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Lot details
- Exceptional performance, luxury and elegance
- Sold new in the USA
- Known history - matching numbers
Intended to give Ferrari a strong position in a market segment already occupied by its competitors Aston Martin and Maserati, the 250 GTE 2+2 was first seen as a prototype at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1960 as the race director’s car, and made its global debut at the Paris Motor Show the same year. The first production Ferrari with four seats, it was powered by the legendary Tipo 128E V12 engine designed by Colombo: this developed 243 bhp and gave the car a top speed of 225 kph. Three successive series of the 250 GTE were built, with most of the changes concerning the front and rear lights, until production ended in 1963. With 950 cars sold, it was Ferrari’s most popular model and the company's biggest sales success at the time.
The car presented here was delivered new by the American importer Chinetti to its first owner, one George Cushing, a designer working for Chrysler. It was finished in the same colour it sports today, Rubino rosso, with a black leather interior. It was no surprise to learn that Cushing sold the car in 1965 to a colleague from Simca’s design department in France, where it was imported. It was then acquired by another French owner, Patrick Faucompré, who split his time between France and the USA. The car was taken into stock by Pozzi at the end of the 1990s which sold it in 2000/2001 to its current owner, a true car enthusiast, after a complete mechanical overhaul. As soon as he bought it, he replaced the original exhaust system (which he kept and will be supplied to the new owner) by a stainless steel exhaust which produces an extraordinary sound as you go up the rev range.
This lovely 250 GTE still has its original engine which springs into life straightaway. It has excellent oil pressure and the oil and water temperature remain normal, even in Paris traffic! The interior, with black upholstery and red carpets, is original and nicely patinated.
Photos © Alexis Ruben
