Claiming nearly four decades of care and a restoration by two of the country’s most respected Ferrari collectors, as well as Ferrari Classiche certification, this beautifully presented 250 GT SWB is one of the finest examples offered in recent years.

According to the research of marque historian Marcel Massini, chassis 2985 is the 110th of 167 total examples built, including both steel and aluminum-bodied cars. It is one of approximately 90 Lusso variants. Factory build sheets note that the type 168 V-12 engine was completed on 25 October 1961, under the supervision of famed foreman Amos Franchini, and the five-speed transaxle was completed the same day. While a Certificate of Origin was issued on 11 November 1961, the car was officially completed three days later.

Finished in Grigio Conchiglia and upholstered with Nero leather, this berlinetta was distributed later in November to Vincenzo Malago e Co., an official dealer in Rome. On 22 February 1962, Malago sold the Ferrari to its first owners of record, Maria Lucia del Torta and Alberto Bossa, both local residents. Just a few months later, on 19 May, the SWB was purchased by Albertina Bossa of Naples. This may have just been a formal transfer, as seven days later the car was sold yet again to Vincenzo Casillo of San Giuseppe Vesuviano in the province of Naples.

Casillo kept the Ferrari for nearly five years, and then in May 1967 he sold the car to Vincenzo Luigi Cicinelli of Riano. Cicinelli re-registered the berlinetta with Roma tags B 23348, and there are several period photographs of the car (and related documentation) on file depicting this ownership.

In the late 1960s, chassis number 2985 was exported to the United States and acquired by a Mr. Mordvedt, who in 1972 repainted the car. Four years later, the SWB was purchased by Charles Betz and Fred Peters, the Southern California Ferrari experts who were early and consistent proponents of collecting the marque. After being registered with California blue plates 307 UOU, the SWB was driven by Peters in several vintage racing events in Southern California as it enjoyed a refurbishment in the hands of the two owners, who have overseen the restoration of many important Ferraris over the decades.

In November 1986, Betz and Peters presented the 250 GT at the Palm Springs Concours d’Elegance, though a few years passed before the car began to regularly enjoy exhibition. In April 1995, the owners showed the car at Skeets and Sharon Dunn’s Picnic at Osuna Ranch in Rancho Santa Fe, California, and the following June, the car was displayed at the Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance in Beverly Hills. In October 1995, the SWB was exhibited at the Newport Beach Concours d’Elegance, while in May 1996 it returned to the Dunn’s Picnic at Osuna Ranch.

In September 1999, Betz and Peters campaigned the Ferrari on the XI Colorado Grand 1000, entered as #49. Four months later, Charles Betz drove the car at two events held in conjunction with the IX Cavallino Classic in Palm Beach, Florida, the track event at Moroso raceway, and the Tour di Palm Beach. The berlinetta was then displayed at the Cavallino Classic main event, winning the prestigious Coppa SWB Award.

In September 2008, this sensational 250 GT was authenticated by Ferrari Classiche with the issuance of a Red Book, confirming the car retains all of its major original mechanical components. As noted, it lists in detail, the chassis, engine, drivetrain, and coachwork are all unaltered, complete, and original to the car.

Chassis number 2985 GT’s event career then continued in stunning fashion when the car was invited by the factory for display on Ferrari Classiche’s stand at the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. In September 2013, Betz entered the 250 GT on the Colorado Grand once more, in one of his final experiences with the car.

After almost 40 years of care, Betz and Peters offered the SWB for sale. As part of their sale to the consignor, the experts agreed to oversee the restoration of the car, including a change to the current color scheme over a black leather interior. Also benefiting from a mechanical freshening that retained as much originality as possible, the Ferrari was delivered to the current owner just in time for presentation at the Cavallino Classic in January 2016, where the car won a Platinum Award.

Documented with build sheets, period Italian paperwork, and the Ferrari Classiche Red Book, this exquisitely finished 250 GT SWB benefits from four decades of care by the respected Betz and Peters. The highly authentic berlinetta is sure to be welcomed at premium concours d’elegance and FCA events, offering Maranello enthusiasts a pristine example of one of the marque’s most important models.