1955 Ferrari 250 Europa GT Coupe

Gioacchino Colombo-designed short block engine had been brought up to develop 220 horsepower through its development in the competition-derived 250 model, the 250 Mille Miglia. Fitted into the shorter-wheelbase Europa GT models, these cars had a weight reduction by approximately 10% and gained nearly ten miles per hour to the top speed. Along with this performance boost, the Europa also benefitted from a fully revised suspension, now featuring independent coil-sprung suspension with double wishbones up front. The suspension changes made for a better handling car, excellent road holding and cornering abilities. The large Alfin brake drums were similar to those found on Ferrari's competition GT, the Tour de France.

This particular Europa GT is especially special, as it is one of just two examples bodied with lightweight aluminum alloy coachwork. It is presented with competition specifications generally unseen in the model. The car was originally prepared for the Mille Miglia, but it ultimately never ran the race, as it was not completed at Ferrari's workshops in time for the start.

The car's specifications combined elements of two different chassis types, the Type 508, which was the first of the ever-evolving 250 GT chassis, and the Type 513, which was only otherwise used on four 250 GT Speciale examples that were bodied in Super America-style coachwork. In comparison to the standard Europa GT chassis, the chassis frame tubes and cross members of this car were laid out quite differently, and feature a wider track front and rear, offering superior handling for road racing. The brakes on this car are identical to the ones fitted to the 375 MM Spider and Berlinetta sports racing car. The Type 112 motor no. 0389 GT (internal no. 333) was installed and tuned for competition. The weight was kept to a minimum by using a Type 102 magnesium gearbox casing, again in similar fashion to that of the 375 MM.

This left-hand drive example is finished in Blue Fiat 8V and upholstered with Plastico Naturale, much as it appears today. It was issued a certificate of origin on March 18th of 1955 and on April 27 the car was officially sold to Industrie Lampade Elettriche in Vicenza, Italy, on behalf of Luciano Cascalli. Over the next few years, the car remained in Romee before being purchased by Ferrari collector Edwin Niles of Los Angeles, California, in March of 1960. Mr. Niles imported the car to the United States, and soon thereafter sold it to a local Los Angeles dentist named Robert H. Peterson. Mr. Peterson commissioned Max Balchowsky to install a Corvette transmission and rear axle after a clutch failure; the original Ferrari V12 engine was retained.

The Europa GT then passed to several Hollywood executives, including two different employees of Columbia Pictures, eventually landing in the purview of Paul Forbes in 1981. A year later, the alloy-bodied Europa GT was purchased by Steve Tillack of Redondo Beach, California, and he treated it to a cosmetic refurbishment in the correct color scheme of blue paint over a tan interior. 0389 GT was then sold to Italian resident Marco Ferre, who repatriated the beautiful car back to its native Italy. His children inherited the car after Mr. Ferre's passing in 1991, and soon offered it for sale.

Michael Stollfuss of Bonn, Germany became the car's next caretaker, who then campaigned it at the Mille Miglia in May of 1999 wearing start number 298. After brief ownership by one additional German enthusiast, the car returned to the United States when purchased by Fantasy Junction's Bruce Trenery. A short time later, it was sold to Stephen Block of Moraga, California. Mr. Block unofficially brought the Europa GT to several major events without formally exhibiting it, including the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and Concorso Italiano. Mr. Block also campaigned the car in the 2002 California Mille, where it received damage to its front fender. Hereafter, 0389 GT was repaired and treated to a proper repaint in 2002. During this time, the car's matching-numbers Colombo V-12 engine was rebuilt. The car then passed to Barry Konier, before being acquired by its current caretaker in 2009.

In addition to participating in the California Mille, the car has also successfully completed the Colorado Grand on four occasions. It received a Platinum Award at the FCA's May 2013 meet in Pasadena.

The Corvette transmission and rear axle installed by Max Balchowsky are long gone, and in place are correct, period Europa GT units. The original matching numbers engine block is currently fitted with cylinder heads from a Colombo Type 128C engine.

This Europa GT is one of approximately 27 examples bodied with Pinin Farina's Coupe coachwork.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2015