1960 Ferrari 250 GT Coupe

Pinin Farina cemented its role as Ferrari’s premier coachbuilder with the debut of the 250 GT at the 1958 Paris motor show. The so-called Pinin Farina Coupe, of which 353 examples were built through 1960, has evolved into one of the more collectible 250 GT iterations, combining mechanical sophistication with elegant and understated aesthetics.

This highly authentic PF Coupe is the final example built, and therefore is a Series II variant equipped with all of the mechanical developments undertaken during the model’s production run. Most significantly this included the implementation of Dunlop disc brakes, overdrive, and the desirable outside-plug tipo 128F engine. Fitted by the factory with chrome knock-off wire wheels, luggage straps, and a desirable passenger-seat headrest, chassis 2081 GT was completed in fall 1960, elegantly finished in Blu Sera paint and trimmed with contrasting white leather upholstery.

As indicated by several original purchase documents, including a dealer note from M.G. Crepaldi in Milan, a SEFAC purchase contract, a factory delivery note, and a provisional contract signed by Enzo Ferrari, this 250 GT was delivered new in September 1960 to owner Sergio Radici of Bergamo, Italy. Exported to the US by the mid-1960s, the Ferrari reportedly was acquired in 1965 by Richard Poppe of Seattle, and he retained possession for nearly 20 years before selling the coupe in 1984 to William Takas of New York City. After passing to John Bungay of Sacramento, in 1987, the 250 GT was purchased by the respected dealer Stephen Barney of Summerfield, North Carolina, in 1990, and then sold four years later to Paul Gilpatrick of Denver, an active Ferrari collector who later became an FCA president.

Acquired from Mr. Gilpatrick by the consignor in 2003, this unrestored 250 GT retains its original matching-numbers engine and original white upholstery, offering a striking visual contrast with the dark blue exterior finish. It should be noted that the passenger-side rocker panel has recently been partially repaired after damage was sustained during an autocross outing.

The consignor went to great lengths to source the car’s original sales paperwork, and it is noteworthy that he acquired a document signed by Enzo Ferrari. Being the last example produced, and offering such a desirable original color scheme, this 250 GT is an ideal candidate for a comprehensive concours-quality restoration. It is quite literally the ultimate Pinin Farina Coupe, and can be enjoyed in its current unrestored condition or renewed to a potentially showstopping state.