1955 Ferrari 250 GT Boano Low Roof Coupé
- Engine
- 2.95L V12 SOHC, triple twin-choke carburetors, 220 bhp
- Colour
- Tour de France livery color scheme
Chassis 0447 GT is an early Ferrari 250 GT Boano Low Roof Coupé, bodied in lightweight alloy and notable as a transitional example between the Pinin Farina prototypes and the Boano series-production cars. Originally allocated a Pinin Farina body in late 1955, it was redirected to Carrozzeria Boano due to capacity constraints, then returned for cosmetic revisions before delivery in mid-1956. Its first owner was celebrated conductor Guido Cantelli, who perished in the Orly air disaster just months after taking delivery. The car subsequently passed through several American collections before a thorough engine rebuild was undertaken.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate US$1,750,000 – US$2,250,000
- 1956-08-01 → 1956-11-01Factory deliveryGuido Cantellipartial documentation
Celebrated orchestral conductor who had just been appointed head of La Scala opera. Died in an air disaster near Paris after only about three months of ownership, leaving the car barely driven.
- → 1986Acquisition unknownJohn A. Hayespartial documentation
North Carolina-based individual who listed the car for sale via the Ferrari Market Letter in 1986.
- 1986 →Private saleLyle Tanner Enterprisespartial documentation
Carson, California dealership that acquired the car and carried out a restoration, refinishing it in dark red with a grey interior before onward sale.
- 1992 → 2010Acquisition unknownFredrijk Kroymanspartial documentation
Prominent Ferrari dealer and collector who served as the official Netherlands importer; held the car for roughly two decades.
- 2010 →Private saleTom Pricepartial documentation
Respected American Ferrari collector who maintained the existing restoration rather than undertaking fresh work.
- Date unknownPrivate saleBlackhawk Collectionpartial documentation
Ken Behring's well-known California collection, which received the car following the Lyle Tanner restoration.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownAmerican enthusiasts, multiple unidentifiednone documentation
Following export to the United States after Cantelli's death, the car passed through several unnamed owners during this period.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownUnnamed American Ferrari collectionnone documentation
A well-regarded but unidentified US-based Ferrari collection that held the car prior to the current owner.
- Date unknownPrivate saleCurrent caretakerpartial documentation
Present owner commissioned a full engine rebuild by specialist mechanics and had the car repainted in a Tour de France color scheme.
Competition
- 2014Mille Miglia Storica2014 Mille Miglia StoricaDNS
The car received official acceptance into the event but the owner chose not to participate for personal reasons.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1956BodyworkCarrozzeria Boano
After initial completion the body was returned to Carrozzeria Boano for several cosmetic revisions: a continuous, unbroken waistline was introduced, B-pillar turn signals and coachbuilder badges were removed, the front bumper licence bracket was eliminated, and the body was refinished in its original Grigio Metallizzato colour.
Interior remained unchanged throughout. Car was signed off in its revised final form on 30 July 1956.
- 1986RestorationLyle Tanner Enterprises
A full restoration was carried out, with the car refinished in dark red and fitted with a grey interior.
- —Engine rebuildBlack Horse Garage
A thorough engine rebuild was performed by specialist Ferrari mechanics.
Work carried out by Frank Buonanno and Matt Carfo in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
- —Bodywork
The car was refinished in a Tour de France colour scheme by the current owner.
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