The Ferrari 250 GT/L or 'Lusso' is the last Ferrari road car to don the iconic 250 name and is widely believe to be the most beautiful and best performing. The car was revealed at the Paris Motor Show in October 1962 and was instantly deemed a storming success with demand heavily outstripping supply as just 350 examples would be made in a short production run.
Still powered by the legendary 3.0 litre Columbo V12, the Lusso built on the success of the 250 SWB and 250 GTO to now create the ultimate Grand Tourer. The stunning Pininfarina-designed body enclosed the most luxurious of cabins; an environment dominated by leather and wood to create the perfect atmosphere for cross-continental travel.
We are pleased to bring 250 GT/L #4971 to the market, a car that was delivered via Ferrari of Modena to its first keeper Ms Anna Maria Molina, a 25-year-old resident of Varese, Italy. This example was originally finished in the stunning and rare combination of Grigio Argento over Nero with Grigio carpets, the same shades that it proudly boasts today.
#4971 would remain under the diligent ownership of Ms Molina for several years, with the car being maintained by Ferrari’s Assistenza Clienti in Modena. The vehicle was subsequently sold to the noted Ferrari dealer, historian and author Rob De La Rive Box in Seon, Switzerland. He continued to have the car serviced by Ferrari in Modena until 1970 when he sold it to the next custodian, Mr Richard Merritt of the USA, another noted Ferrari author and historian who has written numerous respected books on the marque.
The Lusso would then live a cherished live in the USA for several decades, with just three further keepers recorded in that time. In fact, the last US keeper owned the car in the preferrable climate of California for 30 years, before the vehicle would return to Europe to a British owner in 2017.
Upon arriving to the UK, #4971 was sent to a noted specialist at the time for extensive restoration works, with a key focus on the bodywork and cosmetics. The car enjoyed a complete body restoration and bare-metal respray, the quality of which is instantly recognisable today with exceptional shut lines and paint finish.
Following the completion of the works, the car was then sold to its second UK owner, a well-known Ferrari collector who requested that Furlonger give the car a complete mechanical appraisal and overhaul. Once again #4971 enjoyed extensive work and expenditure that involved removing the engine, completing a full engine bay detail, a full service and overhaul where required, new clutch and all new oil seals.
The 250 GT/L is widely regarded as the ultimate road-going Ferrari 250, with this example being one of the finest available today. Following the recent works, the condition of the car is exceptional and its desirability is further enhanced by its complete matching numbers and extensive history file that contains old registration cards, original Automobile Club D'Italia identification paperwork and documentation of the restoration works. Further, the car will also be supplied with a hand-made luggage set by Brexton.