For Sale 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Series 2 Cabriolet - Scott Grundfor Company

Restored by marque specialists in Modena, this exceptional Series 2 250GT Cabriolet presents today in as-delivered factory colors Blu over Pelle Beige. Retaining its original Columbo-derived 12-cylinder paired to shifting prowess provided by a much lauded overdrive 4-speed manual transmission, this exceptional Ferrari is ready for show or touring events with less than 900 miles of use since restoration. Offered today with hard top, tool roll, records and as-ready for touring use.

Highlights

The 19th Series II Cabriolet built

Chassis no. 1805 GT

Engine no. 1805 GT

Superbly restored example

Less than 1,000 miles since resto

Retains original engine

Original colors

Blu (MM 16228) paint

Pelle Beige (VM 3309)

Hard top

Tool roll

16″ Borrani wire wheels

Tipo 128F 12-cylinder engine

3-liter w/ outside plug

Overdrive 4-speed manual trans

4-wheel disc-brakes

Dark Blue 12-Cylinder

During the mid- to late 1950s, Ferrari was undergoing a transition as rising racing costs forced the company to sell more road cars to support its ambitious competition program. Previously, most road-going Ferraris were built to order with extensive customer-specific variations, which kept production volumes low, manufacturing costs high, and profitability limited.

Introduced at the 1957 Geneva International Auto Salon, the 250 GT Cabriolet was conceived as a semi-luxury touring car, addressing client criticisms of the earlier 250 California Spider with upgraded interior trim and improved sound insulation. While it shared much of its chassis and drivetrain with Ferrari’s contemporary competition models, its elevated standards of fit and finish, more comprehensive instrumentation, rich leather upholstery, and added passenger comforts clearly distinguished it as a more refined offering. The cabriolet was derived from the 250 GT Coupe—also positioned as a luxury grand tourer—whose elegant bodywork was crafted by Pinin Farina.

Unveiled to the public at the 1959 Paris Salon, one year after the 250 GT Coupe, the second-series 250 GT Cabriolet succeeded the low-production first series as its more developed replacement. This Series II cabriolet became Ferrari’s first commercially successful production convertible, marking an important milestone for the marque. A graceful “kick-up” behind the doors and beautifully sculpted rear fenders lent the cabriolet a visually longer profile than the coupe, even though the two models shared almost identical overall dimensions.

From a mechanical standpoint, both the 250 GT Cabriolet and Coupe benefitted from significant advances over the California, most notably the updated 3.0‑liter Tipo 128F Colombo-derived V‑12, rated at 240 bhp. This engine featured outside-plug cylinder heads, twin distributors, and could be paired with an overdrive transmission, while four-wheel disc brakes, telescopic shock absorbers, and the now-iconic 16‑inch Borrani wire wheels delivered race-worthy braking and road manners. The result was a stylish yet potent Ferrari grand tourer capable of accelerating from 0–60 mph in under seven seconds and reaching a top speed of roughly 140 mph.

These improvements struck a chord with Ferrari’s clientele, leading to a successful yet relatively limited production run that continued into 1962. Approximately 200 Series II cabriolets were built, far exceeding the numbers of the earlier first-series cars, largely thanks to their superior mechanical specification and more resolved touring character.

Chassis no. 1805 GT was the 19th 250 GT Cabriolet completed, finished by Pinin Farina on 23 April 1960. Delivered new to Italauto SA in Lausanne, Switzerland, it left the factory in Blu (MM 16228) over Pelle Beige (VM 3309) and was sold to its first owner, a Mr. Rubois, in Switzerland before later being exported to the United States. The car returned to Europe in 1990 when it was acquired by German collector Wolfgang von Schmieder, then residing in Cologny, Switzerland, and by the late 1990s it had become a fixture at the International Auto Museum in Geneva. After its time in Geneva, the car was again sent to the U.S., where it was refinished in Grigio Scuro over Magnolia leather and displayed at the Cincinnati Concours in June 2009.

In 2014, a knowledgeable European-based enthusiast purchased chassis 1805 GT, fully aware that its original engine had been replaced with a unit from a Pinin Farina coupe, chassis no. 1935 GT—a car he also owned. Both cars were subsequently shipped to Modena, where the owner had located the original engine for 1805 GT, then residing in a 250 GT Cabriolet Series I; the engines were duly swapped back to their correct chassis and both cars underwent complete restorations.

To ensure a faithful and high-quality restoration, RM Sotheby’s commissioned respected marque specialists in the Modena area. Carrozzeria Sports Cars handled the bodywork, Ferrari Classiche rebuilt the engine, and Corrado Patella’s Autofficina Omega refurbished the gearbox, rear axle, suspension, and brakes, while Maieli Interni Auto retrimmed the interior in correct Connolly leather. The car is also equipped with a proper hardtop and is accompanied by a tool kit; its engine (1805 GT) is original to the chassis, although the gearbox is of a later type.

Completed only recently after a four-year restoration totaling nearly €240,000, chassis 1805 GT is presented in exceptional condition and is offered with zero miles since the work was finished. Now returned to its original, striking color combination of dark blue over beige leather, it stands as a quintessential gentleman’s Ferrari—an ideal candidate for international concours or FCA events, and a superb open grand tourer for the enthusiast wishing to savor Ferrari performance and luxury at their peak.

Highlights

Dark Blue 12-Cylinder

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