1961 | Ferrari 250 GTE

Ferrari 250 GTE Series I

• Matching numbers as confirmed by Ferrari Classiche in February 2020
• Full history known, first owner Monsieur Chalandon
• Completely restored between 2010 and 2021
• Original exterior color of Rosso Bordeaux

Introduction

In order to keep up with rival marques such as Aston Martin and Maserati, Ferrari’s answer was the Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2. Shown for the first time at the 1960 24 Hours of Le Mans, serving as a course car. The car was build on Ferrari’s popular 250 platform and was designed with an attractive coupe shape styled by Pininfarina. It became the first four-seater Prancing Horse produced on a larger scale.

Sharing the same celebrated 3.0 litre V12 Colombo engine as the 250 GT Berlinetta the powertrain was positioned slightly further forward and with a wider track, giving the car excellent handling. This altered configuration allowed for a light, spacious cabin with plenty of space for luggage, reinforcing the car’s reputation as a sought-after grand tourer. The 250 GTE also featured an independent front suspension, and all-round disc brakes could be found behind the Borrani wire wheels. Spanning three series, 954 examples of the GTE were produced between 1960 to 1963, including 299 units of the Series I, and Enzo Ferrari himself was said to have favoured the model for his own personal transport.

This Ferrari 250 GTE series I

This Ferrari 250 GTE was delivered to Franco Brittanic Autos in Levallois-Perret (Paris), France in June 1961. Its first owner was Mr. Albin Chalandon, a flamboyant businessman, banker and politician. Monsieur Chalandon served in several French cabinets after WW2 and ultimately became Minister of Justice in the cabinet of Jacque Chirac. The car spent the first 25 years of its life in and around Paris after which it was sold to a well-known Bugattiste in the Landes department. The last custodian acquired the car in 2009, also residing in France.

After enjoying the Ferrari 250 GTE during the earliest years of ownership, the engine was rebuilt and the car was repainted, as is documented by invoices totalling around 120.000 EUR, with work performed by Garage Donati of Corseaux, Switzerland, Gipimotor in Belgium, L’Officina near Brussels and Madou Compétition near Lille, France. With these invoices there are photos on file of the restoration process. In 2019 the car returned to its original shade of Rosso Boredaux 10027. In February 2020, the car was verified by Ferrari Classiche to feature matching-numbers chassis, differential, gearbox, and engine.

This desirable first series Ferrari 250 GTE is for sale. Please, don’t hesitate to contact us for further details.