1957 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet

Pinin Farina was selected to build the first 250 GT Cabriolet on chassis 0655GT. It was destined for the 1957 Geneva Motor Show. It was well received and laid the groundwork for the series of 39 more cabriolets that followed. The design included traits that would later be included on Series I bodies such as a long hood, covered headlights, rear fenders that kick-up, wind-up windows, recessed rear tail lights, and a simple raked windshield without vent windows.

This unique Ferrari 250 GT was first displayed at the Geneva Motor Show in 1957. Painted in bright red, it was the first of four prototypes each with a unique design. These prototypes heralded the first series of around 40 Ferrari 250 GT Pinin Farina Cabriolets. The Series II Cabriolets, from 1959, was the true Ferrari production series, being built with a more standardized body type.

After a brief ownership by a navigation company in Genoa, this car was refurbished for Ferrari Grand Prix driver Peter Collins. Collins modified the car in 1958 switching to Dunlop disc brakes from the original factory drums. Mike Hawthorn, a fellow driver with Collins persuaded Enzo Ferrari (after Collins' death) to authorize a similar switch for his next race. To that extent, 0655GT was instrumental in leading the Ferrari migration from drum to disc brakes.

Collins insisted the Ferrari be painted in dark British Racing Green and requested the notched driver's door as he favored the flamboyant 'elbows-out' British driving style. Although the car was repainted in black by a later owner, Bob Lee had his own restoration shop return it to its original dark green in memory of great British driver Collins.