1964 Ferrari 250 GTL Lusso

This car’s association with Rob Walker is probably more hype than provenance, but for me it’s enough to want it in my garage

by Steve Ahlgrim

When the new 250 Gran Tursimo was launched at the 1954 Paris Salon it was described as the first standard series production Ferrari. Pininfarina subsequently developed several different bodywork styles for the car; the Berlinetta Lusso treatment first appeared at the 1962 Paris Salon and was an instant success. The sleek design was both curvaceous and aggressive, with full-length wings sweeping to a truncated tail designed in acknowledgement of the aerodynamic theories of Dr. Kamm. The short wheelbase of the earlier 250 GTs was retained, but a new chassis configuration for the Lusso placed the engine several centimeters further forward allowing for a more roomy and comfortable interior than its predecessors. The appeal of the Berlinetta Lusso could not be better summarized then by Tanner and Nye in their book Ferrari, where they wrote, “The two-seat Berlinetta Lusso will remain one of the most graceful of all attainable Ferraris. It was never produced in...