1963 Ferrari 250 GT/L Lusso
- Engine
- 3.0L Colombo V12, outside-plug ignition, single-cylinder porting (Type 168 U)
- Colour
- Medium blue
Chassis 5183 GT is a 1963 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso, the 152nd of approximately 350 examples built, powered by the type 168 U Colombo V-12 with outside-plug ignition derived from Ferrari's racing variants. Dispatched to coachwork in September 1963 and originally finished in dark green, the car later passed to a single American owner who retained it for 48 years, during which a comprehensive professional restoration earned Platinum Awards at the Cavallino Classic in both 2009 and 2019. All major mechanical components and coachwork are matching-numbers.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$1,600,000
- 1963 → 1963Factory deliveryM. Gastone Crepaldipartial documentation
Well-known Ferrari dealer in Milan who received the car directly from the factory and quickly sold it to an unidentified buyer.
- 1963 →Private saleUnidentified first retail buyernone documentation
Identity unknown; car was exported to the United States at some point before 1970 during this ownership period or shortly after.
- 1970 → 1972Acquisition unknownAlan Croxfordpartial documentation
Television repair shop proprietor from Hopkins, Minnesota; had chrome brightwork refinished, fitted new wire wheels, brakes, and exhaust before listing the car for sale.
- 1972 →Private saleAllan Praypartial documentation
Minnetonka, Minnesota resident whose family retained the car for approximately 48 years; commissioned multiple refurbishments including a full two-year restoration by Bob Smith of Gainesville, Texas in the late 2000s.
Competition
- 20092009 Cavallino ClassicPlatinum Award
First showing after Bob Smith's comprehensive two-year restoration; car presented in revised medium blue livery with beige interior.
- 2011-08-01Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion
Display appearance at Laguna Seca; no competitive result recorded.
- 20192019 Cavallino ClassicPlatinum Award
Second Platinum Award earned after minor corrections were made to bring the car closer to original factory specification.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1970Bodywork
Car had been refinished in red with a black interior prior to or during Croxford's ownership; the original dark green paint and beige interior were no longer present.
Exact date and performer of this colour change are unknown; condition noted by the time of the 1970 ownership record.
- 1970Mechanical
Brightwork was re-chromed and new Dunlop wire wheels, fresh brakes, and a replacement exhaust system were fitted.
Work carried out by Alan Croxford before offering the car for sale in 1972.
- —Restoration
The exterior was repainted and the interior re-upholstered; the engine was overhauled and the suspension rebuilt during a general refurbishment.
Commissioned by Allan Pray in the late 1970s; no specific workshop named.
- —RestorationBob Smith
A two-year comprehensive refurbishment covering a full engine rebuild, gearbox, suspension, brakes, and rear differential overhaul, combined with replacement of all glass, chrome, and seals, bare-metal bodywork preparation, a repaint in medium blue, and a full interior retrim in beige leather.
Commissioned by Allan Pray in the late 2000s; Bob Smith is based in Gainesville, Texas, and is noted for internationally awarded restoration work.
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