What was meant by “recommissioned in 2007” is anyone’s guess. According to Bonhams it runs, although it was pushed onto the stage
What was meant by “recommissioned in 2007” is anyone’s guess. According to Bonhams it runs, although it was pushed onto the stage
The 250 GTE 2+2 debuted at the 1960 Le Mans 24-Hour race, serving as the Course Marshal’s car, and had its world premiere later that year at the Paris Salon. There had been four-seater Ferraris before the 250 GTE; Ghia, Touring, and Vignale all produced 2+2 designs in the 1950s that were not entirely successful. Close collaboration between Ferrari and Pininfarina in the design of Maranello’s first series-production four-seater resulted in a very well thought-out, wind-tunnel tested 2+2.
The multi-tubular chassis was similar to that of the 250 GT “notch-back” PF coupe and had the same 2,600-mm wheelbase of all the LWB Ferraris. No stretched chassis was contemplated, so the engine was moved forward eight inches and the body had a longer rear overhang to make room for the rear seats in a body that, despite its increased length, retained Pininfarina’s classical proportions.
Independent front suspension, all-round disc brakes, and a four-speed manual/overdrive gearbox completed the basic chassis specification. The compact Colombo-designed engine, Tipo 128E (hence the obscure designation “GTE”), produced 240 hp, ensuring brisk performance despite the inevitable weight gain. Top speed was close to 140 mph. Ferrari works driver Phil Hill accelerated from a standstill to 100 mph and back to rest in 25 seconds, a staggering achievement for a Grand Tourer with three people aboard. Production ceased in 1963, after 955 cars had been sold, making this the most commercially successful Ferrari to date.
Chassis number 3395GT was sold new in France via Garage Franco Britannie and acquired by the current owner, only its third from new, in April 2007. Recommissioned in 2007 and presented in generally good condition throughout, 3395GT retains its original beige leather interior, showing signs of wear to the driver’s seat, and benefits from the fitting of a new stainless-steel exhaust system. The 250 GTE 2+2 is offered with sundry restoration invoices and French registration/roadworthiness papers.
