1959 Ferrari 250 GT Coupe

This Ferrari 250GT was sent to the Pinin Farina factory on February 12th of 1959. It would leave finished in Rosso Bordeaux with a Grigio Conchiglia roof over a black interior. It is one of just a few given a hood scoop, a distinctive feature that gives the coupe a subtle flair to the elegant yet conservative design.

The car was sent to the French Ferrari importer, Franco-Britannic Autos Ltd. in Paris and returned to the factory shortly after to be fitted with Dunlop disc brakes.

During the early 1960s, Ferrari built chassis number 0853GT for Prince Bertil of Sweden. The Coupe was a Speciale built by Pinin Farina and was delivered to France for Prince Bertil's use while vacationing at his Saint-Maxime de la Mer home, along the French Riviera. From that point in history, the Speciale and Chassis number 1301GT were stored with Charles Pozzi in Paris, the successor to Franco-Britannic. 1301GT was serviced and maintained by M. Pozzi. When 1301GT had a mechanical issue, Pozzi switched the motor with the one housed in the Coupe Speciale.

Gilbert Barnoin of Nice purchased 1301GT in 1972 and would retain the car until the summer of 1989 when it was sold to Luis Jose Flores Esteves. When Sig. Esteves returned to Portugal, he sold the car.

The current owner acquired the car several years ago, along with chassis number 0853. While in his care, both engines were returned to their original resting place. Currently, 1301GT remains in its original condition, having its same paint, upholstery, and major drivetrain components.

In 2010, this car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction in Pebble Beach where it was estimated to sell for $175,000 - $225,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $187,000 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2010