1964 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso

An Italian gran turismo of exceptional elegance and enduring appeal, the 250 GT Lusso ranks among the most celebrated road-going models of Ferrari’s golden era. Introduced in 1963 as the final evolution of the 250 GT line, the Lusso united Pininfarina’s refined design language with Ferrari’s proven mechanical sophistication, producing a motor car equally suited to spirited touring and concours lawns.

As the ultimate development of Ferrari’s longrunning 250 GT series, the Lusso benefited from more than a decade of continuous refinement. Its tubular steel chassis featured independent front suspension, a well-located live rear axle, and four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes, while power was provided by a traditional Colombo-type, three-liter V-12, fed by three Weber carburetors. Though conceived primarily as a civilized road car, the Lusso retained clear competition roots, and select examples were successfully campaigned in events such as the Targa Florio, Tour de France, and Spa sports car races.

The Lusso’s enduring reputation, however, rests largely on its sublime coachwork. Designed by Pininfarina and built by Carrozzeria Scaglietti, the body is defined by its long, flowing bonnet, fastback roofline, and restrained application of chrome. The result has been widely regarded as one of the most beautiful Ferrari road-car designs ever produced. As Chuck Jordan of General Motors Styling Department observed, “Pininfarina’s Ferrari Berlinetta Lusso exhibits for all time that transformation of form and function into the spiritual presence by which great art transcends mere art.”

Just 350 examples were produced between 1963 and 1964, and the model has long been revered for its elegance, usability, and association with the glamorous international jet set of the era. From the outset, the Lusso was considered a connoisseur’s Ferrari, and today the majority of surviving examples are carefully documented by marque historians and reside in significant private collections.

The history of this Lusso, chassis 5931 GT, can be traced to July 1964, when it was completed at the Ferrari factory. According to the research of marque historian Marcel Massini, this lateproduction example – the 341st Lusso built – was originally finished in the rare and attractive color scheme of Azzurro (Light Blue, Italver 19278) over Nuvola (Cloud Gray) Connolly leather upholstery.

Delivered new to official North American distributor Luigi Chinetti Motors in New York, 5931 GT remained in the Eastern US in its early years. First owned by a Mr. Sapperstein, it was later repainted white before being sold in 1970 to Arthur Stickney of Boston. After approximately eight years in his care, the Lusso eventually passed to William Butler of Washington, D.C., where it remained for several decades.

The car re-emerged in 2011 and, after several subsequent transactions, entered a prominent Southern California collection. Shortly after its acquisition in 2013, the owner commissioned Fast Cars Ltd. of Redondo Beach to carry out an extensive restoration.

Well documented with extensive photographic records, the work included stripping the body to bare metal, rebuilding mechanical and electrical systems, and refinishing the coachwork in elegant Amaranto (Amaranth Red) over beige, the color scheme seen today. The images further attest to the Lusso’s remarkably original and complete condition prior to restoration, with numerous panels and components stamped “5931.”

Following completion, the car joined the collection of Jeff Mosing in late 2020, where it remained for several years. During this time, it also benefited from a high-quality repaint by Jeff’s Resurrections in Taylor, Texas, before being acquired by the current Texas-based owner.

In pursuit of further refinement, the consignor initiated Ferrari Classiche certification, which is currently pending final approval. During this process, it was confirmed that the engine, gearbox, and rear axle are original, matchingnumbers components, with internal numbers corresponding to factory records. Additional attention has been given to sourcing a proper tool roll, jack, and handbook set, along with recent service work and extensive detailing to prepare the Lusso for its concours debut, as it has yet to be shown or judged competitively.

One of the most important Ferrari models of its era, the 250 GT Lusso remains a benchmark of beauty, exclusivity, and usability. Exceptional examples rarely appear on the open market, and a car such as 5931 GT – benefiting from a known ownership history and a recent, high-quality restoration – represents an enticing opportunity.