Vehicle Description
Chassis. 4595
Engine. 4595
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 echoes 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.
The 71st of just 350 Lussos produced between 1962 and 1964, chassis
4595 GT emerged from Maranello as a European-market example on 13
September 1963. According to a detailed history report compiled by
Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, the car was originally finished
in the rare combination of Nero Italver-one of just 18 Lussos
completed in this shade-with a Rosso Connolly leather interior.
Through the official Ferrari dealer Gustavo Lombardi & C. in
Naples, chassis 4595 GT found its first owner that October and was
registered with Italian license plates "NA 273XXX."
The Lusso remained in Italy through the 1960s, passing to Dr.
Angelo Bianchi of Milan in September 1968. In 1973, the car was
exported from Italy to Long Beach, California, by Milan-based
dealer Dino Armando Genghini, marking its entry into American
ownership. The Ferrari subsequently passed to Charles Janda of
Oakland, California, before being acquired in 1980 by Dr. Phillip
Buzzelli of Allison Park, Pennsylvania. Under Dr. Buzzelli's
stewardship, the car underwent its first restoration in 1987,
refinished in black with a red leather interior.
Chassis 4595 GT reemerged when it was advertised for sale in
February 1996 by Ron Spangler-a well-known East Coast Ferrari
collector and owner of "Prancing Horse Farm" in Bel Air, Maryland.
In 1998, the Lusso was acquired out of Pennsylvania by comedian and
television icon David M. Letterman. A passionate car collector,
Letterman retained the Lusso for a remarkable 25 years, during
which he commissioned a full restoration in Connecticut, emerging
in a deep, lustrous red over a supple tan Connolly leather
interior-the timeless livery it wears today.
The bodywork was reportedly handled by The Panel Shop of Milford,
Connecticut, while the exceptional paint finish was applied by
Automotive Restorations Inc. of nearby Stratford. Mechanically, the
Ferrari received meticulous attention from Sport Auto of
Ridgefield, Connecticut, including a complete engine rebuild to
"GTO specifications" featuring special competition camshafts and
Borgo pistons, while the gearbox was similarly rebuilt with new
synchronizers. Every aspect of the work performed is documented in
a binder of invoices and a set of restoration photographs.
In August 2023, this exceptional Lusso was acquired by its current
owner, a respected Texas-based collection, in a direct trade for a
275 GTS. Under current ownership, the car has been maintained in
superb condition and was recently treated to a gorgeous
concours-level detail that showcases both the quality of the
restoration work and the care with which it has been preserved.
Significantly, the car is confirmed to retain its original,
matching-numbers 3.0-liter Colombo V12 engine (number 4595,
internal number 1416/62 E), as verified by Marcel Massini's
research.
Having emerged from Letterman's long-term ownership in 2023 and not
having been extensively toured or shown by the current owner,
chassis 4595 GT presents the next custodian with myriad
opportunities to grace elite concours lawns, tackle classic road
tours or simply enjoy this beautifully restored example of
Pininfarina's most elegant 250 series design.
