Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 Series II by Pininfarina 1962 - World Of Classic Cars -

Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 Series II by Pininfarina 1962

The 250 GTE 2+2 was not officially launched until the Paris Motor Show of October 1960, but this was not its public debut, as several months prior, it served as the course marshal’s car at Le Mans. It was appropriate, as even though it was never designed as a racing car, much of the 250 GTE’s roots were clearly seeded in competition.
Although several special-order 2+2s had been produced in the 1950s, this was Ferrari’s first true production 2+2. At this time, Ferrari was keen to increase its potential market and wanted to compete with Aston Martin and Maserati. The new 2+2 would bring, for the first time, wide-scale production, with 953 examples in total, across three model variants, being produced between 1960 and 1963. For Ferrari, this car was a game-changer: a manufacturer of racing and sports cars was now adding a comfortable four-seat “family” car to its line-up.

Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 Series II by Pininfarina 1962

Ferrari used the same chassis as the legendary 250 GT LWB Tour de France, but the engine was moved eight inches forward. Both the front and rear track were also increased, and the rear section of the roof was raised, providing more cabin space to accommodate the rear seats whilst still maintaining the same wheelbase. With the ability to fit four passengers comfortably, Ferrari had succeeded in increasing its market significantly, and the 250 GTE 2+2 became the company’s top-selling model of the time.
The 250 GTE 2+2 presented here, the 223rd Series II produced, left the factory in May 1962 and was delivered to Pininfarina’s Turin shop for a body to be fitted. In late 1962, the car was sold through renowned distributor Franco-Brittanic Autos Ltd. to the original owner, Mr. Cincani, a resident of Paris. It would remain on Parisian roads for the next 13 years, before being exported to Newport Beach, California, where it was sold to Robert and Pennie Sleeper. In 1979, it next passed to Marc W. Charronat, a student living in Walnut Creek, California. The car then returned to Europe by collector Mr Jens Dinesen, of Denmark, and for some time, it was one of only three GTEs in the country.

Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 Series II by Pininfarina 1962

The 1996 year marked a new chapter in the car’s life. After having been purchased by its current owner, with 88,000 kilometres on the clock, the 250 GTE 2+2 underwent an extensive, 13-year full restoration, which included a new wiring loom, fuel tank, rear suspension, dashboard, and paintwork. More recently, it was returned to the correct, original, and rather lovely colour of Grigio Notte, adding to the car’s spectacular visual impact, especially when contrasted with its luxurious dark red interior.