Vehicle Details
- Year: 1961
- Make: Ferrari
- Model: 250 GTE 2+2
- VIN: 250GTE2655
- Mileage Shown: 13,318km (TMU)
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Metallic Grey
- Seller Type: Dealer
- Location: San Jose, CA 95129
- Dealer Fees: None
- Lot #: V-0031555
The most successful line of Ferrari’s early models, the 250 family of grand touring cars were produced from 1952 until 1964 featuring front-mounted V12 Colombo engines. The long-wheelbase 250 GTE debuted at the 1960 Paris Motor Show as Ferrari’s first large-scale production four-seater and was constructed by Pininfarina from 1959 through 1963 over three different series. This 1961 Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 (chassis #2655) is one of 954 Pininfarina-bodied coupes built in total and one of only 299 examples produced during the model’s first series. It is said to have been originally sold in the Netherlands and was later imported to the United States where it was purchased by GTE Registry founder Len Miller in 1989. Later in 2019, a restoration was commenced under the ownership of a California-based collector which was eventually completed in 2021 after being acquired by the selling dealer. Accompanied by previous registration documents and spreadsheets detailing the recent restoration totalling over $580k, this classic V12-powered Ferrari grand tourer is now being offered for auction out of California.
To accommodate a 2+2 seating configuration, the 250 GTE was built upon a lengthened wheelbase derived from previous 250 models and features Pininfarina bodywork constructed from steel and aluminum. The Series I cars feature Superamerica-style chrome taillight housings, slim recessed headlight rings, and driving lights mounted on the front grille. This 1961 example was stripped to bare metal and refinished in its current dark grey metallic color during its refurbishment beginning in 2019, while all exterior brightwork was either polished or re-plated. The car also received new body seals along with rust repairs to the quarter panels, front fenders, doors, wheel wells, and nose section. The car rides on 15” Borrani knock-off wire wheels dressed in Avon tires along with a full-size trunk-mounted spare. Detailed images are provided in the gallery.
During its recent refurbishment, the 2+2 cabin was reupholstered in red leather and lined with Wilton blue-grey wool carpeting. Details include a black leather-wrapped dashboard with a painted instrument panel and locking glovebox, chrome trim pieces and gauge bezels, Veglia instrument dials, a Pininfarina-branded ashtray, an ivory-colored headliner, a wood-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel, and a vintage Becker Grand Prix radio.
Power comes from an aluminum-block Tipo 128F 3.0-liter V12 Colombo engine with triple Weber carburetors, individual intake ports, dual ignition distributors, and aluminum cylinder heads. The rear wheels are driven by way of a four-speed manual transmission with Laycock de Normanville electric overdrive. Stopping power comes from servo-assisted disc brakes at each corner. The seller indicates the ignition, induction, and fueling systems were rebuilt during the restoration. The engine received a new water pump as well as a rebuilt starter, timing chain adjuster, alternator drive pulley, and repairs to the oil pan and bell housing. A replacement clutch was installed, and the rear axle was overhauled along with the steering system, suspension, and brakes. The exhaust was also repainted.
This sale will include a collection of provenance and documentation including restoration records, previous registration certificates, and the car’s entry from the 2001 Ferrari 250 GTE Register.
The seller would like you to know: “ A total, ‘cost no object’ restoration…”
Auction Results
- Sold for: $535,000
- Auction End: Jul 11, 2023 08:16:43PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 14
Comments (20)
Sold for $535,000
Bid in the amount of $535,000
Bid in the amount of $519,000
Bid in the amount of $515,000
Bid in the amount of $510,000
Bid in the amount of $500,000
Sad story about a 250GTE. Back in med school (early 1980s) my classmate & friend took his school loan and bought a 1964 250GTE from a dealer in White Plains, NY for the stately sum of $18,500. Beautiful car; yellow w/black leather, excellent condition. He had a friend back home in Indiana looking to buy one so he figured we'd have fun with it for a couple weeks, sell the car to his pal, and then pay his tuition. Well... the next evening while cruising up the expressway the rearend went BANG!! and tore most of the teeth of the ring gear. We coasted to the side, left a note on the dash, and got a ride to our apartment in the Bronx. When we returned 2-3 hours later the car was gone; the police had already towed it to their impound yard. This was a bad situation. The dealer wanted $3500 to fix the rearend which we didn't have, the prospective buyer found out & now refused to buy the car, and the school was threatening to expel Andy for blowing his tuition loan. He was in a serious bind. A few days later we went to get the car out of impound with a flatbed. We instructed the impound driver to turn on the electric fuel pump, pump it a few times, and we'd help push while the few remaining ring gear teeth would catch. He hit the starter, the car spit back through the carbs, caught fire, and started burning like crazy (the fuel line ruptured and the left-on pump continuously fed the fire). We tried to extinguish it with our shirts, to no avail, and the car was totally engulfed within minutes. Even the magnesium wheels burned. With not a fire extinguisher in sight, it was a sad day watching that car engulfed in flames literally melting into the dirt. Rare beautiful classic Ferrari - gone. On the bright side, Andy's insurance paid him, he paid his tuition, and staved off permanent expulsion. ... indeed a tragedy; but divine intervention for Andy?
Bid in the amount of $485,000
Bid in the amount of $475,000
Bid in the amount of $333,333
Bid in the amount of $234,567
Bid in the amount of $154,321
Bid in the amount of $125,000
Pinch me!
@HemiSam - Took the words right out of my mouth. Stunning!!! Understated and elegant.
Oh my.... Stunner.
Bid in the amount of $123,456
Bid in the amount of $101,000
Bid in the amount of $100,000
Looks like at least 580k. So freakin' nice. GL