Vehicle Description
Sometimes, we achieve the best results when we keep things simple.
Simplicity may not be the first thing that comes to mind on the
subject of 50s and 60s Italian sports cars, yet a commitment to
simple, proven design is exactly what made Ferrari's milestone 250
series such a resounding success. Like most Ferraris of the day,
the 250 was born in competition, and it relied on robust
mechanicals that laid proof to the old adage, "to finish first, you
must first finish." The road cars followed suit, all sharing
essentially the same tubular trellis frame with a live rear axle,
front wishbone suspension, and the light, powerful 2,953 cc V12
designed by Gioacchino Colombo. The platform was incredibly
significant for Ferrari, spawning such legends as the 250
Testarossa, Short-Wheelbase Berlinetta, and the GTO. It also
provided a massive boost to Ferrari's road-car business, and was by
far the most successful series to that point. While bred on the
race track, the chassis adapted to road use with ease, and the
250-series Gran Turismos are renowned for their comfort,
flexibility and performance. As demand for Ferrari GT cars ramped
up, Enzo needed some "volume" production models to satiate buyers.
After several relatively low production models like the 250 Europa,
250 Boano/Ellena, and Pinin Farina Cabriolet (series 1), it was
time for Ferrari to step up production. Conveniently, Pinin Farina
(the company name officially two words until 1961, when it was
reincorporated as "Pininfarina") had recently expanded its
manufacturing capacity, so Enzo Ferrari asked Battista Farina to
design a clean and simple GT coupe for the 250 chassis. The
resulting 250 PF Coupe was a hit with buyers, becoming the firm's
first true volume production model, with 353 built between 1958 and
1960. At the 1959 Paris Salon, Ferrari unveiled a new 250 GT
Cabriolet based on Pinin Farina's coupe design. Officially known as
the 250 GT Cabriolet Series II, it is also colloquially known as
the Pinin Farina Cabriolet or simply, the PF Cab. Crisp, clean, and
elegant, the new Cabriolet was less overtly sporting than the
California Spider, and was all around softer and more comfortable
for long-distance touring, a task at which it excelled. Collectors
still covet these cars for their simple elegance, durability, and
remarkably comfortable, usable character. Presented in a stunning
shade of Grigio Ferro Metallizzato over supple natural hides, S/N
2135 is a standout example of Ferrari's elegant open-topped gran
turismo, with an exacting nut-and-bolt concours restoration by
Farland Classic Restorations of Englewood, Colorado. It is a superb
car, offered complete with a rare factory hard top, tool roll, and
extensive documents including a Ferrari Classiche Red Book.
According to the accompanying Massini Report, 2135 was completed in
October 1960, finished in Sabbia Sahara (sand) over red leather,
and a month later, was delivered to the USA via Luigi Chinetti
Motors in Greenwich, Connecticut. Mr. Frank Carter of Waterloo,
Ontario, Canada became the first owner, acquiring the car from
Chinetti in 1960. In February, 1973, 2135 was sold to Jon Granik, a
veteran Canadian actor and star of CBC radio and television. In
1977, Joseph Schlesinger of Ontario acquired the car and kept it
for the next 40-plus years. It was during Mr. Schlesinger's tenure
that a full nut and bolt restoration to IAC/PFA (International
Advisory Council for the Preservation of Ferrari Automobiles)
judging standards was commissioned, starting in 2014. Every aspect
of the car was tended to by Jack Farland and his team at Farland
Restorations, and the project is well-documented via a large stack
of receipts. After three years of meticulous work, this stunning
Ferrari earned a coveted Platinum Award and the Wayne Obry Memorial
"Excellence in Restoration" award at the 2017 Palm Beach Cavallino
Classic. Since then, the car joined a private collection where it
has been lovingly maintained and preserved. Documentation shows
this car retains its original, numbers-matching engine and
four-speed gearbox with overdrive. The rear axle was replaced at
some point, though it is of the correct type and specification as
the original. The car is in superb mechanical order, thanks to a
complete overhaul of the drivetrain. It runs beautifully, with the
signature smoothness and underlying muscle that characterizes the
magnificent Colombo V12. Cosmetically, this elegant Cabriolet is an
unqualified knockout, with crisp, finely defined body lines,
precise panel alignment, and exquisite paintwork. The plating and
brightwork are all finished to the highest standards, and the car
is thoroughly detailed with correct glass, Marchal headlamps,
properly stamped wiper arms, and gorgeous fully restored wheels
with period-correct Pirelli tires. The engine bay is finished to
the same level, with correct hardware, finishes, decals, and
labels. The Pinin Farina Cabriolet was always intended as a
Gentleman's express, with comfort and convenience high on Enzo
Ferrari's wish list. This example certainly does not disappoint,
with its rich and supple leather seats, correct low-pile carpet,
and simple yet finely considered detailing. Comfortable seats and a
generously-sized boot underline the car's GT ethos, and with the
added hard top it can be a genuine three-season tourer. For the
warmer months, with the hard top off, there is a black Stayfast
canvas soft top to keep occupants comfortable. While intended to
appeal to a wider audience, Ferrari produced just 200 of the Series
II 250 GT Cabriolet, and they remain highly sought after by
collectors. S/N 2135 remains one of the finest of its kind
available, and while ready to continue collecting hardware on the
concours lawn, it is equally ready to be enjoyed to the fullest on
the open road. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7568-1960-ferrari-250-gt-cabriolet/
