 1980s, having passed through three owners who are believed to have cumulatively recorded more than 152,000 miles (~245,000 km) by the time of its 21st birthday!

This handsome Cabriolet then passed to an owner in Northern Italy, who treated it to a well-earned restoration executed over two years by the noted firm Bacchelli and Villa of Bastiglia. At this time the car was repainted in a shade of Blu Scuro over retrimmed black upholstery. Between 1994 and January 2000, it was owned by a Swiss-based enthusiast who actively exhibited and rallied the car in Ferrari Owners Club events throughout Switzerland and Austria. While in London, England during subsequent ownership the car continued to feature at Ferrari Owners Club events until 2004. It then began the California chapter of its fascinating and globetrotting life.

After showings at the Cavallino Classic Concours d’Elegance in 2005 and 2007, this Ferrari was treated to further improvements in 2008 by respected marque experts Kevin Kay Restorations of Redding, California, which included new Rosso Corsa paint, fresh chrome, and a Cognac leather interior. This work is documented by invoices totaling over $120,000. More recently, this 250 GT Cabriolet was scooped up by Oscar Davis’ friend Frank Ricciardelli in 2013, who sold it to Davis shortly thereafter. While the car retains its wonderful Rosso Corsa exterior paintwork applied in 2008, the cabin upholstery has since been returned to its factory-correct shade of black with matching soft top.

Considered by many as the most elegant open GT Ferrari of the 1960s, the 250 GT Cabriolet Series II is often the connoisseur's choice for open-air touring, whether along the coast or through hillside switchbacks. Chassis 2683 GT presents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a marvelous and well-documented example of this storied model. Offered from the esteemed collection of the great Oscar Davis with known history since new, here is a worthy addition to any serious collection focused on the celebrated marque's golden age.