The Ferrari 250 GTE was not only the most stylish, comfortable, and luxurious four-passenger car you could buy in the 1960s: Its commercial success may be the reason the Ferrari name lives on today. The 250 GTE had larger dimensions than any other model to date; it burst onto the scene as an automobile that had luxurious seating for four while retaining all of the performance for which Ferraris were known.

In a modern reinterpretation of this winning maxim, this particular 250 GTE Series II has been masterfully upgraded to surpass the performance of any roadgoing Ferrari of the period. Looking at the car, it lends absolutely no impression that it has been so thoroughly improved. But make no mistake: This is truly a wolf in sheep’s clothing—albeit very beautiful clothing executed by Scaglietti.

This 1962 250 GTE 2+2 Series II, chassis 3723 GT, was completed in August 1962 clad in Nero over Pelle Beige and provided with headrests, electric windows, and Blaupunkt radio. It was delivered new to Franco-Britannic Autos Ltd, Ferrari’s official distributor in Paris, France. Its first owner was pharmaceutical executive Henry Roussel, who took delivery on 8 August 1962. Just seven months later, Roussel sold the car to one of his fellow executives, Pierre Fabre.

By March 1969, the car was noted as being in Dijon, and in 1974 it was sold to an owner who kept the car until 2006. Imagery on file indicates that the car was returned to its factory color combination and received a complete engine rebuild sometime in 2008.

By 2011, this Ferrari was purchased by Jamiroquai founder Jay Kay, one of the world’s foremost tifosi. Jay Kay successfully submitted the car for Ferrari Classiche certification in April 2011. Between 2011 and 2018 the car was regularly maintained by noted Ferrari specialists at Joe Macari Classics in London, UK. It was subsequently acquired by the consignor in May 2019 who, like the prior owner, relied on the marque experts at Macari Classics to turn 3723 GT into the ultimate grand tourer.

Accompanying invoices from Macari dated 30 September 2020 indicate over $293,200 USD of work completed. Macari completely overhauled the chassis’ suspension components, with new front adjustable camber bushings, new wheel bearings, pivot pins, rear axle bearings, and front spring perches. The set of Koni shock absorbers was also rebuilt, and the extant brake system was upgraded with larger pistons, performance brake pads, and skimmed rotors complete with a new suite of brake lines throughout.

While the car’s original, matching-numbers gearbox and differential remain in the car, its original engine has been replaced by a highly modified “outside-plug” Columbo V-12. Built around a new, un-numbered block—one based on the Ferrari Tipo 128 design but modified to Macari’s specifications and cast by a specialist for use in projects such as this—this engine provides an impressive 320 horsepower and 370 pound-feet of torque. It is fueled by a set of Weber 40DC26 carburetors with a bespoke throttle linkage assembly.

Further work to the Ferrari included new spark plugs, ignition caps, fuel lines, fuel pumps, custom-fabricated heat shields to protect the newly configured fuel system, a competition-spec flywheel, AP competition clutch, high-torque starter, 70-amp alternator, oil cooler, a larger radiator with multifunction electric fans for improved cooling, and, lastly, a custom sports exhaust system so the glorious tones of the Columbo V-12 can be heard by the masses.

It should be noted that 3723 GT’s original, matching-numbers engine, appropriately stamped 3723, as well as parts removed during modification, are included with the sale.

Quite simply, this attractive and tastefully modified 250 GTE Series II has been given all the necessary performance upgrades to ensure that it will easily outpace many of its midcentury brethren, all while maintaining the original styling, superior comfort, and luxury which has earned the model its stellar reputation.