Fantasy Junction

Description

1964 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso
s/n 4497, engine no. 4497
Silver with Black Leather Interior

Among the greatest of the Ferrari 250 road cars, the 250 Lusso continues to be regarded by collectors and enthusiasts as the finest iteration of the classic road-going Ferrari. Though powerfully equipped, the Lusso was nimble, visually dynamic, and stunning from every view. Lower and wider than earlier iteration 250s, the rear Kamm tail treatment modernized the overall appearance while aiding high speed stability. Positioned between the larger 250 GTE 2+2 and the competition oriented SWB, the Lusso provided the ideal fit, delivering an athletic GT car with legendary visual appeal and the finest in V12 performance.

Though the exterior design remains a highpoint of this series, Ferrari’s venerable and fully developed 3.0 liter outside plug Colombo V12 engine was key to the success of the Lusso. This series would, of course, become recognized as the premier iteration as the 250 GT. Engineering features included disc brakes, weight-saving aluminum deck lids and doors, and competition derived suspension. The interior was trimmed to high standards and featured a unique centrally mounted tachometer and speedometer - an inspiring feature of the Lusso design. Production was relatively brief, from January of 1963 to August of 1964 with just 350 examples built. For collectors seeking the ultimate in a road-going 250 GT V12, the Lusso exemplifies Ferrari’s legendary 250 SWB in road-going form. Since their introduction, Lussos have become blue-chip Ferraris with premium examples finding residence among the finest collections throughout the world.

According to the Marcel Massini report accompanying this car, Lusso s/n 4497 was completed August 10, 1963, finished in Grigio Argento (code 18940 M) over Nero Connolly leather. An early series car (#54 of the 350 units produced) this example was delivered to Luigi Chinetti Motors, New York, NY in August 1963. Though the first owner of record is not recorded in 1963, by 1967, Massini reports the car was sold to John W. Carmack, a resident of Carmel, CA. Under Carmack’s ownership, the car was featured in March 1970 Ferrari Club of America Prancing Horse Magazine, issue #28. The following year, the car was sold to Richard Pendleton Hall, Maryland. By 1977, Hall sold the car to Charles Girand, Dallas, TX. The car was subsequently offered in 1989 by Rick Cole and purchased by Chic and Chris Vandagriff’s “Hollywood Sport Cars”. Known for their passion in sports cars with a keen interest in Ferraris, as dealers they never titled the car, rather keeping it in what was described to be largely original condition. In 1993, this Lusso sold the car to the current California owner who has thoughtfully preserved and maintained the car for the past 31 years including retaining the original matching numbers engine and matching gearbox, as verified by the accompanying Marcel Massini report.

Service records accompanying the car date back to 2015 including approximately $25k in mechanical work performed that year by Fast Cars Ltd., Redondo Beach, CA. This invoice included all fluid changes, new oil, coolant, and fuel lines, new soft brake lines, rebuild for all carburetors, new shock shafts and bushings, rebuilding all brake cylinders, new fuel lines and fuel pump rebuild, new rear axle seals, along with addressing various other interior lighting, trim, and detail features. Regular interval services and other items continued to be provided by “Fast Cars” from 2017-2021. A 2007 appraisal on file with the car notes 23,275 miles on the odometer. The odometer currently indicates 23,337 miles which are believed to be original to the car based on the condition, history, and presentation of this Lusso.

Today this Ferrari Lusso offers a rare opportunity for an enthusiast to acquire an unrestored Lusso, one that has been thoughtfully maintained under long-term California ownership, mechanically serviced as needed, and ready for driving enjoyment. Rarely discovered in enjoyably modest condition, many of these cars have become overdone with restorations far beyond the original purpose of these elegant road machines. In this example, the exterior finish appears to be an older respray which has mellowed over time, showing a few blemishes, but none to detract from the subtle silver color over the dramatic Pininfarina body. The doors and trunk have generally consistent panel fit and closure, while the hood sits slightly proud of the forward edge. The exterior chrome, trim, and glass are very nice throughout including the lovely Marchal headlamps and recessed Lusso fog lamps. The Borrani wire wheels and chrome plated knock offs are beautifully finished wearing a set of Pirelli Cinturato 185/R15 tires.

The interior continues the theme of preservation under long-term ownership presenting what appears to be largely original finishes, much of which have benefited from indoor storage and minimal use. The black leather seats appear to be original and unrestored, benefiting from reconditioning. The front seat material and stitching show typical corner seam stretching and some scuff marks from general use but are otherwise very well-preserved. The rear cargo area, inner door panels, side panels, and soft trim appear consistent with original finishes. The black carpet is correctly trimmed and fitted but likely is an older replacement installed many years ago. The dashboard and instruments are very nice with excellent color and clarity. The trunk is reflective of original materials. A spare wire wheel is in place. Overall, the interior is reflective of largely original materials and components capturing the preserved, long-term California ownership history in a readily drivable car one can immediately enjoy at Ferrari gatherings, local events, with the added incentive to further investigate originality in the company of preservation-minded experts.

Under the hood, the V12 engine delivers a very confident presentation. The engine number 4497 is a single strike numeric combination which matches the chassis number as confirmed by the Massini report. The engine delivers honest finishes, here too not overly prepared to intimidate use or suffered by a heavy polishing hand. Rather, finishes such as the correct black wrinkle cam covers, correctly finished air cleaner, proper hardware and linkages, correct series Weber carburetors, correct windscreen washer fluid bag, distinctive yellow fuel lines, and correct factory manufacturing stampings and build plates are all consistent with the original 350 cars built in this series.

The chassis is representative of an unrestored example showing properly serviced components with appropriate replacements for rubber hoses, suspension bushings, and other consumables, but otherwise indicative of a preserved and gently enjoyed Lusso. The numbers matching transmission stamping is also confirmed per the Massini report. The factory castings, authentic coatings and components complete the underside including factory accurate exhaust and mufflers, and suspension components. There is no visual evidence of structural compromise to the chassis or suspension mounting points.

This Lusso starts up delivering a wonderful raspy V12 exhaust note. The car runs and drives extremely well, with a tight and responsive feel often absent from trailered concours level cars. The engine is well tuned, while the four-speed gearbox offers excellent action through all gears, progressive acceleration, and strong pull in the higher rev range. Sounds, speeds, and glorious front fender lines welcome you into the rarified world of premium V12 motoring when behind the wheel. Of course, the very best in highway touring is what the Lusso does best, humming along at 60 mph with plenty of power on tap for a quick gear change and a run up to passing speeds with confident 4-wheel disc braking coming down smoothly. In all, the driving manners are enjoyable, refined, and yet still indicative of this bygone era of motorsports excellence and craftsmanship.

This Lusso presents a rare and exciting opportunity to acquire a matching numbers Ferrari coming out of 30+ years of current California ownership. Offered with Massini report, numerous sympathetic original finishes, and regular mechanical services as needed, this driver-centered example is ready for the next chapter in Ferrari ownership. Finished in original colors, this Lusso comes with a Ferrari maintenance manual, a vintage Ferrari Lusso book, a factory jack, mallet, and tire jack bag, a copy of the Massini report, and copies of service records dating back to 2015.

As more preservation level cars are being honored for retaining original finishes and maintained as genuinely enjoyed cars under long-term ownership, the next fortunate owner can look forward to miles of enjoyable driving, Ferrari club events, and the pleasure of authentic V12 motoring for decades to come.

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