• Part of The Aurora Collection
• The 145th out of just 200 examples produced
• Powered by a Colombo-designed V-12 engine
• Retains its matching-numbers body, chassis, engine, gearbox, and rear axle according to factory records; certified by Ferrari Classiche in February 2013
• Known provenance across both Europe and the USA

As the 250 GT model line continued to develop in the twilight of 1959, Ferrari introduced a second generation of its Pininfarina-bodied luxury cabriolet. It was to be positioned as a grand tourer version of the concurrent, competition-derived 250 California Spider. Featuring four-wheel disc brakes and the outside-plug engine derived from the 250 Testa Rossa racing prototype, the new cabriolet was the most tractably powerful 250 GT to date, claiming both fine road manners and strong performance.

Chassis 2931, the 145th of just 200 examples of the Series II Cabriolet made, started life within Pininfarina’s Grugliasco factory in July 1961. The coachbuilder had finished its work by September, and the complete car left the Ferrari factory in October 1961. Originally specified in Grigio Scuro over a Pelle Beige Connolly leather interior, chassis 2931 was delivered new to Remo Gualdieri, a resident in Naples, Italy, in November 1961. The car would reside in its home country until the late-1960s, when it was shipped to the United States by legendary American Ferrari importer, Luigi Chinetti.

In 1970, via his Chinetti Motors dealership in Greenwich, Connecticut, Chinetti sold chassis 2931 to one Mr. Rush, also a resident of Greenwich. Rush is documented as having the car serviced at Chinetti’s dealership over the next several years, at which point the car was noted to be finished in black.

Over the next two decades, the car would pass to two other American owners before returning to Europe. In the early-2000s, chassis 2931 was acquired by Klaas Zwart, founder of Ascari Cars, at which point it was noted to be finished in silver with a black interior. Also known for his founding of the Ascari Race Resort in Ronda, Spain, Zwart drove this car, wearing race number 11, in the 2008 Alberto Ascari Revival, Costa del Sol, Spain. A picture of Zwart piloting chassis 2931 was published in the August 2009 issue of Forza magazine.

According to factory records, the Ferrari retains its matching-numbers chassis, engine, gearbox, and rear axle. Several instances of a body number stamped “945” can be found around the car, matching its Pininfarina body number of 29945. On the front and rear undertrays, its full body number can be seen. In current configuration, the Ferrari is finished in red over a tan leather interior. It joined The Aurora Collection in March 2012. In February 2013, the car was certified by Ferrari Classiche, as is documented by an accompanying digital scan that is available to view in the history file. Bidders should note that its printed Classiche “Red Book” has been misplaced, and its next owner will need to contact Ferrari Classiche directly to discuss recertification.

Considered among the most elegant of Ferrari’s open-top tourers, the 250 GT Cabriolet Series II is equally at home being enjoyed on long coastal roads as it is winding through hillside switchbacks. Chassis 2931 provides an exciting opportunity to experience the joys of classic Ferrari touring.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/ve23.