Fantasy Junction

Description

1959 Ferrari 250 Tour de France Recreation
s/n 1657GT, Engine No. 1549
Light Blue with Maroon Stripe and Tan Interior

Ferrari was quick to respond to the FIA’s new 1956 Gran Turismo international racing classification. Chassis and drive train homologation was achieved using the Boano, Ferrari’s top of the line street car of the era, which was comparatively mass produced. For competition purposes, however, an aluminum lightweight, aerodynamic body clothed the 250 drive train and chassis, and these cars become know by the moniker “TdF”, representing the namesake of the great French endurance contest which was a combination of many days of circuit and road racing. TdFs won the Tour de France outright no less than three times consecutively in 1957, 1958, and 1959. Additionally, Olivier Gendebien piloted his 250 TdF to third overall against many purpose-built sports racing cars in the final period running of the Mille Miglia.

In total, just 84 TdF were constructed, less than 10 of which featured the elegant fourteen louver roof line. Today, these original “14 louver” cars command multi-million dollar premiums over other TdFs, with the most recent sale fetching $6.7M USD at auction.

This particular car is an exceedingly high quality aluminum rebody, built on a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT chassis and engine, and a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE transmission carrying overdrive. Experts would spend hours hovering over this car before finding any inconsistencies between this and an original TdF. Perhaps never before has such a brilliant example of a 14-louver car been executed. The car was completely converted to Tour de France specs in 1995

The original 250 GT coupe body was detached from the tubular chassis and discarded, and an entire body, firewall, and body supports were fabricated from the lower frame up, completely from scratch to be aesthetically and cosmetically correct as a 250 TdF. All the metal fabrication was carried out by the highly respected Auto Sport of Franco Bacchelli and Robert Villa in Bastiglia, a suburb of Modena. The car was shipped to DK Engineering, well known historic car specialist in the UK for assembly. Finishing touches were done by Peter Jaye.

At the time of the recreation, a correct typo 128D inside plug motor from a 250 GT Coupe was acquired, rebuilt by Peter Jaye in England, and installed. Correct Weber carburetors were located and the original aluminum intake ducting recreated. Power is fed though a four speed 250 GTE transmission with overdrive, and a rebuilt GTE rear end.

Correct 250 TdF racing style seats were fabricated and the interior was upholstered by Luppi, who trimmed the 250 GT Berlinettas when they were new. The Luppi family is greatly respected as the source of the most period correct and authentic Ferrari interiors.

Fantastic attention has been paid to the details that make or break a recreation. The aluminum rain gutters along the doors, the dash shape and finish, the gauges, the headlights, and the internals of the engine bay, are all correct for a TdF. The driver's seating position, pedal positioning, steering wheel, and transmission feel all matches the real thing.

Cosmetically the car is excellent, without a single major flaw on the interior or exterior. The trunk, underside, and engine bay are all nicely detailed. Perfect Reflections, famous for Pebble Beach quality repaints on 1950s to 1970s Ferraris recently finished this striking light blue and maroon scheme, similar to that of many period TdFs. The car sits on correct, painted Borrani wire wheels, period typical tires, and is fitted with period correct wheel weights. Again, fantastic attention was paid to the details.

Patrick Ottis, a well regarded Ferrari service specialist, recently finished a major brake system restoration and conversion back to period correct finned drum brakes as the car was fitted with discs the previous owner acquired it. Patrick Ottis also completely rebuilt the rear end.

Very recently, Norbert Hofer of Gran Touring Classics has performed scheduled maintenance and prepared the car for the 2012 California Mille, which it was graciously accepted for. As a rebodied 250 GT Pininfarina Coupe however, this wonderful Ferrari is not likely to be accepted on the Colorado Grand. Previous owners have exercised the car in historic rallies both stateside and in Europe. This car has participated in the Louis Vuitton Classica and the Danish Classic Car Rally in its TdF configuration, and generally speaking, would be welcome in any tour event that a 250 Pinin Farina Coupe would be. Recreation FIA papers have been issued for this car confirming it, and all its equipment, are in “same as” configuration to a real 250 TdF by serial number. Currently the car shows 12,952 Km, which likely reflects the distance since recreation.

With the car comes a photo documentary of the recreation process, and detailed notes of ownership history and the recreation going back to 1987 when it was still a 250 PF Coupe.

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