From its 1947 inception, Ferrari overwhelmingly relied on a Gioacchino Colombo-designed V12 that was successively developed from its original 1.5-liter displacement to 1.9-, 2.3-, 2.6- and 2.7-liter configurations. In early 1952, the engine was further enlarged with a single-cylinder volume approaching 250 cubic centimeters, and the resulting 2,953-cubic-centimeter engine became the first edition of the famous Colombo short-block 3-liter V12 — a motor that in one form or another remained in production through 1964.
Unsurprisingly, the earliest 250 engines were utilized in competition cars, starting with the 250 Sport that Giovanni Bracco famously flogged through the rain to win the 1952 Mille Miglia, and most immediately leading to a short run of 250 MM berlinettas and spiders that followed. A year later Ferrari finally installed the 3-liter V12 in a luxurious grand-touring car intended solely for road use: this very important Vignale-bodied Ferrari (0295EU), in what was essentially the inception of the legendary 250 GT.
According to an authoritative feature article in Cavallino magazine by Ferrari historian and Pebble Beach judge Alan C. Boe, and as corroborated by the research of marque expert Marcel Massini, chassis number 0295EU, presented here, is the very first 250 Europa built. It is effectively the prototypical example of a 3-liter grand-touring Ferrari, and it was one of just two that received the 3-liter Colombo V12.
Following its presentation at the 1953 Paris Salon, this fascinating Europa was sold to its first owner, Robert Teakle of Detroit, MI. Over the next 18 years, the Ferrari passed through the care of seven additional owners before being acquired in August 1971 by Gilbert Walton of Danville, CA. In August 2008, the significant Ferrari was purchased from Walton by Brian Hoyt, the well-known proprietor of Perfect Reflections in Hayward, CA, one of the vintage-Ferrari niche’s most respected restoration concerns. Aware that he had secured the long-forgotten 1953 Paris Salon show car, Mr. Hoyt commenced an exacting refurbishment that addressed every mechanical and cosmetic consideration. The original Colombo 3-liter V12 was sent to the highly respected marque specialist Patrick Ottis, who completely rebuilt the important engine, including the installation of new pistons.
The owner wasted no time in exhibiting the magnificent Europa on the show scene, beginning with presentation at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in August 2015, where the car participated in the very competitive Grand Touring Ferrari class. Five months later the 250 was shown at the Cavallino Classic, winning a Platinum Award and the Elegance Cup for the finest coachbuilt Ferrari.
Ideal for enjoyment on major vintage-touring events and rallies, or presentation at world-class concours d’elegance, this outstanding show-awarded Europa is an important cornerstone of the 250 GT legend. It continues to benefit from Mr. Hoyt’s top-notch restoration, and it is desirably documented with the Ferrari Classiche Red Book that certifies the continued presence of the matching-numbers V12 engine.
