Fantasy Junction

Description

1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso
s/n 4635GT, engine no. 4635GT
Grigio Argento Italver with Red Interior

The last and best of the Ferrari 250 road cars, the 250 Lusso is also widely agreed to be among the most beautiful classic Ferraris. While its predecessor, the 250 PF, was restrained and elegant, the Lusso was dynamic and stunning. It was appreciably lower and wider, and the Kamm tail treatment at the rear modernized the aesthetic of the car considerably. Slotted between the larger and more luxurious 250 GTE 2+2 and the competition-oriented SWB, the Lusso split the difference, providing an athletic GT car with arresting visual presence with comparatively civilized cockpit and driving experience.

Under the Pininfarina coachwork was Ferrari’s venerable and by this time fully developed 3.0 liter outside plug Colombo V12 engine, giving the Lusso the classic Ferrari ingredients. Disc brakes were fitted while aluminum deck lids and doors reduced weight somewhat. The interior was trimmed to high standards and featured a unique centrally mounted tachometer and speedometer, which are among the cars signature design elements. Production was relatively brief, from January of 1963 to August of 1964, and just 350 examples were built. Very much the road going version of Ferrari’s legendary 250 SWB, the Lusso is now very much a blue-chip collector quality Ferrari which, like all classic Ferraris, has enjoyed fantastic appreciation in recent years.

This particular example, s/n 4635GT, is the 79th Lusso built. We know from fabulous early SEFAC documentation on file that it was delivered new to Garage Francorchamps of Brussels, Belgium, in the Grigio Argento Italver with red interior it wears today. In keeping with its European Market specification it was equipped a speedometer in kilometers, and poised on Boranni 15x6.5 RW3801 wheels, shod with Dunlop 185-15 tires. The SEFAC paperwork further specifies delivery with a tool roll, two sets of keys, driver’s and passenger’s lap belts, and a single tin of touch up paint. What a fantastic sight this Lusso must have been, and for a mere $7,500 at the time!

While the early history is not well known, we know from a historical synopsis on file by Ferrari historian Marcel Massani that this Lusso was in Germany by 1993, and was painted red with tan leather at that time. The owner at that time had the unfortunate occurance of a bank in Dusseldorf repossessing the car, at which time it was sold to Herbert Karner of Atadecken-Elsheim, Germany. Karner owned this car up through 2000. During his custodianship regular maintenance was carried out, as well as an engine rebuild. Mr. Karner was a sporting Ferrari enthusiast and exercised s/n 4635GT on several time-accuracy and regulatory speed events including the Tour Auto, as well as in select concours outings. In June of 1997 Mr. Karner had a minor accident involving the right front corner. Repairs were effected immediately, together with other restoration work, which totaled $36,000 at that time. Bare metal pictures of the recent restoration work shows the extent of the damage to have been limited to the right front headlight area, which was subsequently replaced in 2014 at the time of the most recent restoration work.

This restoration work was a rotisserie undertaking overseen by Seattle area historic race and show car specialists J&L Fabrication. This work was performed in an no-expense-spared fashion, with the resulting total in excess of $600,000. Paint was applied from bare metal by Jon Byers, with the upholstery work done by Shawn Parkhurst, both with Pebble Beach accolades under their belts. The engine was removed, partially disassembled, found to be in good health from its 1996 rebuild in Germany (compression 165-180 on all twelve cylinders, with 2-5% leak down readings). It was detailed and resealed, and dyno tested. The engine bay was detailed to show condition, as were the underside, suspension, wheels, and brake components.

The resulting car is difficult to fault in its cosmetic presentation. Virtually everything is as-new, or possibly better; from the sparkle of the deep dish Borranis, pronounced black crackle finish on the valve covers, to the rich red diamond stitch of the rear parcel shelf. With the arduous restoration in the rear view mirror, it awaits its next custodian, and is ready to show or drive anywhere.

Featured in Cavallino magazine (issue #93, #99), and in Prancing Horse (issue #124) this beautifully restored and well regarded example- in what many believe to be the most attractive color combination available when new- will be sure captivate the attention of the most discerning Ferrari collectors. It is accompanied by wonderful early documentation, a high quality modern production tool roll, the Ferrari Classiche Certification “Red Book”, a Marcel Massini report, and a beautiful photo book by Allan Rosenberg www.allanr.com.

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