1954 Ferrari 250 GT Europa Series II

Consistent serial production 250s begin with the Europa GT. Prior to this, one could find differences between sequential Ferraris of the same model

by Steve Ahlgrim

Introduced to the public at the 1953 Paris Auto Salon alongside the 375 America, the 250 GT Europa was Ferrari’s first true Gran Turismo and the first road-going Ferrari to be identified by the now-legendary 250 series nomenclature.

Pinin Farina’s design features a high-waisted silhouette with a long, low hood, crisp lines and a large oval grille. The elegant yet sporty 2+2 coupe is now regarded as a classic and solidified Ferrari’s longstanding relationship with the design firm.

The Europa was the only Ferrari 250 to carry the Aurelio Lampredi-designed V12, which was originally designated for racing use and produced over 200 horsepower. As such, the Europa was capable of a 135 mph top speed and 0–60 times under eight seconds. The V12 engine was coupled with an all-synchromesh transmission and, in conjunction with the car’s superb handling characteristics, made for an outstanding Gran Turismo package.

The exceptional left-hand-drive example...