1961 Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2
- Engine
- 2.95L SOHC V12 with three Weber carburettors, 240 bhp
- Colour
- Metallic maroon (originally medium silver metallic)
The Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 (chassis 2889 GT) is a 1961 example of the marque's first series-produced four-seat grand tourer, bodied by Pininfarina and powered by a 3-litre Colombo V-12. Completed in October 1961 and initially registered in Rome, it later spent time on the American West Coast before returning to Europe in 1988. The car passed through several noted hands in Canada and participated in the Ferrari Le 250 Tornano a Casa Tour in 2014. It retains much of its original interior and trim, though repainted at some point in metallic maroon.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold €252,000 (≈ $277K)
- 1961-11-01 →Factory deliveryFirst Roman registrantpartial documentation
Vehicle was completed in October 1961 and first registered in Rome the following month, finished in medium silver metallic with blue interior.
- 1972 →Acquisition unknownRobert J. Trierpartial documentation
One of two West Coast US enthusiast owners following the car's import to the United States in 1972; shared custody period with Redge H. Martin.
- 1972 →Acquisition unknownRedge H. Martinpartial documentation
West Coast US enthusiast owner alongside Robert J. Trier following the 1972 US import.
- 1988 →Private saleStuart Andersonpartial documentation
Noted Ferrari collector who acquired the car upon its return to Europe as a gift for his girlfriend; her sudden death prompted the subsequent sale.
- 1993-02-01 →Private saleMark Shannonpartial documentation
Purchased the car following the death of Stuart Anderson's girlfriend, then promptly resold it to Ernie Fleischer.
- Date unknownPrivate saleErnie Fleischerpartial documentation
Based in Richmond, British Columbia; acquired the car from Mark Shannon.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownYale Shappartial documentation
South Surrey, British Columbia resident who owned the car for several years; in 1998 communicated details about the car's original features to the 250 GTE Registry, and noted the car appeared in a television production in November 1997.
- Date unknownPrivate saleCurrent vendorpartial documentation
Acquired the car in British Columbia, removed and rebuilt the engine for use as a spare in a California Spider, then returned the engine to the GTE in 2013 and participated in a Ferrari touring event the following summer.
Competition
- 19601960 Le Mans 24 Hours
The 250 GTE prototype attended as a course car driven by the race director rather than as a competitor; its four-seat layout drew considerable attention from observers.
- 2014Ferrari Le 250 Tornano a Casa Tour
Current owner drove the car on this Ferrari touring event during the summer of 2014, shortly after the rebuilt engine was reinstalled.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2013Mechanical
Engine removed from the California Spider and refitted to chassis 2889 GT.
- —Modification
Standard console push-pull switches were replaced with toggle switches, apparently carried out either at the factory or very shortly after initial delivery.
Reported to the 250 GTE Registry in 1998 by owner Yale Shap.
- —Bodywork
The car was refinished in its current metallic maroon at some point, replacing the original medium silver metallic finish.
Repaint date unknown; the paintwork shows wear consistent with extended use.
- —Maintenance
Original blue interior seats were re-dyed black by a prior owner; remaining trim is described as largely original.
- —Engine rebuild
The V-12 engine was removed and fully rebuilt by the current owner, then installed in his California Spider for use as a spare unit.
Engine was subsequently removed from the California Spider in 2013 and reinstalled in the 250 GTE.
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