1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso

An Italian gran turismo of inimitable style, the 250 GT Lusso combined the finest qualities of Pininfarina design and Ferrari performance in one exceptionally versatile package.

As the last production 250 GT model, the Lusso was the culmination of a decade of steady chassis development and benefited from a rugged yet compliant suspension, four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes, and Ferrari’s brilliant three-liter V-12. Though the Lusso was designed for civilized road use, more adventurous owners demonstrated its motor sport heritage with successful outings at the Targa Florio, the Tour de France Automobile, and the Spa sports car races.

The Lusso’s exquisite coachwork, designed by Battista “Pinin” Farina and constructed by Carrozzeria Scaglietti, has always received great acclaim. Chuck Jordan of General Motors Styling Department famously remarked that “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.”

In total, just 350 of these elegant Ferraris were built between 1963 and 1964. Their splendid design, unrivaled touring capabilities, and association with some of the most glamorous personalities of the 1960s have contributed to their revered status among collectors and Ferrari aficionados.

The Lusso offered here, 5225 GT, is the 173rd example built and was completed by Ferrari in December 1963. According to Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, the certificate of origin for 5225 GT was issued on December 19th, and the new Ferrari was sold to its first owner, a textile manufacturer based in Genova, Italy.

The Lusso remained in the hands of its original owner until May 3, 1968, when it was sold to Viviano Corradini, an automobile specialist with residences in both Milan and New Jersey. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Mr. Corradini made a name for himself in classic car circles buying exotic cars in Europe and exporting them to the US, where they would be sold to American enthusiasts.

5225 GT was among the many Ferraris that followed this very path. On June 15, 1968, it was exported to the US and by 1970 had been sold to a resident of New Jersey. Evidently, the Lusso remained in the same hands until summer 1987, when it was advertised for sale in the Ferrari Market Letter. At this time, the Lusso was painted in burgundy with black leather upholstery and had covered approximately 96,000 km (just under 60,000 miles). Later that year, the Ferrari was acquired by Thomas W. Barrett III of Scottsdale, Arizona, and subsequently sold at public auction in January 1988. From there, the car made a brief journey to Europe and then, by year’s end, it was sold to Yoshio Sogabe of Kobe, Japan.

In 2002, 5225 GT returned to the US and was next sold to the current owner, a Southern California enthusiast who had always longed to own a classic 12-cylinder Ferrari. Over the past 12 years, he has thoroughly enjoyed his time with the Lusso, driving it some 1,000 km each year on regular weekend outings and at Ferrari Club of America events such as the annual Ortega Run.

Between 2008 and 2009, Ferrari specialist Jens Paulson performed an engine rebuild and the Lusso has been driven approximately 3,000 km since this work was carried out. Most recently, a general service and detail was performed, with this work overseen by a respected marque specialist and experienced FCA judge. At this time, Ferrari Classiche Certification was applied for and is currently pending approval.

Cosmetically refurbished approximately 30 years ago and maintained in good working order ever since, 5225 GT presents its new owner with the opportunity to acquire a world-class 250 Ferrari that can either be enjoyed as-is or serve as an ideal basis for a concours-quality restoration. Offered with a tool roll, owner’s handbooks, and a history report compiled by marque historian Marcel Massini, this Lusso offers an enticing overall package.

Benefiting from attentive long-term stewardship, a well-documented history, and recent mechanical attention, 5225 GT is a lovely example of one of Ferrari’s most revered road-going models. For the collector who has been searching for a great Lusso, this is certainly a car worthy of serious consideration.