1955 Ferrari 250 Europa GT

Traditionally regarded as the first production 250 GT model, the Europa GT was an important model in the history of the Ferrari marque. Combining elegant, understated Pinin Farina coachwork, with independent coil-spring front suspension and a three-liter Colombo-derived V-12 engine, the Europa GT established a template for all subsequent Ferrari 250 GT models, giving them a significance that outweighs a limited production run of just 43 cars.

The Europa GT presented here, chassis 0413 GT, is a unique example that possesses several distinguishing characteristics, including a special instrument arrangement and an unconventional taillight treatment. According to the research of Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, this Ferrari was completed in October 1955, finished in the gorgeous color scheme of Grigio Metallizzato over orange leather, and delivered to its first owner in Genoa, Italy. While little is known of the car’s earliest years, the Europa GT was allegedly built for one of Ferrari’s most important early patrons – Dr. Enrico Wax, the official Italian distributor for Johnnie Walker whisky and Moët & Chandon champagne.

In the late-1950s or early-1960s, 0413 GT was exported to the US and was acquired by a private collector from Southern California. Amazingly, he retired the Ferrari from road use in the mid-1960s and simply preserved it as a static display in their small private collection, which included a variety of American classics, postwar Fords, and even another early Ferrari – almost all in original, unrestored condition.

Now making its public debut after decades in hiding, 0413 GT is a perfect candidate for its new owner to enter into exclusive historic events, including the preservation class at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance ®. Showing just 33,671 kilometers from new, the Ferrari has been virtually untouched since the mid-1960s, retains its California black plates, and displays a fantastic patina throughout, with captivating details from a 1959 Automobile Club d’Italia sticker to the original Pirelli hoses in the engine bay. For those who appreciate original, time-capsule cars, the appearance of 0413 GT at auction represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.