French title

Chassis No 1349 GT Engine No 1349

- Certified by Ferrari Classiche, ex-John Riding

- ex-John Riding Lee collection

- Exceptional factory restoration in 1987

- First series of the Pinin Farina coupe, historically significant

- Driven regularly by highly meticulous owners

This stunning Ferrari 250 GT Coupe Pinin Farina was delivered new in March 1959 to Chinetti Motors, the Ferrari importer in the United States who also owned the famous North American Racing Team (better known as NART). This coupe is finished in Grigio Conchiglia colour combined with a leather and turquoise blue faux leather interior. It remained in the U.S for several years and in September 1986, it became part of the collection of a major Ferrari collector John Riding Lee, an insurance specialist who had been involved in classic cars since 1954 and took part in various classic car events. This Ferrari was then registered in Texas, bearing the licence plate “ENZO TX” and its garage companions included a 250 GTO and other iconic models. In 1987, Mr. Lee had a full restoration carried out, with the bodywork entirely stripped down from the chassis and including an engine refurbishment. The interior was then replaced with gorgeous red upholstery which it still features today.

On 1st May 1987, it was presented by Lee at the Ferrari Club of America’s annual Concours d’Elegance at Wolf Trap Farm in Washington (VA), placing 3rd in Class 2 for the 1956-1963 250 series. It returned to Europe in the early 1990s, where it found a home in two successive Swiss collections before being sold to a French collector through an official Ferrari dealership. It was purchased in 2012 by its current owner on the French Riviera.

 

This stunning Pinin Farina, coupe, which had a high-quality full restoration carried out, has had few but very meticulous owners who drove it regularly and sparingly. As a result, it remains in excellent condition today. It has an exceptional elegance thanks to its two-tone grey colour combined with red leather interior. Thesecond dark grey tone for the roof which enhances the breathtaking design of this GT. Its red leather interior is simply splendid, with a slight nice patina and grey carpets in impeccable condition. It had a complete overhaul in 2023 at Ferrari Cavallari in Monaco.

This coupe is part of the glorious 250 GT family, the one that enabled Ferrari to evolve from a confidential brand to a world-class manufacturer. Designed by Gioacchino Colombo, it is powered by the famous and powerful V12 engine, renowned for its performance both on the road and on track, as evidenced by multiple victories it achieved at prestigious events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Following the first 250 Europa and 250 GT Ellena, the development of this family was confirmed with the arrival in 1958 of the 250 GT Pinin Farina coupe, a model that exceeded the production figures Ferrari was accustomed to and one that remained in the catalogue until 1960. Alongside competition versions like the iconic 250 GTO, this 250 GT coupe was the brand’s flagship model and has retained its undeniable allure today.

With a total of 353 examples produced (Series 1 and 2), these magnificent coupes are rare; but according to various cross-checks, 140 of them are still in existence, of which 90 are from the first series. Numerous examples have vanished or were used to create replicas of the Tour de France, California or Testa Ross in terms of bodywork styles, making original examples increasingly rare.

With its classically elegant design and legendary engine, this particular example is part of the first series and is known to be the most significant for the prancing horse brand. Accompanied by its Ferrari Classiche certification and eligible for many classic car events, it will offer its next owner the exhilarating driving sensations closely related to those of its racing cousins.

Photos © Loïc Kernen