Fantasy Junction

Description

1960 Ferrari 250 Pininfarina Cabriolet Series II
s/n 1981GT, engine numero interno: 486F
Rosso Rubino with Black Leather Interior

Introduced in 1960, the Series II 250GT Pinin Farina represented Ferrari’s increased focus on 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, mounted in the front, the 250 GT is in many ways the quintessential classic Ferrari. With generous space for both passengers and luggage, and a relatively relaxed driving experience (especially when fitted with overdrive) PF’s have always been excellent touring cars.

The 49th of just 200 Series II Cabriolets constructed, after s/n 1981GT was assembled in Maranello it was then sent to Pinin Farina's works in Torino for the fitment of its sleek Cabriolet body it wears today. Arriving in Torino on May 11th, 1960 and completed in less than two months, and on July 2nd, this example was sold new to Contraves Italia S.p.A. in Rome, Italy. At that time, it was finished in the desirable color combination of Azzurro (blue) metallic over Naturale (tan) vinyl interior.

While little of s/n 1981GT’s early history is documented, it is evident that at some point later in its life the striking car was repainted in the current dark red, reminiscent of Rosso Rubino over black hides and a black convertible top. By the mid-1980s, the Cabriolet had found its way to Switzerland in the ownership of vintage racer Kurt Bohrer. During Mr. Bohrer's ownership, receipts show regular mechanical maintenance as well as a September 1986 \"complete engine overhaul\" at 51,802km and another overhaul in August of 1987, a mere 6,448km later.

Peter Groh purchased s/n 1981GT in 2006, adding it to his stable of wonderful automobiles in Germany. Groh enjoyed the car but rarely showed it. Appearing at the Techno Classica in Essen, Germany in April of 2010, it was acquired by the next owner shortly thereafter.

Today, s/n 1981GT is best described as an exceedingly straight and solid, largely undisturbed example, projecting a nice driver cosmetic presentation. It should be noted that while the original engine number stamping of 1981GT, with correct fonts, remains on the front timing cover case, and the numero interno stamping of 486F appears unaltered, no number stamping is evident on the cylinder block boss. The Ferrari factory chassis number stamping appears in the correct location on the front frame rail, and displays the correct fonts.

The body is in exceedingly good order, and appears to have always been that way as there are no obvious signs of rust or damage repairs, nor alterations made to the coachwork. The brightwork is straight throughout, and while it displays moderate aging in select areas, remains in keeping with good driver standards. The paintwork, while not done to present day show standards, is in good order, and would be ideal for rally events where the occasional blemish is to be expected. The windscreen looks to have been replaced at some point, and is in nice condition, as is the case with the balance of the glass and lenses. This example still retains its correct Marchal headlamps. The black soft top is of high quality canvas material, and is in good order. As correct for a 250GT Cabriolet, this example sits on aluminum Borrani wire wheels, shod with older Michelin X-series tires in good condition.

The interior is very nicely presented with high quality black leather upholstery and carpets. The factory correct wood rimmed steering wheel is beautifully refinished, and the gauges show none of the hazing common to weathered Ferrari instruments of the era. The trunk upholstery may quite possibly be original, and although not overly detailed, it has an honest presentation. The Matching Borrani wire wheel is present.

The engine bay is quite correct in equipment with FIIAM air horns, yellow fuel lines and correct fuel filter bowl. The air cleaner and ignition coils, while functional, are not period correct. Although not particularly detailed, many of the difficult to find items remain in place on this example, which will help to simplify the car’s eventual restoration.

Its rarity aside, s/n 1981GT’s road manners are quite possibly its most pleasing attribute. We cannot impress upon interested parties enough how well this example drives. The engine starts instantly, with virtually no smoke whatsoever. The carburation and ignition systems are in beautiful harmony, and the engine pulls cleanly and crisply from an idle to redline, producing excellent power and oil pressure throughout the rev band. The exhaust is of the correct type, producing a gratifying note. The transmission shifts well with good synchronization, both warm and cold. The clutch is well adjusted with good uptake, and the factory installed overdrive unit works beautifully. The brake pedal is high, effective, and confidence inspiring. The steering is responsive and suspension particularly tight and cohesive. The water and oil temperature gauges, oil pressure, speedometer, tachometer, and clock are all operational, as is the fuel gauge. Showing just over 62,600kms on its odometer, it has covered a mere 4,000km in the last 27 years.

The underside, while not detailed for show purposes, has a solid and honest presentation in keeping with a lower mileage unrestored car. Remarkably, this example still retains its aluminum belly pans.

Although the lack of an engine number stamping on this example may cause some to shy away, the seasoned Ferrari coinsurer will appreciate the exceedingly coherent driving experience of this particular example. Its current condition is ideal for tour and rally event use, or if so desired by the next owner, the car could be striped and returned to its original metallic blue with tan interior color scheme, and at the same time the engine could be sent to Ferrari’s Classiche department for renumbering.

This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a lovely example of one of Ferrari’s most elegant open-air cars. Just 200 examples were built, making them significantly rarer than blue-chip collector Ferraris such as the 275 GTB/4 or the Lusso. Additionally, with more sought after open V-12 models of this era soaring well above $10,000,000, the Series II PF Cabriolet remains an excellent value for open 250 series Ferraris. With its ample trunk space, luxurious interior, and a long-legged V12 mated to an overdrive transmission, there are few cars with more comfortable and stylish conveniences with which to melt away the miles.

s/n 1981GT is documented by copies of past receipts and registration documents, select photos of the car during the restoration and in bare metal, as well as a report by Ferrari historian Marcel Massini. Please note that car is sold on a Swiss title, and if sold or delivered to a US resident duty of approximately 2.5% of the purchase price will be due.

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