Fantasy Junction

Description

1960 Ferrari 250 GT Series II
s/n 2023 GT, Engine no. 2023 GT
Blue Sera with Ivory Leather Interior

The Ferrari 250 GT has frequently been chosen by collectors and enthusiasts as one of the most important and elegant Ferraris of the venerable V12 250 lineage. Critically important to the growth of Ferrari in North America, this series revealed these Italian sports cars as more than a racing machine. As with many of their cars, the partnership with Carrozzeria Pinin Farina resulted in a visually stunning and well-balanced road car.

Beginning in 1956 with the Series I, Carrozzeria Pinin Farina produced just a few cars, largely by hand, testing the US market for interest in such an offering. Using the 250 GT chassis, Ferrari prepared each car with their capable 2,952 cc single overhead cam V-12 engine (Tipo 128D) with three Weber 36DCL3 carburetors, producing a 220 bhp at 7,000 rpm. Mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox and sporting independent front suspension and live rear axle, these cars proved to be superlative performers even in the hands of modestly skilled drivers. The exceptional quality, bespoke materials, and distinctive styling were aimed specifically at top clientele. Connolly leather, a full complement of performance instruments and features, and of course an array of stunning colors and interiors were among the selections offered to customers fortunate to consider one for purchase.

As demand steadily grew, the Series II arrived with improvements including four-speed synchromesh transmission with overdrive, improved engine mechanicals, and four-wheel disc brakes. 250 GT production culminated in 1961 with just 353 examples built. And while any Ferrari was already an expensive proposition, the PF Coupe was expensive in period and has since become highly desirable in part because of shared mechanical features with some of the most historically important Ferraris built in this period.

According to information supplied by Marcel Massini, this Series II Coupe was prepared at the Ferrari factory finished in Blu Sera (MM 16439) and trimmed in Naturale Leather (VM3218). On May 27, 1960, the chassis arrived at Pinin Farina in Torino, where the bodywork was completed August 27, 1960. Of the 353 examples built, this car is the 348th, making it one of the last in the series. Although the original destination is noted to be Ferrari Representatives of California, Los Angeles, CA, the order was changed, and as such, the Massini report indicates the first owner, Arnaldo Jasson, resident of Milan, Italy purchased the car in September 1960. At some point in the 1960s, the car was imported to the US and by the 1970s was purchased by an electrical utility engineer for the state of New Jersey. After his ownership, the car arrived at a Belmar, NJ service station where it remained for several years until 1975 when it was sold to another New Jersey resident. This owner retained the car for 35 years, partially disassembling it with the hopes of finishing a high-quality restoration. By 1990 the owner had the car painted red and removed the interior, which was sent out for full reupholstery, but never reinstalled. In September 2012, the complete but unfinished car was offered for sale by a well-known east coast dealer, at that time showing 58,716 kms, reportedly original to the car. In October 2012, the current and consigning owner purchased the car, embarking on a comprehensive restoration completed in 2022.

During the restoration, the current owner, an avid Ferrari enthusiast with award-winning restoration skills, engaged top tier professionals and suppliers for parts, specialized services, and correct components. The 2” thick file of restoration records includes invoices from Maranello Classic Parts, GTO Engineering, Re-Originals, G.T. Car Parts, Crosthwaite & Gardiner Ltd, C.Obert & Co., Cicognani, and Sherm’s Custom Plating, to name a few of these well-known companies. Under prior ownership the car had been stripped to bare metal and painted red. This prior paint work was fully removed in all areas, the body was cleaned, primed, and then properly finished in the correct Ferrari factory color Blu Sera. Careful inspection before primer and paint revealed no accident damage. The trunk floor was removed and replaced, and minor rust in the floor outriggers was carefully removed with repairs properly welded into the factory steel sections. The former owner had already reupholstered the interior and safely stored the finished parts. These leather trimmed pieces were installed along with a new headliner and new carpets. The original chrome plated interior pieces were polished and reinstalled and the steering wheel was refinished to a very high standard. Remarkably, the original gauges remained in such excellent condition, they simply needed to be cleaned, polished, and tested for function. All gauges function with the exception of the clock which needs to be cleaned and relubricated.

The original matching numbers V12 engine was removed and a complete rebuild performed using JE pistons, new rings, new valves, guides, new cam chain, new piston pins, new head studs, new rod bearings and nuts, Ferrari bronze bush roller cam followers, and mains as well as following correct bolt torque ratings, measurements, and detailed specifications by key vendors familiar with Ferrari V12 engines. The heads were done by expert Dan Marvin and machine work performed by Morgan’s, Walnut Creek, CA. The Weber carburetors were rebuilt, jets matched to factory specifications, the starter and generator were rebuilt, a new water pump housing installed with new internals, and the distributors were rebuilt using a correct machine specifically for this task. The clutch disc and pressure plate were rebuilt including a new throw out bearing and the gearbox inspected for smooth operation. The rear end was inspected with a borescope camera and passed inspection, while the driveshaft was disassembled, inspected, cleaned, and relubricated, and all fluids replaced including the shock oil. The entire brake system was rebuilt including the calipers, the booster was rebuilt, the master cylinder also rebuilt, and the front wheel bearings replaced. The steering system was also tended to with a rebuilt standard ratio steering box (new worm and peg gears). The original and rare factory exhaust remained in excellent condition, so it was powder coated for preservation and new dual tips installed. All exterior chrome was removed and professionally replated, all window garnish molding removed and polished, all rubber seals replaced using parts supplied by Cicognani, and the original side and rear glass was polished and reinstalled with new rubber gaskets. The stunning and correct RW3598 Borrani wire wheels were rebuilt and all five Pirelli CN67 175 series tires, purchased in 2020, were installed.

The finished car was proudly displayed at the 2022 Concorso Italiano Ferrari Club of America event where it was judged by a panel of Ferrari experts and presented with a prestigious Gold Award.

Today this Ferrari presents as a beautiful example of one of the last four-wheel disc brake Series II Coupes built. The exterior finish is beautifully executed with glossy and vibrant paint, having been professionally finished in the correct original Blue Sera color just as it left the factory. The fine body details, delicate body lines, subtle curves, and exquisite surface transitions are expertly finished in both the body work and paint. The doors, hood, and trunk gaps are excellent, opening and closing smoothly. A Viracon tinted windshield shows minor delamination at the corners, but the remaining glass is original and in excellent condition with one minor mark noted at the top of the rear window. The chrome plating, Marchal headlamps, lenses, glass, and trim are consistent and correct. Ferrari script, emblems, and other details are delightful, jeweled elements, adding an elegant touch to the sporting Pinin Farina design. The intricately laced Borrani wire wheels feature correct polished aluminum rims, chrome plated knockoffs, and disc brakes visible at all four corners. A pair of driving lamps are hidden at each corner of the wide grille. Centered by the sculpted Prancing Horse, the lighting is framed by the quintessential polished aluminum Ferrari grill surround and geometric slats. The stately presence is remarkably modern given that more than 60 years has passed since original factory construction.

The interior is beautifully presented with recently installed leather, new carpets, and new headliner. The interior is properly trimmed with correct piping and tufted seat pleats, matching rear parcel area. The cabin is trimmed with correct low pile carpeting of a complimentary tan hue. Finishes throughout the interior are elegant and fitting, including the taut stain black leather covered dashboard displaying an elegant array of original gauges astonishingly still featuring crisp lettering and bright numeric indication. Further details include the delicately etched ashtray, the iconic black-band wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheel and yellow crest Ferrari emblem. This contrasting and elegant interior creates a handsome and fashionable composition against the deep blue exterior.

Under the hood, the matching numbers Ferrari V12 engine has been impeccably restored and correctly detailed. The correctly finished original triple dual throat Weber carburetors, crinkle black cam covers, proper air cleaners and fasteners, and distinct fuel lines and specialized hardware, are among the many items displayed in the engine compartment. The owner and the team of expert vendors have selected proper finishes, restored the original engine accessories, and installed correct treated hardware, to truly restore, not replace the history of this rare car and its components. This care and attention to detail was rewarded by the Ferrari Club of America, Concorso Italiano, Gold achievement in 2022.

The trunk has been nicely finished with a correct textured black mat concealing the July 1960 dated spare Borrani wire wheel and correct large aluminum spare tire twist nut, nestled in the trunk recess. A set of rare and desirable tools and tool roll complete the trunk compartment. Inspection of the undercarriage reveals refinished original components and the original exhaust which has been powder coated for longevity. The structural integrity and attention to detail in the undercarriage are dutifully consistent with the history, restoration and provenance supporting this fine car.

Unlike many show cars, this fabulously restored Ferrari is also mechanically refined and ready to enjoy. The current owner has driven the car, broken in the engine, and sorted the mechanicals after the restoration was completed. The car starts immediately, setting off a wonderfully deep V12 roar, gently settling into a resonant idle. The smooth gear selector is easily engaged, the clutch takes up nicely, and the seating position offers panoramic views over the long hood. Power is strong from the V12 engine when encouraged, with second and third gear being especially invigorating for quick jaunts up to highway speeds. Cruising on the open roads, it is easy to see how well-sorted examples like this one continue to delight their dedicated owners, particularly those who enjoy participating in vintage road events.

This Series II Ferrari comes with the original tool roll containing a set of correct and largely original factory tools, factory keys, nearly all the original interior and mats (retained to document originality), a copy of the Marcel Massini report, a large binder filled with detailed restoration receipts and records documenting earlier restoration efforts (1980s-1990s) under prior ownership, and a 2” file with recent receipts documenting the current award-winning restoration.
The magnificent Ferrari 250 GT Series II Coupe continues to be an unrivaled object of exceptional beauty and performance. A critical part of establishing Ferrari in North America, the PF Coupe shares legendary mechanical features and performance consistent with the same 250 series cars valued in seven to eight figures today. Resplendent in exceptional colors and boasting an award-winning restoration, this numbers matching, four-wheel disc brake, Series II PF Coupe is ready to welcome enthusiasts and collectors to the rewarding and unforgettable experience of vintage Ferrari ownership.

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.

Inquire About This Car

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