To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Amelia Island event, 8 - 9
March 2019.
Estimate:
$1,150,000 - $1,300,000
- The 19th Series II Cabriolet built
- Fully restored by marque specialists in Modena; nearly €240.000
invested
- Reunited with its original engine; rebuilt by Ferrari
Classiche
- Includes tool kit and hardtop
During the mid- to late-1950s, Ferrari was in a state of
transition; increased racing costs meant that Ferrari needed to
sell more road-going models to pay for its extensive racing
program. Although such road-going models were certainly offered in
the past, they were essentially built to order. Variations to suit
the wishes of individual customers were common, keeping costs high,
volumes low, and rendering them unprofitable.
Meanwhile, the 250 GT cabriolet, introduced at the Geneva
International Auto Salon in 1957, was conceived as Ferrari's
semi-luxury touring car and was, thus, given better interior
appointments and more soundproofing than the 250 California spider.
Its chassis and drivetrain may have been strikingly similar to
Ferrari's racing cars, but the high standard of fit and finish, as
well as the car's complete instrumentation, luxurious leather
interior, and other passenger amenities, set it apart. The
cabriolet was based upon the 250 GT coupe, which was also presented
as a luxury touring machine, with its body produced by Pinin
Farina.
Unveiled to the public at the 1959 Paris Salon, the new series II
cabriolet appeared one year after the handsome 250 GT coupe and
replaced the low-production first series cabriolet. In fact, the
second series remains notable as the first commercially successful,
production-based convertible model ever offered by Ferrari. While
the cabriolet appeared to be somewhat longer than the coupe, thanks
to a stylish "kick-up" just behind the doors and the elegant rear
fenders, the cabriolet and coupe shared nearly identical overall
dimensions.
Mechanically, both the 250 GT cabriolet and the coupe were
considerably improved over the California, with the addition of the
updated 3.0-liter, Colombo-derived V-12 engine designated Tipo 128
F. This engine, which produced 240 bhp, was fitted with
outside-plug cylinder heads and twin distributors, while an
overdrive transmission was made available. The cars offered
race-bred stopping power with a set of four-wheel disc brakes,
while telescopic shock absorbers and handsome 16-in. Borrani wire
wheels were included as standard equipment. The result was a
stylish and very quick Ferrari, with acceleration to 60 mph
achieved in less than seven seconds, en route to a top speed of 140
mph.
These updates resonated with Ferrari's clientele. Production lasted
part way through 1962 and roughly 200 examples were built, far
outselling the initial series of 250 GT cabriolets.
The 19th example produced, chassis no. 1805 GT was completed by
Pinin Farina on 23 April 1960 and delivered to Italauto SA in
Lausanne, Switzerland, and finished in Blu (MM 16228) over Pelle
Beige (VM 3309). It was sold by the dealership to its first owner,
a Mr. Rubois in Switzerland and from there it was later exported to
the U.S. It returned to Europe in 1990 when it was sold to Wolfgang
von Schmieder, a German collector residing in Cologny, Switzerland.
In the late 1990s, it was on display at the International Auto
Museum in Geneva, Switzerland. It returned to the U.S., where it
was refinished in Grigio Scuro over Magnolia leather and was shown
at the Cincinnati Concours in June 2009.
Chassis 1805 GT was purchased by its current European-based owner
in 2014, knowing that the car's engine had previously been replaced
with that of a Pinin Farina coupe, chassis no. 1935 GT, which was
owned by the same collector. Shortly thereafter, both cars were
shipped to Modena for restoration. The owner found the original
engine 1805 GT, which was in a 250 GT Cabriolet Series I and both
engines were reunited with their original chassis and both
subsequently fully restored.
To ensure that the car was correctly and properly restored, RM
Sotheby's engaged well-respected marque specialists from the Modena
area to complete the work. Bodywork was carried out by Carrozzeria
Sports Cars and the engine was rebuilt by Ferrari Classiche. The
gearbox, rear axle, suspension, and brakes were rebuilt by Corrado
Patella's Autofficina Omega and the interior was fully retrimmed in
correct Connolly leather by Maieli Interni Auto. Furthermore, it is
fitted with a correct hard top and includes a set of tools. It
should be noted that the engine (1805 GT) is original, but the
gearbox is that of a later type.
Only recently completed after four years of restoration work at a
cost of nearly €240.000, chassis 1805 GT is in exceptional
condition throughout and now offered for sale with zero miles
accumulated since its restoration. It is presented in its original
stunning color scheme of dark blue over a beige leather interior. A
true gentleman's Ferrari, this example would be a prime candidate
to be exhibited at international concours, FCA events, or would
simply be a wonderful cabriolet for the driving enthusiast looking
to experience Ferrari performance and luxury at its finest.
Please note that an import duty of 2.5% of the purchase price is
payable on this lot if the buyer is a resident of the United
States.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am19.
