To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Amelia Island event, 6 - 7
March 2020.
Estimate:
$1,400,000 - $1,700,000
- Ferrari Classiche Certified; accompanied by Red Book
- Matching-numbers chassis, engine, gearbox, and
differential
- Exceptional concours-quality restoration in striking, rare
original colors
- Well-known ownership history with several long-term
caretakers
- One of seven delivered in Grigio Fumo over Pelle Beige
interior
As the 250 GT model line continued to develop at the twilight of
1959, Ferrari introduced a second generation of Pinin Farina-bodied
luxury cabriolets, essentially a grand touring version of the
concurrent competition-derived 250 California spider. Featuring
four-wheel disc brakes and the outside-plug engine developed during
the Testa Rossa campaigns, the new cabriolet was the most tractably
powerful 250 GT to date, claiming both fine road manners and strong
performance.
Only 200 examples of the second-series cabriolets were built,
lending the model equal parts rarity and elegance. These
mid-production 250 GTs offer the best of both ends of the spectrum,
as their striking open coachwork envelopes more modern chassis
components in a combination that today's collectors can
particularly enjoy on vintage touring events.
Chassis no. 2587, the 131st of the 200 examples built, was
completed in July 1961. It was originally finished in Grigio Fumo
over a beige vinyl-and-leather interior, as it appears today, and
was equipped with the overdrive transmission. The cabriolet left
the Pininfarina plant after final assembly in July 1961 and was
sold as a direct sale from the factory to Mr. Daniel Belozlan, a
Frenchman residing in California. Belozlan eventually became one of
the longest-term cabriolet owners, maintaining his car until 1986,
when it was sold through Richard Straman to Richard W. Gent of
Euclid, Ohio.
Mr. Gent had the car restored by Joe Piscazzi in red with a beige
interior, and afterwards it was exhibited at the Ferrari Club of
America (FCA) International Concours in 1989 and 1990. A handful of
further owners on the East Coast followed, including William Kevin
Collins of Louisville and Robert Weis of Pittsburgh, who exhibited
it at several of the Cavallino Classics in West Palm Beach, earning
FCA Platinum honors as well as, in 2000, Coppa Bella Macchina and
Coppa Strada GT.
Around 2004 the cabriolet was acquired by Gary Lilienthal of
Boston, who displayed it at several events in New England. It was
eventually purchased from him by the previous owner, under whose
ownership it was completely disassembled down to bare metal and
freshly restored to original, factory-correct appearance, including
the proper original colors and a fresh leather interior. The
matching-numbers drivetrain was fully disassembled and rebuilt; the
front and rear suspension were also disassembled and inspected, the
generator and dynamo rebuilt, and the transmission was resealed.
Then the car was presented at the Ferrari 70th Anniversary special
display at Casa Ferrari during the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours
d'Elegance. It was acquired by the current owner, an esteemed
private collector, in August 2018. Most recently, the car won the
Excellence in Class award at the 2019 Cavallino Classic Sports
Sunday at Mar-a-Lago Concours, in addition to being shown at the
2019 Cincinnati Concours d'Elegance and the prestigious 2019 Pebble
Beach Concours d'Elegance.
Prior to being shown at Pebble Beach, the Ferrari was sent to the
award-winning team at RM Auto Restoration in preparation for Pebble
Beach judging standards. Work included the installation of a new
convertible top, a complete, new exhaust system, the fabrication
and installation of a new original-style fuel tank, and gauges
repaired to ensure full functionality. New rubber and seals were
installed, select wiring was replaced, the front and rear disc
calipers were rebuilt, the steering box was adjusted, brake
calipers and engine hardware were cad plated, correct-style hose
clamps were installed in the engine bay, and lastly, all three
carburetors were rebuilt and later tuned on the dyno to ensure they
were to proper specification.
Presented in superb concours-quality condition and complete with
Ferrari Classiche certification, detailed records, photographs,
promotional materials, owner's manuals, and tool roll, this is an
utterly outstanding second-series Pininfarina cabriolet sure to
impress any and all admirers.To view this car and others currently
consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am20.
