1955 Ferrari 250 Europa GT Coupe

The Ferrari 250 Europa made its debut at the 1953 Paris Auto Show. The first cars were bodied by Vignale along the lines of the 340 Mexico, but subsequently production was continued by Pinin Farina. Ferrari introduced a second series model named the Europa GT in late 1954, the most notable change being a new Colombo-designed V12 power plant that developed 20 additional horsepower over the original Lampredi unit. This new motor became the workhouse for the remaining 250 GTs, powering some of the most notable and revered Ferrari models ever built.

This unrestored second series model is the 27th Europa built by Ferrari.

Seeing that only 43 examples of the 250 Europa GTs would ever be built every single one is a extraordinary and precious creation. However, even among those 43 there are still a handful that would have to be considered exceptional, 0409 GT would have to be just such an example.

The 250 Europa GT would be the replacement for the 212 Inter. The car would make use of a 3.0-liter Lampredi V12 and would, at least initially, have Vignale bodies similar to those of the 340 Mexico.

Pininfarina would pick up the design and production of the 250 Europa. The lines would be simplified and would have a look in common with the 375 America. The GT model would make its first appearance to the public at the 1954 Paris Salon. Though called the GT, there would be very little difference to the regular Europa. About the only noticeable external difference between the two would be the front wheel arch and the A-pillar.

The most significant difference between the two models would be in the chassis and engine. Not only would be chassis be wider and the wheelbase considerably shorter, but it would also benefit from improved suspension. Then there would be the engine differences. The Lampredi V12 engine would be replaced with the Colombo short-block V12. Though still 3.0-liters in size, the Colombo V12 was capable of producing some 220bhp.

Though Pininfarina would be involved in the design and construction of many of the Europa GTs, Vignale would still create a couple of examples for special clientele. Nonetheless, the Europa GT would be an important moment in Ferrari history as it would see Pininfarina take its place of prominence in the relationship to the automaker.

Only 43 examples of the 250 Europa GT would be built, and yet, it would constitute one of the longest production runs in Ferrari's history to that time. One of those 43 would be 0409 GT.

The car would be completed in July of 1955. When finished, the car would come with a red leather trim interior with grey cloth and an external finish consisting of Grigio and Amaranto. Registered by the end of July, the car would not be received by its first customer until the end of the year when it made its way to Rome.

For whatever reason, the Europa GT would remain in Rome for only about a year before it would be sold again. This time, the car would make its way to an owner living in Milan. In September of 1957, the car would be sold again. A Brazilian by the name of Jose Beruto Guiherme Mario would take ownership of the car. He was just 22 at the time but he would actually keep an address in Rome.

Throughout the early part of the 1960s, 0409GT would continue to change hands. It would spend time in Messina and Reggio di Calabria before it would end up in Taranto registered to one Giuseppe De Lorenzo. Still, the Europa GT would change hands yet again. Raffaele Lacarbonara, a mechanic working in the Taranto area, would end up becoming the car's owner.

Finally, the car would find an owner that appreciated it. Chassis 0409 GT would remain with Lacarbonara for more than four decades. In many respects, the Europa GT would become part of Raffaele's family and he would guard it as jealously as one would guard one of their own offspring.

The Europa GT would be driven sparingly by Raffaele, but then, in the early 1970s, the car would be secreted away in the family garage. The car would be effectively lost to the world as it remained tucked away in the garage for decades. Even after Rafffaele's death, it would be some time before the Ferrari would ever be discovered. Still, the car had been such an integral part of the family that they would not part with it until 2011 when a Swiss collector campaigned to purchase the car.

Nearly 40 years since its last public appearance, 0409 GT would reemerge to take part in the Uniques Concours held in Florence. A Californian would be awed by the Ferrari and would negotiate to buy the car in 2012.

Arriving in the United States, the Europa GT would be entered as part of the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Its highly original, un-restored state would garner much attention over the course of the event. Despite its obvious signs of wear and time in storage, 0409 GT offers something truly special. While there is something to be said about the meticulously restored automobile where everything is crisp and appearing untouched. The fact this Ferrari has obviously been touched, but remains highly intact, only adds to its intrigue and distinction.

Sources:
'1955 Ferrari 250 Europa GT News, Pictures, Specifications and Information', (http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z13221/Ferrari-250-Europa-GT.aspx). Conceptcarz.com: From Concept to Production. http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z13221/Ferrari-250-Europa-GT.aspx. Retrieved 19 February 2014.

'All Models: 250 Europa', (http://www.ferrari.com/english/gt_sport%20cars/classiche/all_models/Pages/250_Europa.aspx). Ferrari.com. http://www.ferrari.com/english/gt_sport%20cars/classiche/all_models/Pages/250_Europa.aspx. Retrieved 19 February 2014.

'Focus On: 250 Europa (1953)', (http://www.ferrari.com/english/gt_sport%20cars/classiche/all_models/Pages/article_250_europa_gt.aspx). Ferrari.com. http://www.ferrari.com/english/gt_sport%20cars/classiche/all_models/Pages/article_250_europa_gt.aspx. Retrieved 19 February 2014.

'Lot No. 62: 1955 Ferrari 250 Europa GT', (http://www.goodingco.com/vehicle/1955-ferrari-250-europa-gt-2/). Gooding & Company. http://www.goodingco.com/vehicle/1955-ferrari-250-europa-gt-2/. Retrieved 19 February 2014.

By Jeremy McMullen