Fantasy Junction

Description

1960 Ferrari 250 GT Pinin Farina Coupe
s/n 1637GT engine no. 1637
Silver with Red Leather Interior

Introduced in 1960, the Series II 250GT Pinin Farina represented Ferrari`s increasing tendency towards production road cars, both to showcase the technology tested in racing, and to provide income to support racing. The cars were elegant, understated, and luxurious, and were available as both open and closed cars. Fitted with the venerable 3-litre V-12, the 250 GT is in many ways the quintessential classic Ferrari, and with generous space for both passengers and luggage, PF`s have always been excellent touring cars.

This particular car is a very special example that is sparkling but also basically unmolested and surprisingly original. The original mileage of 45,644 is from new, of which 43,197 were accumulated by the car`s original owner between May of 1960 and July of 2000. The original owner was a captain in the US armed forces, who ordered the car in Hong Kong in October of 1959. The car was originally Grigio Platinato (grey) with dark blue interior, and was delivered in May of 1960 to its owner who was then in Japan. As such, this was the first Ferrari imported to Japan, though it is a US specification car. When the car was purchased in 2000, it was found to be incredibly sound and in excellent mechanical health. It was by that point white with a black interior, and all accessories were functioning, from the fog lights to the reversing lamp to the interior dome light. The car was incredibly straight, solid, and correct.

Since then, the car has been thoughtfully and sympathetically restored. Wherever possible, the parts have been detailed and cleaned, rather than being refinished, and refinished rather than being replaced. The car is sparkling but not blinding, and there are many original components still in place. The much of the chrome and lights has not been restored or replaced, and the windshield is original. The door handles have never been refinished, and many of the engine components have not been either. The result is an extremely coherent and satisfying car that still speaks to its origins with refreshing honesty.

On the whole, however, the car is cosmetically stunning, with high quality silver paint and rich red interior. The panels are straight, though close inspection of the shut areas of the trunk and engine compartment reveal evidence of Maranello`s craftsmen at work. These traces are usually removed during restoration, but in this case, they have been retained, and this car is better for it. The chrome is a mixture of original and refinished components that collectively are very attractive. The rear bumper, window trims, and wheels have been refinished, while the grille, headlamp rings, front bumper, and door handles are original. The Marchal headlamps and fog lamps are original and wonderfully-preserved.

The interior tells a similar story of sympathetic care. The carpets and leather were renewed with extremely high quality materials to high standards, while much of the trim and switches are original, but still very attractive and presentable. The passenger side window winder has broken. The headliner and visors are excellent, as are the instruments. A period Becker Grand Prix radio is installed.

The trunk and engine compartment are both detailed to high standards but are far from being over-restored. Both are extremely tidy and feature the correct semi gloss black finish to the panels. The trunk mat is original and has been retained, and shows some patina. The trunk is otherwise immaculate, including the spare, which has also been restored. The engine compartment is in keeping with the spirit of the rest of the car. Certain components have been cosmetically cleaned but not refinished, including the brake booster and carburetors, though the general impression of the engine is that of a impressively detailed and extremely clean place. The detailing is correct throughout, with the original washer bag, and air cleaner stencil. The underside has been comprehensively detailed to show standards and is nothing short of spectacular. Though not shown in the photographs, the original belly pan comes with the car.

Driving this car is one of those rare truly coherent and satisfying automotive experiences. This car has a certain wholeness and solidity that is present in cars that have never been mistreated or taken apart, and feels like a well cared for low mileage car. The engine is extremely responsive, with very crisp throttle response and excellent oil pressure. The clutch has been recently replaced and works correctly. The car displays excellent composure over bumps and road imperfections, and the gearbox works very well. The brakes are effective, thanks to the boosted all round disc brakes that were fitted to second series PF`s.

This is an extraordinarily rare opportunity to acquire cosmetically stunning but fundamentally unmolested Ferrari. The history of this car is irreproachable and the sympathy of the restoration is unique in a sea of over-restored and under-enjoyed cars. Indeed, many cars are completely restored because they were so rough to begin with, but this car`s thoughtful long-term ownership has ensured that much of it was able to be preserved during the restoration. This is truly a car for connoisseurs who can appreciate the uniqueness of this car`s honest presentation, and for such an individual, this car will not disappoint.

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