Arguably the most beautiful product ever to carry the Maranello marque’s prancing horse emblem, the Ferrari 250GT Lusso Berlinetta debuted at the Paris Salon in October 1962. Styled by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti, the Lusso (luxury) combined race-track looks with new standards of passenger comfort. Beautifully proportioned, the new 250GT blended a low-slung nose with sculpted Kamm tail by means of some of the most exquisite lines yet seen on an automobile. Slim pillars and wide expanses of glass not only enhanced the car’s outward appearance, but made for excellent visibility and a pleasantly light and airy interior.
The last of the successful 250GT line which established Ferrari as a volume manufacturer of road cars, the Lusso was built on a short-wheelbase (240 cm) chassis similar to that of the 250SWB and 250GTO. The chassis followed Ferrari’s established practice, comprising a multi-tubular frame tied together by oval main tubes, with independent front suspension by means of wishbones and coil springs. A four-speed all-synchromesh gearbox transmitted power to the leaf-sprung live rear axle — the latter featuring Watts linkage location like the GTO’s — while braking was looked after by four-wheel discs. Borrani 15 inch diameter wire wheels were standard equipment.
The Lusso’s engine was the light and compact Colombo-designed 3-liter V12. Breathing through three twin-choke Weber carburettors, the single-overhead-camshaft all-aluminium unit produced 240 bhp at 7,500 rpm, giving the Lusso a top speed of 150 mph and a useful 0-100 mph acceleration time of 19.5 seconds.
Currently part of a small private collection of high-quality cars, the Lusso pictured here was purchased in 1987 and subsequently treated to a total restoration with bodywork refurbishment undertaken by respected coachbuilders Marazzi of Milan, and the interior retrimmed by Luppi. The chassis, engine, transmission and electrics were overhauled by Livio Guarnieri, and the car was described as being in excellent condition throughout, having covered less than 5,000 kms since completion of the work in 1989. Since then two historic Tour de France rallies have been completed successfully without any problems being encountered. Finished in black with Champagne leather interior, this Italian-registered car was offered with documentation for work carried out.
SCM Analysis
Detailing
| Vehicle: | 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso |
| Years Produced: | 1962-1964 |
| Number Produced: | 350 |
| SCM Valuation: | $95,000-$130,000 |
| Tune Up Cost: | $1,250 |
| Distributor Caps: | $250 two required |
The car pictured here sold for $115,214, including commission, at the Brooks Monaco sale May 5, 1998. The Ferrari 250GTL is an example of an automobile whose price has more to do with its looks than its performance. i.e. the Lusso really looks faster than it is. This fact doesn’t keep it from fetching almost twice the price of a superior Ferrari, the 330 GTC.
A bit heavy for a three-liter GT car, the Lusso is not a sparkling performer, but its looks and sounds seem to have satisfied several generations of Lusso buyers who, over the years, have had many cheaper and faster cars to choose from.
This particular example is refreshingly finished in a color other than red and appears to have had an extensive restoration that has been proven in a few road events. This use, if the car is still fresh looking, enhances its value as it shows the car to be fully fettled.
Prices for good Lussos are in the $125-130,000 range. A car needing some work can still fetch near $100,000. If the restoration work was done properly and it really looks as though it was done only 5,000 kms ago, then this car was well bought.
Market opinions in italics by Michael Duffey.