1961 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet

The Series II Cabriolet was produced from 1959 through the end of 1962, and created during the same time as the California Spider. Scaglietti bodied the more sporting, 'inexpensive' cars while Pininfarina produced the more upscale Grand Touring models. There were slightly more than 200 examples of the Series II Cabriolet produced.

Chassis number 3093GT was shipped from Ferrari to the Pininfarina plant in Torino on October 12th of 1961. When it left as a complete Cabriolet it was painted in Shelly Gray paint with a red interior. The certificate of origin was issued on January 20th of 1962. A mere six days later the first owner, Mr. Fontanella (president of Mondial Express S.r.L. of Milan, Italy), took possession. It came equipped with a factory-original hardtop that was painted in metallic silver-blue.

The second owner took possession of the car in January of 1964. The new owner was a 22-year-old resident of Rome named Mrs. Flora Anna Panetta. She kept the car for only a short time, selling it in 1965. It was purchased by Edwin K. Niles, an attorney and car dealer based in Encino, California.

The car was advertised for sale in the Prancing Horse for $5,500 in 1966. The next publicly known owner was in 1976 when it was registered in the Ferrari Owners Club membership directory, then owned by Peter Olend of Wooland Hills, California. Ron VanKregten purchased the car in 1984, by this point the car was finished in red with a brown interior.

The car still has its original engine and FIM radiator. It has an original and rare belly pan and heat shields. There is the correct Marelli electrics, including the generator, distributors and voltage regulator. It has the original Siglia windshield, Sekurit glass, period Talbot mirror, Veglia gauges, Borrani wire wheels, and Michelin VWXs tires.

In 2009, this Series II Cabriolet was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona where it was offered without reserve and estimated to sell for $350,000 - $425,000. The lot was sold for the sum of $385,000, including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2009