1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Coupe

Only a total of 350 examples of the 250 GT Lusso would be built between 1962 and 1964. Yet, though its production run would be brief, there would be no arguing its beauty and influence.

Chassis 5225 GT is one of those 350 Lussos built. Completed in 1963, the car benefited from years of experience in development and advancement. Four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes would blend beautifully with the suspension and 3.0-liter V12 pumping out around 240hp at 7,000rpms.

The 173rd Lusso, 5225GT would be completed by Ferrari in December of 1963. A short time later it would make its way to its first owner, a businessman who lived in Genova. It would remain with its first owner until 1968 when it would then be sold to Viviano Corradini. Corradini would be an interesting figure. An automobile specialist, Viviano's reach would be vast. Not only would he have a home in Milan but he would also have a place in New Jersey.

In June 1968, the Lusso would make its way to the United States and would make its home there for nearly two decades. A couple of years after having arrived in the States, the car would be sold to a fellow New Jersey resident, where it would remain until 1987 when it was acquired by none other than Thomas W. Barrett III. At the time, the Ferrari boasted of black leather upholstery and a burgundy finish.

One year later, the car would be sold at auction and would make its way back to Europe before it continued on to Japan where it would become the property of Yoshio Sogabe of Kobe. For over a decade, the car would remain in Japan. Then, in 2002, the car would venture back to the United States, where it would join its latest owner, a Southern Californian collector.

The combination of the Lusso and its owner would be a very special collection as it would prove to be the twelve-cylinder Ferrari he had always wanted. The connection would lead to the car remaining with the owner from 2002 onwards. Over the last twelve years the car has taken part in a number of outings, including the Ferrari Club of America event held at Ortega Run.

In 2008, Ferrari specialist Jens Paulson rebuilt the engine. General and detail service continue to be done, much of it conducted by an experienced FCA judge. Though refurbished over 30 years ago, the Lusso remains a fine example of the elegant grand tourer.

Still retaining its tool roll, owner handbooks, history report and with Ferrari Classiche certification pending, 5225GT has the potential to be a future star in the concours category, let alone a fine mount for those long enticing journeys.

Presented as part of Gooding & Company's 2015 Arizona auction, the 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso, chassis 5225 GT would be one of the highlights drawing pre-auction estimates of between $1,600,000 and $1,800,000.

Bidding for the Lusso would keep trending upwards. It would soon become apparent the pre-auction estimates would soon prove to be weak as the Ferrari would fight its way beyond the $1.9 million dollar mark and would eventually end up selling for $1,925,000.

By Jeremy McMullen