Chassis No. 5179 GT
Engine No. 5179
As the final model in the celebrated Ferrari 250 lineage, the 250
GT Berlinetta Lusso embodied a decade of engineering excellence and
racing triumphs, making it an instantaneously sought-after model
from the moment it graced the 1962 Paris Salon. The fluid,
Pininfarina-penned lines of the Berlinetta signaled clear attention
paid by its designers to aerodynamics, with echos of the legendary
race-winning GTO aft of the nose section.
A thrilling work of art from every angle, its masterful shape was
characterized by a low-slung nose and distinctively protruding
headlights giving origin to the curvaceous front fender line. The
steeply inclined and curved windshield flowed into an airy and
delicate canopy punctuated by a graceful Kamm tail. Decorating
these perfect proportions were exquisite hand-crafted details from
its competition-inspired egg crate grille and mesh hood intake, to
its chrome three-piece front bumper and twin driving lamps. The
Lusso's positioning as an up-market luxury model was ensured by its
plush, leather-swathed interior featuring deep bucket seats and a
capacious luggage platform with leather retention straps and a
quilted cover panel.
Despite being intended as a supremely elegant tourer, the Lusso's
sporting nature was undeniable thanks to its all-aluminum 3.0-liter
short-block V12 engine breathing through three twin-choke Weber 36
DCS carburetors and producing 240 horsepower. Positioned further
forward than in its stablemates for optimal cabin space, the
compact powerplant was the final and most refined iteration of the
Gioacchino Colombo-designed Tipo 168 engine - one of the most
significant and universally celebrated engines ever to leave
Maranello. Other components analogous to the fabled 250 GTO
included four-wheel disc brakes, Koni shock absorbers, rear Watts
linkage, and knock-off Borrani wire wheels.
This exquisite left-hand-drive Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Berlinetta,
chassis number 5179, is one of only 350 examples produced over a
two-year period, completed on 7 November 1963. The Grigio Argento
(181940 M) over Nero (VM 8500) Ferrari was initially dispatched via
Chinetti Motors to Otto Zipper's renowned Los Angeles dealership in
1964. After a brief two-year period with its original owner, Peter
Jennings, the Lusso returned to Zipper's showroom, where it would
capture the heart of Larry Bloomer, president of the Ferrari
Owner's Club, initiating a remarkable 46-year stewardship. In 2011,
Bloomer commissioned a repaint by the esteemed professionals at
Precision Auto Body in Los Angeles, emerging in a metallic maroon
complemented by refurbished Borrani wire wheels. Inside, the center
console and carpets were reportedly replaced, while mechanically,
the engine is said to have been treated to a rebuild at
approximately 73,200 indicated miles. In Bloomer's care, the Lusso
enjoyed the full spectrum of passionate Ferrari ownership, ranging
from a daily commuter to participant in prestigious events such as
the 2011 Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance.
Changing hands twice in the early 2010s, chassis 5179 was displayed
at the Petersen Automotive Museum in 2014 before finding its way to
England. It then passed to French ownership registered in Monaco,
where it was returned to its original and highly attractive Grigio
Argento livery complemented by Rosso hides. Extensive service
records on file also indicate that the Lusso was the recipient of a
major engine overhaul courtesy of Zanasi Group S.R.L. in Maranello,
Italy in late 2021. This Lusso participated in several prestigious
events, including the 2020 Tour Auto Optic 2000 and the 2021
Ferrari Tribute to the Mille Miglia, showcasing its eminent
usability as a true grand tourer. The Lusso was also awarded
all-important Ferrari Classiche certification in April 2022. The
Classiche Red Book accompanying the car confirms that chassis 5179
retains its original matching numbers engine, and that the
transmission is of the original type 539 U.
Boasting a known chain of owners, including long-term common
ownership from 1966 to 2012, this outstanding 250 GT Lusso
Berlinetta benefits from a wonderful recent cosmetic restoration
and engine overhaul. The Lusso represents Ferrari's final and most
luxurious model in the legendary 250 road car series, and this
exquisitely-restored, Classiche-certified example presents a rare
opportunity for Ferrari devotees to acquire and enjoy one of
Maranello's most iconic Berlinettas.
Internet bidding is not available for this lot. Please contact
[email protected] for more information. International
documents . Please note that Broad Arrow has an ownership interest
in this lot in whole or in part.
