Fantasy Junction

Description

Fantasy Junction sold this car to the current owner. While not currently located at Fantasy Junction, the car can be viewed and inspected by appointment. Please contact us for details.

1961 Ferrari 250 GTE Series II Prototype
s/n 2713, Engine No. 3225
Black with Black Leather and Red Carpets

One of the 12 Series II 250 GTE/330 America prototypes built, this car boasts unique body detailing not found on other Series I or II 250 GTEs. The front marker lights, driving lamps, and taillight fixtures are slightly different that those found on earlier or later cars making this example an interesting piece of Ferrari history.

Pininfarina job no. 39871, this prototype was finished on September 18th, 1961 and, ultimately delivered to SpA Maranello, and registered for road use in Italy. Early photos of the car in Italy were published in books by Hans Tanner and Antoine Prunet. Reportedly, this GTE Prototype was used by Enzo Ferrari himself to drive to the Italian Grand Prix at Monza in 1962. In 1964 the car was exported to the US, and sold to Ray Fisher of Salt Lake City, Utah. Fisher had the motor rebuilt and sold the car to Jim Olson, also of Salt Lake City. Olson had problems with the recently rebuilt motor, and replaced it with 250 GTE engine no. 3225. Olson dismantled engine no. 2713, sourced 275 GTB cams, and a 275 GTB six-carb set up, but never rebuilt the motor, and ultimately sold the package to Doc Roach who finished it, installing it in his favorite hydroplane in about 1975. Olson `fully restored` the car, painting it white with black interior. In 1985 the car came to Southern California where, some years later, it was purchased by Richard Powers, who had previously been the service manager at a well-known Ferrari dealership.

Mr. Powers proceeded to perform a restoration, removing overhauling the differential, suspension, and transmission, among other items. After the restoration was completed the car was used in several vintage road rallies. Fantasy Junction bought this car from Mr. Powers in 2007.

Mechanically, this is an outstanding example. The engine sounds great and has fantastic power with virtually no smoke. The transmission has an excellent second gear syncro, both when warm and cold. The clutch was just replaced and has less than 100 miles on it. The brakes are effective and well balanced, and the suspension has a tight and responsive feel. We cannot stress enough what a great joy this car is to drive.

Cosmetically, the car is in very good `driver` condition. The repaint was a high quality job, but some wear and use marks have appeared about the car. The body is rather straight with satisfactory gaps all around. The chrome and stainless trim were redone, and show nicely, but up close light hazing and pitting is apparent. Much of the window glass looks to be original, and is very nice considering its age. The car sits on nice Borrani wire wheels.

The interior is also representative of a nice `driver`. This example is still fitted with the factory wood wheel and Becker Mexico cassette player. As a prototype, this car has unique interior door handles. The gauges show moderate fading which is common to these cars. The seats show very little wear, but the leather is older. The wool carpets, while period correct, show moderate discoloration, as does the headliner.

While not detailed for show, the engine bay is presentable and mechanically tidy. Correct yellow fuel lines are fitted. The underside is straight and rust free and shows evidence of much recent work. The trunk has been reupholstered and repainted as part of the most recent restoration.

With the car come reprinted owner`s manuals for 250 GTEs and 330 Americas, a digital photo documentation of the restoration, and an aftermarket jack and knock-off hammer. With just 12 Series II GTE/330 America prototypes built, this is a rare opportunity to acquire beautiful, ready to enjoy, GTE which holds a special place in Ferrari`s front-engined V12 history.

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