THE SERIES II PF CABRIOLET

As the 250 GT model line continued to develop in the twilight of 1959, Ferrari introduced a second generation of its Pinin Farina-bodied luxury cabriolet, essentially a grand touring version of the concurrent competition-derived 250 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 second-series cabriolets 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 envelops more modern chassis components in a combination that today’s collectors can particularly enjoy on vintage touring events. Officially, the 250 GT Cabriolets were designated by the “GTF” prefix affixed to their chassis plate.

250 GT/F 2703

Chassis 2703, offered here, is documented by Ferrari historian Marcel Massini as the 138th second series cabriolet produced between 1959-1962. Factory records show that 2703 received its Pininfarina bodywork on 4 July 1961 and returned to Maranello. The car was then finished in Grigio Argento (MM 16003) over a Nero (VM 8500) leather interior and was delivered new shortly thereafter to Luigi Chinetti Motors in Greenwich, Connecticut. Additional factory specifications provided to 2703 included a matching hardtop and Borletti instrumentation “in miles.”

After time spent with several owners in the greater New York City metropolitan area, the car was acquired by Sam Smith of Bethesda, Maryland in January 1975. From Smith, 2703 next passed in June 1977 to Ferrari marque expert Parker Hall of Vicksburg, Mississippi—with whom it would remain for the next 42 years of carefully tended, private enjoyment. During his ownership, Hall exhibited his nicely preserved 250 GT cabriolet just twice in the late nineties, and later completed the 2010 Copperstate 1000 Road Rally and 2014 Colorado Grand.

MISSISSIPPI BELLE

Much of the car’s present state of cosmetic presentation is thanks to Hall’s discernable appreciation for patinated originality, no doubt gleaned from his many years of judging Ferrari Club of America concours events. Chassis 2703 was certified by Ferrari Classiche in April 2011 as retaining all its major original, numbers-matching powertrain components including engine, gearbox, and rear differential. At the time, Classiche noted that the suspension had been updated with more modern shock absorbers, though the original-style Dunlop disc brakes were retained.

The handsome and supremely original Grigio Argento paintwork has been preserved under a clearcoat layer which is believed to have been applied under Hall’s ownership. The original leather upholstery and cabin finishes have been similarly retained to the utmost possible degree. However, the seats are believed to have been reupholstered very early in the car’s life, and the floormats are newer facsimiles although the originals have been retained and are included with the sale. Even the accompanying manuals, tools, and hardtop are reported to be original examples which resided with the car when it left Maranello in late July 1961. Furthermore, this 250 GT still retains its functional radiator-blind, and electric overdrive feature on its transmission.

Since acquisition by the consignor, this eminently attractive and remarkably preserved 250 GT Cabriolet has been looked after by noted specialists at Sportscar Italiano of Burlingame, California. Under previous ownership, the car was cared for by Ferrari expert Greg Jones of Stuart, Florida and other marque specialists. Notable servicing from Jones on file include earlier rebuilds to the car’s differential and Weber carburetors.

The Ferrari now sits upon a handsome set of date-coded Borrani wire wheels wrapped in period-style Pirelli Cinturato tires. As presented today, chassis 2703 is accompanied by a tool roll, factory hardtop, spare Borrani wire wheel, manuals, sales literature, Ferrari Classiche Red Book, and history file. Sixty years after the car’s unveiling at the Paris Motor Show, the PF cabriolet is regarded by many as the quintessential gentleman’s open-top Ferrari, one that is as stately as it is practical and fun to drive. This example would be a prime candidate for exhibition at international concours, FCA events, or simply a wonderful cabriolet for the driving enthusiast looking to experience both Ferrari performance and luxury at its finest.