Fantasy Junction

Description

1960 Ferrari 250 GT Series II Cabriolet
s/n 2135 GT, Engine no. 2135 GT
Grigio Metallizzato with Antique Cuoio Leather Interior

Continually praised by collectors and enthusiasts as one of the most beautifully designed and developed Ferraris of the venerable V12 250 lineage, the 250 Series II Cabriolet represents one of the finest open GT cars from this period. The celebrated partnership of Carrozzeria Pininfarina and Ferrari not only realized a visually stunning automobile, the exceptional driving manners and iconic V12 sound are just a few of the many reasons collectors seek out the very best examples of this series. Often residing in significant private collections, the rarity and beauty of these open touring cars offers a collector the unique opportunity to drive and show a premier car with confidence and pride, especially cars that benefit from superlative restoration.

Beginning in 1956 with the Series I, Carrozzeria Pininfarina produced just a few cars, largely by hand, testing the US market among preferred clientele. Using the 250 GT chassis, Ferrari prepared each car with the 2,952 cc single overhead cam V-12 engine (Tipo 128D) with three Weber 36DCL3 carburetors, producing 220 bhp at 7,000 rpm. Mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox and sporting independent front suspension and live rear axle, these open cars proved to be quite capable performers. Being largely hand built, each of these early cars were beautifully prepared, earning the attention of buyers worldwide. The exceptional quality, bespoke materials, and distinctive styling were aimed specifically at the most discriminating buyers - those eager to purchase the finest Ferrari could offer. Connolly leather, a full complement of performance instruments and features, and of course an array of stunning colors and interiors were among the few selections offered to customers.

As demand steadily grew, the Series II arrived with improvements including four-speed synchromesh transmission with overdrive and four-wheel disc brakes. 250 GT cabriolet production culminated in 1962 with just 202 handmade Series II examples constructed. And while any Ferrari was already an expensive proposition, the Pininfarina Cabriolet was priced at an astonishing $14,950.00, a full $3,000.00 more than the California Spider, and $2,500.00 more than the Tour de France Berlinetta. With such pricing and rarity, it is understandable that only the most discerning enthusiasts, royalty, or prominent business tycoons would comprise the roster of luminaries fortunate to experience ownership.

According to Ferrari Classiche documentation and Marcel Massini report accompanying the car, this Series II Cabriolet was delivered to Luigi Chinetti Motors Inc., Greenwich, CT finished in Sabbia Sahara with Pelle Rossa VM 3171 Interior. The 91st car of the 202 units built, the chassis was delivered to Pininfarina July 29, 1960 and completed October 4. In November 1960, the first owner, Frank Carter, a resident of Waterloo Ontario, Canada, retained the car for some years, followed by continuous lineage of Canadian ownership until 2018. Illustrious ownership during this history occurred in February 1973 when well-known Canadian actor Jon Granik purchased the car. Granik, a veteran of TV and movies and resident of Ontario, retained the car through 1977. The Massini report indicates parts were purchased from noted Ferrari vendors in 1976 and as well as servicing at DBR Motors, Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 1977, shortly after being purchased by Joseph Shlesinger, Ontario, Canada.

In 2014, Shlesinger commissioned a highly detailed and comprehensively documented three-year restoration with the goal of achieving a premier concours level car. Within the first year, over $500,000.00 was spent before Shlesinger transferred the project to renowned Ferrari specialists, Farland Cars, Englewood, CO. At Farland, an additional $600,000.00 was spent to bring the car to the most refined and accurately detailed level of restoration worthy of the pinnacle of Ferrari concours judging; a Platinum award. Records of these expenses carefully detail every aspect of the restoration including a complete restoration for the rare hardtop also included with the car.

With over a million dollars spent in restoration and consummate preparation, this beautiful Series II Cabriolet was presented at the 2017 Cavallino Classic and judged 97.5 points, achieving a Platinum award. Accolades, however, were not concluded for the day as the coveted Wayne Obry “Excellence in Restoration” award was also presented to this stunning car at this prestigious event. Not only has this fine example been beautifully finished, the quality of the workmanship and ongoing professional car ensure the acceptance to numerous exclusive events with the promise of further recognition. Consistent with the history and expert restoration, this exceptional car retains the original engine (Type 128F No. 2135 Interno No. Type 508 F 584F) and original gearbox (Type 508 F No. 245F), both of which have been confirmed and documented by the Ferrari Classiche certification and detailed “Red Book” accompanying the car.

Today this Ferrari must be considered among the finest restored Series II examples in existence. The exterior finish is spectacular in all respects. The paint is glossy, smooth, and vibrant, having been professionally finished with the proper metallic concentration for the period, exhibiting fluid and consistent metallic coverage, flowing over laser straight body panels throughout the entire car. The fine body details, delicate creases, 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, with jambs and underside surfaces of equal finish and artistic integrity. The chrome plating, Marchal headlamps, lenses, glass, and trim gleam with crystal clarity, detailed to a very high standard, with proper factory indications, correct gaskets, and refined fit to virtually every component on the car. Even the windshield wiper blade arms are correct factory items with the proper stamped indication. Lettering, emblems, and other details are delightful jeweled elements, adding an elegant touch to the sporting Pininfarina design. The intricately laced Borrani wire wheels are correctly finished, including properly polished aluminum rims, bearing correct factory date/indication stampings, chrome plated knockoffs, and proper branded decals. A pair of driving lamps are cleverly hidden at each corner of the wide grille. Centered by the distinctive and iconic sculpted Ferrari Prancing Horse, the lighting is framed by the quintessential polished aluminum Ferrari grille surround and geometric alloy panel grille slats. The elongated hood scoop and dipped door line adds a touch of racing flavor to the elegant appearance of the car. The stately presence is remarkably modern given that 60 years has passed since original factory construction and delivery to Luigi Chinetti Motors.

The interior is beautifully presented with rich, supple leather, featuring a distinguished antique leather finish often found in hand-crafted Italian leather garments. Here the material is beautifully emulated with accents of black leather against the smoky metallic silver exterior. The interior is perfectly trimmed with correct piping and slightly tufted seat pleats, properly trimmed low-pile carpeting, and a beautifully stitched and taut black canvas top. Included with the car is the very rare factory hardtop, which has also been restored to the same exceptional standards. Finishes throughout the interior are exquisite including the stain black leather covered dashboard displaying an elegant array of vividly restored gauges, crisp lettering, and bright numeric indication echoed in each of the smaller companion gauges. Further details include the delicately etched ashtray and the highly desirable black-banded wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheel and a stunning yellow emblem central prancing horse.

Under the hood, the original matching numbers Ferrari V12 engine has been impeccably restored and correctly detailed using exact finishes, original accessories, and properly treated hardware. As many a restorer and concours judge will attest, cars of this caliber can often feature components that appear accurate but are improperly finished. Here, particular care has been given to each component, validated by the Platinum award, allowing for patina, originality, and respectful refinishing, honoring both the intent of the original and the need for lasting quality. Details such as the correctly finished triple Weber carburetors, perfectly applied crinkle black cam cover finish, proper air cleaners and fasteners, correct lines and hardware, are among the many exceptional items displayed in the exemplary engine compartment.

The trunk has been nicely finished with correct black carpeting displaying the spare Borrani wire wheel and correct large aluminum spare tire twist hub, all properly nestled in the trunk recess. Here too, as with the rest of the car, one can admire the attention to detail in the underside trunk finish and details. Reviewing the overall car, the detailing under the hood, the beautifully finished door jambs and latching hardware, correct fasteners, and trim work all come together in a cohesive and refined way. Inspection of the undercarriage reveals a truly gorgeous mechanical celebration representing a myriad of correctly finished components suspended from an impeccably maintained chassis. Evidently cared for in every visible respect and restored to the highest standards, the structural integrity, correct finishes, 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 car starts immediately, setting off a wonderfully deep roar on contact, gently settling into a resonant idle as it warms up on choke. The carburetors are set to offer delicately muffled V12 sounds at idle, ready to release a symphony of sound once on throttle. Everything about the car works in harmony, from the smooth gear selector to the easily engaged clutch. Controls are easily reached, seating position offers panoramic views, and the driving comfort and performance on hand presents a rewarding experience. Power is strong when encouraged, with second and third gear being especially invigorating for quick jaunts up to higher speeds. Cruising on the open roads, it is easy to see why the Series II Cabriolet continues to be selected by enthusiasts who enjoy driving their cars in vintage events.

This Ferrari 250 GT Series II Cabriolet comes with a factory hardtop beautifully finished to match the car, a hardtop stand, an original tool roll with tools, factory keys, a very nice reproduction Ferrari owner’s manual and pouch, a sales brochure, Ferrari Classiche Red Book with certificate, a copy of the Marcel Massini report, various contemporary magazines featuring the car, and dozens of pages of detailed restoration receipts and records documenting the award-winning three-year restoration.

The magnificent Ferrari 250 GT Series II Cabriolet will always remain a magnificently, unrivaled object of exceptional beauty, performance, and elegant sophistication. An integral part of establishing the Ferrari brand in North America, each of these fine and rare cars have long captured the hearts of the most distinguished and discerning connoisseurs. Serial #2135 GT, with exceptional restoration, documentation, and original numbers matching engine and gearbox represents one of the finest and most comprehensively restored Series II Cabriolets on the market today. Resplendent in exceptional colors, offering unprecedented elegance, and a state-of-the-art award-winning restoration, this Series II Cabriolet is sure to delight even the most expert collectors seeking the very finest in motorcar excellence, performance, and beauty.

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