When Ferrari introduced the 250 GT Coupe at the 1958 Paris Motor Show, the marque signaled its first, and most decisive, step toward true series production. On this new series coupe, Pinin Farina coachwork replaced the Boano- and Ellena-built cars of years previous. Most importantly, the 250 GT delivered exactly what the market desired and cemented Ferrari’s managerial fortitude to continue volume production: With 353 produced between 1958 and 1960, the 250 GT was the marque’s best-selling product.

A gentleman’s Ferrari in every sense, the 250 GT coupe is the definitive Italian grand tourer of the late fifties. More at home cruising the coastline of the South of France than rocketing down the Mulsanne Straight, these cars were built for the individual that respected Ferrari’s racing pedigree yet wanted something more civilized and comfortable than its racing offerings.

Chassis number 1433 GT, the 185th 250 GT Coupe built, is a unique example with numerous bespoke details—including chromed door sills and a 410 Superamerica-style air intake on the hood—that immediately set it apart from others of its kind. The hood scoop is a subtle addition that dramatically changes the look of car by accentuating the shallow curve of the hood, which otherwise appears flat on standard cars.

Further, this example is built upon a Tipo 508D chassis (identical to the type used on 250 LWB California Spyders and late 250 TdF berlinettas) and uses a Tipo 128D twin-distributor “inside-plug” engine, along with drum brakes and a four-speed gearbox without overdrive. Later 250 GTs were the subject of engineering evolution, including a move to the 508F chassis type and a new “outside-plug” engine design that represented a divergence from Ferrari’s racing cars. Consequently, both the Tipo 508D chassis and 128D engine are highly prized by collectors given their provenance on the racing berlinettas; here, they further enrich an already desirable 250 GT Coupe road car.

Originally finished in Grigio Azzurro (MM 13471), with a Rosso vinyl and leather (VM 3171) interior, chassis 1433 GT was sold new directly by the factory on 24 July 1959 to Agostino Mereghetti of Milan, for whom it was registered on local plates as “MI 440357.” It was subsequently sold by Mereghetti to its second owner, Franco Carrodi, on 21 January 1961. Mr. Carrodi maintained the 250 GT for the remainder of his life, after which it was received by his heirs in 1986. In 1987 the Carrodi heirs sold the Ferrari to its fourth owner, Pietro Mariani, also of Milan.

Subsequently refinished in a rich Blu with Argento roof and Naturale leather interior, it was acquired in 2002 by Christian Geistdörfer, a rally driver from Munich, who used it in several rallies throughout Germany and Austria during the next decade. It was then part of American Ferrari enthusiast Lee Minshull’s collection, before passing through a private collector to the present owner. Uniquely having remained in Milan from new until 2002, the original stamped Ministero dei Trasporti registration book documenting its Italian ownership has been preserved and is included with the sale.

The car retains its numbers-matching engine, and still wears its German restoration very well, with highly presentable paint and brightwork, a crisp interior, and a very clean engine compartment and undercarriage which shows proper detailing. Even the dashboard gauges are crisp and clear, with the odometer reflecting just under 16,930 km at the time of cataloguing. A correct spare Borrani wire wheel and tire are housed in the trunk.

Ferrari Classiche-certified, all relevant components on 1433 GT are verified by the manufacturer to be correct throughout. Further, a comprehensive service with a complete engine rebuild was carried out under current ownership in 2019 totaling over $112,000. Work was overseen by Miller Motors in Greenwich, Connecticut, while the rebuild was carried out by Marcovicci-Wenz Engineering in Ronkonkoma, New York. Invoices and dyno test sheets along with images are available documenting the work both before and after completion. Nothing was left unaddressed, including the crankshaft, distributors, carburetors, ensuring the car is ready for enjoyment by its next custodian.

A 250 GT Pinin Farina coupe is a car that every Ferrari enthusiast should own and appreciate, as it is in this initial production model that every future road-going berlinetta produced by the company found inspiration. This car is among the finest available, with custom details and elegant colors making it truly one of a kind.