SCM Analysis
Detailing
| Vehicle: | 1959 Ferrari 250 GT TdF Fakey-Do |
| Years Produced: | 1958-1962 (donor 250PF coupe) |
| Number Produced: | 350 (donor 250PF coupe) |
| Original List Price: | $12,500 (donor 250PF coupe) |
| SCM Valuation: | $550,000-$750,000, geniuine TdF; $35,000-$60,000, |
| Tune Up Cost: | $1,200-$1,600 |
| Distributor Caps: | $200 two required |
| Chassis Number Location: | On chassis near R.F. top wishbone anchorage |
| Engine Number Location: | Right side of block above starter flange |
| Club Info: | Ferrari Owners Club, 8642 Cleta Street; Downey, CA 90241. 562/861-6992 |
| Website: | http://FerrariOwnersClub.org |
| Alternatives: | (to a real Tdf) Maserati A6 Zagato, Mercedes 300SL (competition model) |
The vehicle described here sold for $198,768 (including commission) at the Coys International Auction held at Silverstone, England, July 31, 1999.
This series of 250 GT Ferraris were notable for several reasons. They were the first to be fitted with the famous type 128 engine and they were to dominate the Tour de France event for an unprecedented nine years. A genuine TdF car commands figures north of $500,000. That fact, coupled with their similarity under the skin to more affordable 250s, has caused a number of rebodied cars to sprout up, such as this one sold at the Coys auction.
It is more common to find a 250 or 330 rebodied into a 250 GTO or a 250 TR than a TdF. Therefore, price statistics are a bit thin but comparisons can still be made to other rebodies. The first issue to address is the accuracy of the replication. There seem to be a few pluses and minuses with regard to 1657GT. It has the desirable 14-louver body configuration fitted with a tuned, inside-plug engine. It carries disc brakes and 15-inch wheels, probably because the 1959 donor car is newer than the Boano/Ellena 250s that were the basis of the original TdF. Certainly a few genuine TdFs have been upgraded with these wheels and brakes, but this is a strike against the car’s authenticity.
Overall, this car is not as painstaking a replica as, say, a Favre 250 GTO. Very high-quality alloy 250SWB rebodies fitted with strong engines have been offered in the $125-135,000 range. I would think that this particular car, with its various strengths and weaknesses, would have sold in the low $100,000 range. Perhaps it was superior to the specifications and description or it was purchased by someone who just wanted to buy a finished car for about the price of building one, but without the wait.-Michael Duffey