1956 Ferrari 250 GT Speciale Coupe

The Lampredi-engined 410 Superamerica was introduced in January 1956 at the Brussels Motor Show as the new flagship luxury model to replace the 375 America. The Pinin Farina design featured an eggcrate grille, bulbous protruding fenders with integrated headlamps, a high-waisted low-roof cockpit, a fastback wraparound rear windscreen, and a flatter rear deck flanked by subtle tailfins.

A similarly styled 250 GT was shown two months later at the Geneva Salon, resting atop a 2,600-millimeter wheelbase and equipped with further development of Gioacchino Colombo's short-block V-12 engine. The styling of the Pinin Farina coachwork was nearly identical to the Superamerica, albeit the Superamerica rode on a 2,800-millimeter wheelbase chassis and had mild wheel arches, accented rear fenders, and chromed hood and fender vents.

Before production manufacturing progressed, Pinin Farina built two prototypes and two early production examples of the new 250 GT. Perhaps due to capacity issues, the production contract for 250 GT Coupe coachwork was assigned to Felice Mario Boano's concern, while Pinin Farina ultimately received the contract for 250 GT Cabriolet production. Boano would ultimately create approximately 80 examples of the 'low-roof' 250 GT Coupe - Maranello's closest foray yet to a regular production model.

Along with cabriolet production, Pinin Farina received an order to body four more chassis as coupes. Beginning with chassis number 0463 GT, the Pinin Farina created bodies for four consecutive odd-numbered 250 GT chassis with its original Superamerica design. Three of these examples were devoid of fender vents. These unique Ferraris (unique classification in the Ferrari nomenclature as the Tipo 513) were supplied to important clientele such as American West Coast importer John von Neumann and Fiat director Ing. Emanuele Nasi.

Chassis Number 0469 GT
This Ferrari, chassis number 0469 GT, is the last of the four coupes that received Pinin Farina's Superamerica-style coachwork, and it is one of three built without fender vents. It was sent to the coachbuilder's workshop in May 1956 and received a two-tone exterior of a Celeste body topped with a Nero roof, and the interior was upholstered in Naturale leather by Connolly.

The car was completed in August 1956 and soon delivered to its first owner, Mohammed al-Khamis bin Yusef bin Hassan al-Alawi, better known as Mohammed V, King of Morocco. By the early 1960s, the Ferrari had been exported to the United States, and in July 1962, it was titled to Ben Pace of Panama City, Florida. Walter Medlin acquired the Ferrari twelve years later from Mr. Pace, and it was subsequently domiciled for almost five decades.

The car's highly patinated exterior appears to retain the original factory color combination, and may even feature the original paint. It retains many proper components, including Pinin Farina badges, Marchal lamps, wire wheels, a wood toolbox, and Veglia gauges.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2024