Fantasy Junction

Description

1954 Ferrari 250 Europa Series I
s/n 0341EU, Engine no. 0341EU
Yellow with Bridge of Weir Green Leather

Developed as a luxurious touring model, the 250 Europa was an elegant and sophisticated road car that wore what is regarded to be the first standardized Ferrari body. Using a 110-inch wheelbase and simple yet beautiful styling by Pininfarina, the car was motivated by Ferrari’s famous 3-litre V-12 designed by Lampredi. Just 18 examples of the Europa were built with this Pininfarina body, and they remain collectible and desirable examples of these relatively early Ferraris. Thanks to their early production dates, these cars are eligible for a great many events, including the Mille Miglia, California Mille, Colorado Grand, among others. By far the most affordable of the 3-litre and larger Lampredi powered cars, the 250 Europa holds a special place in Ferrari’s early road car history.

This particular example was completed on the 8th of March in 1953, and delivered new to Silvano Bianchi in 1954. By 1966, the car was with Holcombe and Merritt in the USA, who sold it to fellow Ferrari connoisseur, Henry Haga in 1980. During the 1990s the car was acquired by Paul Forbes of Southern California, who after admiring the car for many years in its largely original state, embarked on a sympathetic, albeit largely inclusive restoration. This included fresh paint to its current shade of stunning yellow, fresh upholstery to this distinctive Bridge of Weir green, an engine bay and underside detail to show standards, as well as attention to mechanical aspects of the car as necessary. The car remains a matching numbers example, having never been separated from its original, matching numbers power plant since fitted at Ferrari in 1953.

Steve Beckman Metal Works in Costa Mesa, California was contracted to repaint the car in the current stunning shade of yellow. The paintwork was done on a no expense spared basis to show standards, and remains virtually flawless, with no ageing or wear evident anywhere. The chrome was refinished by the famed Christensen’s in Los Angles, and is impeccable accordingly. The wonderfully intricate aluminum trim pieces are straight and complete throughout, a testament to the care and attention to originality that this car’s custodians have given it over the decades. The glass appears to be all original, including the windshield which retains the correct etchings. The rear and side glass is in excellent order, while the windshield remains very good with slight road wear evident. An amazing fact, considering it is almost 60 years old! This example also retains its Marchal head and driving lamps, all of which are in wonderful condition. The car sits on beautifully polished, correct 15” Aluminum Borrani wheels with as-new, period correct Michelin Pilote X tires.

The interior was expertly re-trimmed in this distinctive Bridge of Weir green by K and R Upholstery in Santa Ana, California. New green wool carpets were fitted, and the headliner reupholsted with the correct wool fabric. The gauges remain in outstanding original condition, with virtually no age evident. This car is fitted with additional Ferrari gauges to the center lower dash which read ambient air temperature, amperage, and engine water temperature. The trunk was included in the reupholstery effort, where the period correct diamond rubber mat and charcoal carpeting was applied. The matching spare wheel and tire, as well as the factory aluminum hold down, are still present.

The engine bay and underside were restored by Beckman Metal works at the time of the repaint, and present beautifully. The engine bay is also highly correct in equipment, including the Weber 56DC75 carburetors, air cleaners, fuse box covers, and the often missing window washer bottle. Correct finishes are applied where appropriate, to ensure this example would perform well under the strict criteria of concours judging.

Today the car presents beautifully, with very few miles logged since the restoration work was completed. Indeed, only 24,185 kms are shown on odometer in total. This may be original from new, although we do not have records on file to support this. s/n 0341EU starts easily and runs strong. The clutch, transmission, steering and suspension equipment are all operating as they should. While eligible for many of the world’s premier historic rally events such as the Mille Miglia, and the Colorado Grand, s/n 0341EU would be equally at home at a national level Ferrari concours gathering, or at one of the many European venues such as Villa d’Este.

Production of the 250 Europe lasted for only one year, from its display at the 1953 Paris Motor Show, to the announcement of the 250 Europa GT the following year. The three litre, V-12, Lampredi designed engine, longer wheelbase, and lowered coach stance (thanks to its above mounted rear axle configuration), the Series I Europa distinguishes itself from both the earlier and later cars of the era, and with just 18 examples built, is a true rare offering from a time when Ferraris were owned exclusively by captains of industry and the social elite.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608