• Part of The Aurora Collection
• The 62nd of 165 total examples built
• One of the final examples clothed in the 1960 body style
• Retains its matching-numbers chassis and engine; certified by Ferrari Classiche in October 2008
• Storied ownership history in Europe and the USA
• Briefly appeared in the classic Disney film The Love Bug

The highly successful racing berlinetta that Ferrari introduced in late-1959, on its new 2,400 millimetre short-wheelbase chassis, was a triumph in terms of both aesthetics and performance, as brilliantly epitomised by this desirable example of the 250 GT SWB. Chassis number 2347 GT is the 62nd built out of a total production run of 165 cars, and the final example to be clothed in the 1960 body style. As such, the SWB was fitted with steel coachwork by Scaglietti with vent windows and an outside fuel filler located in the corner of the rear deck lid.

Completed by the factory in February 1961, by June of that year it was sold by Chic Vandagriff’s Hollywood Sports Cars to the well-known Southern California collector, Jack Nethercutt. The Merle Norman cosmetics scion was an early stalwart in the collector car niche and eventually founded his own automotive museum. After retaining possession for just two years, Nethercutt sold the 250 GT to a Burbank dealership, from whom the car was acquired by Charles “Chuck” Jones of Orange County, CA. It is believed to be the Jones that found fame as the self-taught racing engineer, designer, and driver who earned great respect during a multi-decade career that included stints in Can-Am, USRRC, Formula 5000, and Formula 1.

In 1964, the 250 GT’s engine was removed and installed in a long-wheelbase 250 GT ‘Tour de France’ (chassis 0647 GT). The SWB went on to enjoy fleeting cinematic fame in 1968, when it made a brief appearance in the Disney classic, The Love Bug. The Ferrari then passed through three more California-based owners over the following 11 years before being sold in 1979 to David Piper, the British racing driver. Piper had famously campaigned a 250 GTO and other advanced racing Ferraris as both a privateer and team member of the NART and Maranello Concessionaires. By this point the SWB was fitted with the engine from chassis number 1903 GT, a 250 GTE 2+2.

Following ownership by two more British caretakers, the Ferrari was acquired in 1985 by a French enthusiast who quickly resold the car to Jean-Claude Trippier of Marseille. Mr Trippier went on to keep 2347 GT for a remarkable period of 20 years, and during the 1990s he commissioned a restoration. Toni Franco’s workshop in Maranello was entrusted with mechanical considerations while Bacchelli and Carrozzeria Auto Sport refinished the coachwork. Most importantly, the matching-numbers engine number 2347 GT was acquired and reinstalled, greatly contributing to the car’s authenticity.

Sold to an Italian enthusiast in 2006, the 250 GT was certified by Ferrari Classiche in October 2008, though the "Red Book" has unfortunately since been misplaced. Bidders should note that, while the digital copy of the Ferrari Classiche certification accompanies the car, its next owner will need to contact the Classiche department directly to arrange recertification. Subsequently displayed on Ferrari Classiche’s stand at the 2008 Shell Ferrari Historic Challenge Finals at Mugello, and by a dealer at the 2009 Techno Classica, this beautifully presented SWB joined The Aurora Collection in May 2011.

Well-restored examples of the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta, with colourful histories and significant ownership provenance, do not often come to market. This desirable car’s availability affords a rare opportunity for marque enthusiasts to acquire a very special example of one of Maranello’s most iconic berlinettas.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/ve23.