The Ferrari 250 GTE was not only the most stylish, comfortable, and luxurious four-passenger car you could buy in the 1960s, but perhaps could be the reason the Ferrari name lives on today. Enzo Ferrari was concerned about one thing—racing—and the only way he was able to continue to fund his racing passion was to build road cars.

Having slightly larger dimensions than Ferrari’s other offerings and fitted with a rear seat, it was clear that with the GTE, the company was aiming for new clients—individuals who would appreciate an automobile that had luxurious seating for four but retained all of the performance Ferraris were known for. The GTE retained both the same chassis as the long-wheelbase 250 GT TdF and the venerable 3.0-liter Colombo V-12 engine that delivered incredible performance, capable of a top speed of over 140 mph. The engine itself was moved forward in the chassis by eight inches, the front and rear track were increased, and the rear section of the roof was raised in order to provide additional interior space and a rear seat—all on the TdF’s original 102-inch wheelbase.

According to information provided by noted Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, this 250 GTE, chassis number 3547, was completed by the factory in May 1962 and was originally finished in Grigio Fumo over a Pelle Beige Connolly leather interior. The car was ordered by and delivered to Ferrari dealer M. Gastone Crepaldi S.A.S. of Milano, Italy, and subsequently sold to a Mr. Hertel. Chassis 3547 was given a proper body-off restoration in 1997. From 2012 to 2014, no-expense-spared maintenance was performed to make this 250 GTE as enjoyable as possible to drive. All work was done by well-known Ferrari experts Tom Yang and Francois Sicard in Ridgefield, Connecticut, as well as by Motor Classic in Bedford Hills, New York. In addition to a superb new coat of paint completed in May 2014, extensive maintenance was performed that included replacement of the directional switch, all ball joints, all suspension bushings, drive shaft U-joint, rubber drive ring to drive shaft, an Ansa exhaust system, a recalibration of the distributors, and more.

Today this handsome 250 GTE presents beautifully. With its legendary V-12 engine and luxurious, roomy interior, this Ferrari is ideally suited for spirited touring with comfort and style in the great Italian tradition.