To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Villa Erba event, 25 May
2019.
Estimate:
€320.000 - €400.000
- Previously owned by Jamiroquai front man Jay Kay
- Restored in its original colour scheme of Nero over Beige
- Retains its original engine and gearbox
- Ferrari Classiche certified
The 250 GTE 2+2 was Ferrari's first attempt at a production four
seat grand touring car, following on from the successes of Aston
Martin's DB4 and Maserati 3500 GT. Enzo Ferrari was initially
resistant to the project with Pininfarina, but burgeoning racing
costs forced his hand and it would eventually become one of his
favourite models.
Riding the same 508-series chassis as the 250 GT coup�, the 250
GTE's driving position and V-12 engine were both moved forward
within the chassis to accommodate the rear seats. To envelope the
Ferrari, Pininfarina crafted a typically elegant body. The latest
version of the type 128 engine, the 128E gave the model its unusual
suffix whilst many of its competition developed mechanicals
remained. As Ferrari's first series-produced 2+2, the 250 GTE was
manufactured in three discretely revised series between 1960 and
1963 and proved to be the manufacturer's best-selling model at the
time.
Delivered new through Franco Britannic Autos Limited, Ferrari's
distributor in Paris, the first owner of 3723 GT was Henry Roussel,
who took delivery on August 8, 1962. He did not keep it long as it
was sold seven months later to another Parisian, pharmaceuticals
executive Pierre Fabre. Although it cannot be confirmed, it is
rumored that the car belonged next to Ibrahim Richard Btesh, better
known by his stage name Richard Anthony, who apparently loaned it
to his friend Claude Fran�ois, the pop star and composer of 'My
Way'. This rumoured ownership chain continues with France Gall,
another French singer. By March 1969, the car was noted as being in
Dijon, and in 1974 it was sold to an owner who kept the car until
2006. Later, the Ferrari found its way back to the music industry
when it was purchased by the founding member of Jamiroquai, Jay
Kay, an avid sports car collector.
Today, it is presented in its desirable and original colour scheme
of Nero over Beige, and has been granted Ferrari Classiche
certification, confirming that it retains its original engine and
gearbox. A fine example and maintained by Joe Macari Performance
Cars, this elegant 250 GTE is ready to be enjoyed by its next
owner, musically inclined or otherwise.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/ve19.
