PROVENANCE
Giuseppe Bolchini, Milan, Italy (acquired new in July 1961)
Concetta Attolina, Seveso, Italy (acquired from the above in July 1965)
S.I.L.V.A. SpA Milano, Milan, Italy (acquired from the above in March 1966)
Livio Guarnieri, Milan, Italy (acquired from the above in January 1967)
Angelo Pizzoli, Milan, Italy (acquired from the above in November 1967)
Gabrielle Paoletti, Vicenza, Italy (acquired from the above in January 1973)
Giorgio Peruffo, Maggiore, Italy (acquired from the above in June 1982)
Piervittorio Sisto Verotta, Varese, Italy (acquired from the above in June 1989)
Federico Donati, Ferrara, Italy (acquired from the above in June 2000)
Giovanni Battista Dall’Armi, Treviso, Italy (acquired from the above in November 2010)
Current Owner (acquired from the above)

THIS CAR
Maranello’s first production-based 2+2 seater was clothed in a handsome Pinin Farina body that impressively preserved the aesthetic beauty and performance of the 250 GT platform, while still providing the comfort requisite of a four-seater touring car. Given the subdued cachet these cars possessed when new, many examples were used beyond the point of collectability, often treated less generously than their two-seater stablemates. To find a lavishly restored GTE that has been well documented is very unusual, which is precisely what makes this spectacular example so desirable.

Retailed through Milan’s well-known Crepaldi dealership, chassis no. 2651 GT was purchased new by local resident Giuseppe Bolchini. As reflected by numerous period Italian registration histories from the Automobile Club d’Italia, the GTE possesses an impressive provenance that clearly accounts for 54 years of ownership.

In 2010, the Ferrari was purchased by a gentleman in Milan, who then commissioned a full restoration of the well-maintained car. Some of Italy’s finest craftsmen were retained to assist in the refurbishment, with Garuti Giuseppe of Modena performing a bulk of the mechanical restoration. Gozzi Dario rewired and freshened the electrical systems as needed, while Carrozzeria Eurocar S.N.C. of Villorba addressed any coachwork needs. The prepared body received a new paint finish in the original color of Bleu Sera from Car Evoluzione S.N.C., also of Villorba. Completed in early 2014, the three-year restoration was documented with numerous invoices and resulted in an overwhelming renewal to factory-correct standards.

In October 2013, the owner received certification of the car’s authenticity with a Ferrari Classiche Red Book. Attesting that 2651 GT retains its factory-issued chassis, engine, body, brakes, and wheels, the Red Book clarifies the GTE’s impressive originality. Now available in the US for the first time, this wonderfully documented Ferrari is also accompanied by a copy of the factory build sheet and a reproduction owner’s manual.

In addition to the desirable outside-spark-plug Tipo 128E engine, this car offers sensational cosmetic quality that highlights the 250 GTE’s finest features. Such details range from the elegant front-fender scallops and chromed taillamps to the sumptuous interior of proper beige leather and carpeting, which is capped by a handsome instrument panel and classic wood-rimmed steering wheel. It is rare to encounter a GTE so meticulously finished and documented, and this outstanding Series I example is now optimally poised for regional concours display and vintage touring enjoyment.