1955 Ferrari 250 Europa GT Coupe

Nineteen examples of the Ferrari 250 Europe were constructed, based on chassis numbers 0297 - 0351. They were succeeded by the 250 Europa GT, which debuted at Paris in 1954. They were based on the shorter 2600-millimeter wheelbase but given a wider track, and powered by the Colombo-designed 3.0-liter V-12 engine, internally designated Tipo 112. Over the production lifespan, just 43 examples were produced.

This example, chassis number 0387 EU, was delivered new to Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands in 1955. The chassis and engine were renumbered by the Ferrari factory to '0139 E' for the Prince, which was the chassis number of the 212 Inter he had already owned. The old number, 0387 GT, still appears on the car's chassis and on the engine.

The Prince's Ferrari was given many competition-oriented items throughout. It has a Tipo 513/508 chassis and was based upon an early GT chassis. The only other 250 Europa GT with this specific chassis design was numbered 0389 GT. This is also the first 250 GT Europa fitted with a modern coil-sprung front suspension. It wears lightweight aluminum coachwork by Pinin Farina.

The car was eventually sold to the United Kingdom where it passed through three owners there until the early 1980s. It was acquired by Tiebo P. Vos of Pully, Switzerland, and then sold in 1994 to Holland, next passing to a French marque expert.

The car was repainted in 2001. The engine was rebuilt and further mechanical work was performed. During the work, it was discovered that the car had competition upgrades including 9.5:1 compression, Mondial-diameter pistons, special competition connecting rods, and a lightweight crankshaft. It was also found to have a competition-type steering box, fully-synchronized Tipo 342 gearbox, ventilated Magnesium drum brakes, and a limited-slip rear axle.

The car has recently been acquired by its current caretaker and imported to the United States. The car has approximately 56,000 kilometers (34,800 miles) from new. It is finished in factory-original black with beige leather upholstery.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2015