Presented by Mecum Auctions – Rightly considered one of the most beautiful Sports/GT automobiles ever created, the 250 GT/L Berlinetta Scaglietti was, and remains, one of the most sought-after classic V-12 Ferrari models. According to Ferrari marque experts, just 350 were produced in 1963-64, yet it was the most successful road-car of its era from Maranello. It was also the 14th and final model from Ferrari with the revered “250 GT” model designation. The “Lusso” also helped generate the necessary cashflow for Enzo Ferrari’s far-flung racing commitments and continued to build the company’s staunch following among the wealthiest and most demanding motorists of the time.
Featuring beautiful styling by Pininfarina and bodied by the renowned craftsmen at Scaglietti, who normally graced Ferrari’s racing cars with their artistry, the 250 GT/L continues to seduce all onlookers today. Aerodynamic efficiency matched its beauty, with an aero-efficient Kamm tail and discreet, built-in rear spoiler adding much-needed downforce. While mostly of steel body construction, the 250 GT/L did utilize lightweight aluminum panels for the doors, hood and trunk lid.
Unknown to many Ferrari enthusiasts, the Lusso’s 2,400 mm tubular chassis and 3.0L engine were closely related to those employed by Ferrari’s legendary 250 GT SWB and 250 GTO competition cars. Its Gioacchino Colombo-designed, 60-degree SOHC V-12 was only somewhat detuned for road use, with triple, as opposed to six, Weber twin-choke carburetors and lower compression. As installed in the Lusso, this engine was mated to a 4-speed gearbox and quoted at 240-250 HP at 7,000 RPM. Performance was excellent as expected, with 140 MPH or more on tap.
Bearing Serial No. 4513 GT, this vehicle is the 57th of 350 built by Carrozzeria Scaglietti and designed by Pininfarina. It was delivered new in July 1963 to official Ferrari Dealer Garage de Montchoisy SA of Geneva, Switzerland and eventually formed part of the Matsuda Collection in Japan. Documentation is outstanding with a Marcel Massini history report and Ferrari Classiche Certification with the “Red Book” in hand. In 2003, the Lusso was displayed at Concorso Italiano in Seaside, California. The 3.0L Colombo V-12 engine is correct, albeit sourced from 4467 GT, and it features the requisite triple Weber twin-choke carburetors, 4-speed manual gearbox, 4-wheel disc brakes and Borrani wire-spoke wheels. Freshly serviced by the marque experts at Boston Sportscar, this beautiful and rare V-12 Ferrari model is perennially collectible and always desirable.
This 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Berlinetta Scaglietti will be auctioned off during Mecum Auctions’ Monterey 2021 event, which runs August 12 to 14.
