As the 250 GT model line continued to develop at the twilight of 1959, Ferrari introduced a second generation of Pinin Farina-bodied luxury cabriolets, essentially a grand touring version of the concurrent competition-derived 250 GT California Spider. Featuring four-wheel disc brakes and the outside-plug engine developed during the Testa Rossa campaigns, 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 Series II Cabriolet were built, lending the model equal parts rarity and elegance. These mid-production 250 GTs offer the best of both ends of the spectrum, as their striking open coachwork clothes more modern chassis components, in a combination that today’s collectors can particularly enjoy on vintage touring events.

Chassis no. 2587, the 131st of the 200 Cabriolets Series II built, was completed in July of 1961, finished in Grigio Fumo over a Beige vinyl and leather interior, and equipped with the overdrive transmission. This 250 GT Series II left the Pininfarina plant after final assembly in July of 1961 and was sold as a direct sale from the factory to Mr. Daniel Balozian, a Frenchman residing in California. Belozlan eventually became one of the longest-term cabriolet owners, maintaining his car until 1986, when it was sold through Richard Straman to Richard W. Gent of Euclid, Ohio.

Mr. Gent had the car restored by Joe Piscazzi in red with a beige interior, and afterwards it was exhibited at the Ferrari Club of America (FCA) International Concours in 1989 and 1990. A handful of further owners on the East Coast followed, including William Kevin Collins of Louisville, and Robert Weis of Pittsburgh, who exhibited it at several of the Cavallino Classics in West Palm Beach, earning FCA Platinum honors as well as, in 2000, Coppa Bella Macchina and Coppa Strada GT.

Around 2004 the cabriolet was acquired by Gary Lilienthal of Boston, who displayed it at several events in New England. Eventually it was purchased from him by the current owner, in whose ownership it was completely disassembled down to bare metal and freshly restored to original, factory-correct appearance, including the proper original colors and a fresh leather interior. The owner reports that the matching-numbers engine was fully disassembled and rebuilt, and pulls strongly, displaying excellent oil pressure; the front and rear suspension were also disassembled and inspected, the generator and dynamo rebuilt, and the transmission was resealed. In this form the car appeared at the Ferrari 70th Anniversary special display at Casa Ferrari during the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Presented in superb concours-quality condition with Ferrari Classiche Certification, detailed records, spare parts, photographs, and a highly accurate reproduction tool roll with tools, this is an utterly outstanding Cabriolet Series II.