Fantasy Junction

Description

1963 Ferrari 250 GTE Series III
s/n 4665, Engine no. 4665
Silver with Black Leather

The Ferrari 250GTE is fast shedding its reputation as an affordable 3-litre 12-cylinder Ferrari. Like all Ferraris from the 50’s to the 70’s, they are enjoying tremendous appreciation, and this car represents an opportunity to acquire an honest and well-maintained example that is ready to enjoy. Over the years, GTEs have become increasingly rare as many have been cannibalized for parts for replicas and for other models.

This particular example was among the last of the GTEs produced, and employs all the updates made during production, including the larger valves fitted to the later cars. It was constructed for the European marketplace, and owned in 1963 by well known Ferrari enthusiast Rob de la Rive Box of Switzerland. By 1985, s/n 4665 was still in Switzerland, then owned by J.J. Virr. In 2000, this car made its appearance on American shores, with Montecito Motors, in Santa Barbara, CA, The car was then sold to John Edmunds, who had considerable work performed by XKs Unlimited in San Louis Obispo, California. Included in the work was a clutch rebuild, carburetor rebuilds including machining and truing the throttle bodies, interior re-upholstery, re-chroming of much of the car, and a very nice repaint. The work totaled $35,000, for which records are on file. The car was sold to the current custodian in 2005, where it was kept as part of a collection which included a 250 “Lusso”, a Series I and Series II Europa, and platinum winning 250 Ellena.

Today, s/n 4665 is best described as very straight and complete, matching numbers, driver quality example. The paint and chrome retains a fresh appearance, and the interior also shows well. Speaking cosmetically, detail aspects of the car such as; gauges, door jams, and the underside, are generally in keeping with a driver quality car. While they provide opportunity for value added restorative work by the new owner, the car could be readily enjoyed in its current presentation. The engine bay is quite nicely detailed, with correct finished applied where appropriate, and many of the often missing or not original pieces are still in place on this example. The underside shows signs of rust repair in the common areas, but is functionally solid. The car sits on nice deep dish Borrani wire wheels, correct for a late production GTE, fitted with near new Michelin tires.

Mechanically, the car is very complete. It starts easily, and runs reasonably well. The transmission shifts well, and the suspension and steering box are operating properly. The brakes are effective, and many of the gauges are working. The engine revs freely, but does smoke. When previously tested, compression readings were low on two cylinders, while the balance of the readings were quite strong. The odometer currently shows 90,000 kms, which is believed to be correct from new.

Included with the car is the matching spare wire wheel (with hold down), photo documentation of the restoration work mentioned above as well as the XKs Unlimited receipts, and selected receipts back as far as 1978, at which time the car had just 76,000 kms logged.

Less than a thousand 250 GTEs were built between 1960 and 1963. As a late production car with several unique features, this example should appeal those looking for an inexpensive early Ferrari to capitalize on the current upswing in the market for these cars while having a fun toy to tinker with and drive on weekends.

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.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608