Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 5179 GT
Engine No. 5179
The 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso marked the culmination of Ferrari's
legendary 250 series, debuting in 1962 at the Paris Salon. The
model's very name-Lusso, meaning "Luxury"-clearly announced its
comfort-focused mission, yet Pininfarina's breathtaking design
masterfully blended grand touring elegance with unmistakable
competition-influenced aerodynamics. The front silhouette evoked
the beloved 250 GT SWB, though refined with a more prominent grille
treatment, dramatically projecting headlights, and an even lower,
more sensuous nose profile. Despite this luxury-oriented brief, the
rear of the design paid clear homage to Ferrari's racing machines
of the early 1960s, particularly the 330 LM and 250 GTO, through
its distinctive Kamm tail treatment.
This synthesis of performance and elegance proved so successful
that the Lusso achieved near-instant classic status, with Road &
Track declaring in their 1969 road test, just seven years after the
Lusso was unveiled, that "when the list of all-time classics is
compiled, you can be sure the Ferrari Berlinetta Lusso of 1963-1964
will be on it." The Lusso's appeal extended far beyond mere
aesthetics-measuring eight inches shorter in wheelbase and nearly
300 pounds lighter than the 250 GT 2+2, it proved as swift as it
was beautiful. Beneath the hood resided the final and most refined
iteration of Gioacchino Colombo's celebrated short-block 3.0-liter
V12-the ultimate evolution of the Tipo 168 design that had powered
Ferrari's greatest triumphs. Fed by triple Weber 36 DCS carburetors
and producing 240 horsepower, this powerplant shared inextricable
DNA with the legendary 250 GTO while delivering the smooth power
delivery befitting a luxury grand tourer.
This exquisite left-hand-drive Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso,
chassis number 5179 GT, is one of only 350 examples produced over a
two-year period, completed on 7 November 1963. The Grigio Argento
(Silver Grey) over Nero (Black) leather 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 Owners' Club, initiating a remarkable
46-year stewardship. Invoices on file document the care lavished on
5179 GT during Bloomer's devoted ownership, including a complete
engine rebuild by famed Ferrari restorer Bob Wallace and Enzo
Motors in 2004, as well as renewing the interior in 2007. In 2011,
Bloomer commissioned a repaint by the professionals at Precision
Auto Body in Los Angeles, emerging in a metallic maroon
complemented by refurbished Borrani wire wheels. 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.
After nearly half a century of enjoyment, Bloomer parted with his
beloved Lusso in 2012, passing to another Southern California-based
owner. The Ferrari was displayed at the Petersen Automotive Museum
in 2014, and later that year it acquired a new owner in England who
showcased the timeless Pininfarina design at the 40th Annual
Retromobile in 2015. In May 2018, the car was acquired by Oren
Nataf-a French film director and avid yacht racer-who registered
the Lusso in Monaco. In this ownership, chassis 5179 GT was
desirably returned to its original and highly attractive Grigio
Argento livery complemented by Rosso (Red) 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 has 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 car was also issued its all-important
Ferrari Classiche certification in April 2022. The Classiche Red
Book accompanying the car confirms that chassis 5179 GT retains its
original matching-numbers Tipo 168 U engine (no. 5179, internal no.
1614/62), and that the transaxle is of the correct type, Tipo 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. Additionally, in 2025, the car underwent
extensive mechanical recommissioning at GTO Engineering in Los
Angeles, totaling $11,588. Major work included a complete clutch
replacement with new pressure plate, disc, and flywheel
resurfacing, while both distributors received bench testing and
recalibration, and the triple Weber carburetors were professionally
adjusted and synchronized.
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.