1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Coupe

This SWB Berlinetta is among the last 20 examples to leave the Ferrari factory. As one of the last examples to be built, it benefited from a multitude of mechanical and aesthetic improvements that were made between 1959 and 1962. Visually, these late-production cars are distinguished by their teardrop-shaped side markers, improved window line, window wings, grille set, rear window size, recessed rear license plate enclosure and revised location of the outside fuel filler. Upon the bonnet is a Tipo 168 engine. There are Dunlop disc brakes and a stout four-speed gearbox with Porsche-type synchromesh throughout.

This example was completed in the Spring of 1962 and clothed with steel bodywork in left-hand drive configuration with full 'Lusso' appointments. The original color was not recorded.

On May 14th of 1962, the car was delivered to its first owner, Sig. Della Serra, an Italian resident. It remained in his country until October of 1970, when Ferrari's official Milanese concessionaire M.G. Crepaldi S.a.s. sold it to Robert Melvin Arthur of San Diego, California for $3,700.

In the late 1970s, the SWB had its original engine replaced with a unit from a 250 Ferrari, chassis number 3441 GT. On August 6, 1991, 3409 GT was sold through David L. Rose to Michael Sheehan who, in turn, sold it to John Collins of Talacrest. By 1994, it had been cosmetically freshened and refinished in a shade of yellow with a black leather interior. A short time later, it was acquired by Lawrence Bristow who immediately commissioned more comprehensive restoration work. Keizo Okano of Japan became the vehicle's next owner, and it would remain in Japan until 2002, at which time it was sold to Peter LeSaffre of Andover, Massachusetts.

In April 2003, a correct-type engine was sourced and installed in the vehicle. The newly obtained block was stamped, albeit incorrectly, with the original engine and internal numbers. It was given Carrillo connecting rods and high-compression pistons.

The body was disassembled and stripped to bare metal then refinished in gunmetal gray. Inside, the cockpit was trimmed in dark-green leather hides. Upon completion, it was shown at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance in March of 2004.

The next owner was John Sinders of Texas who took possession in 2005. A short time later, it was in the care of Kim Watkins of Alpharetta, Georgia. Between September 2008 and January 2010, nearly $350,000 was spent preparing the Ferrari to cosmetic perfection

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, California. It was estimated to sell for $3,500,000 - $4,500,000. As bidding came to a close, the car failed to find a buyer willing to satisfy its reserve. It would leave the auction unsold.

In late 2011, the car was purchased by Archie Urciuoli. In December of 2014, the car was certified by Ferrari Classiche (Red Book #3761 F).

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2015