Fantasy Junction

Description

1959 Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France 14 Louver Re-creation
Chassis No. 1657
Engine No. 1549
Red with Tan Interior

Among the most celebrated and important sports cars of all time, the Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France remains one of the cornerstones of the Ferrari legend. In 1955, FIA was tasked to reclassify sports car racing in an effort to reduce the influence of grand prix technology on sports cars that were simply becoming too fast for open road courses. Ferrari had grown their reputation constructing dual-purpose road racers, and the new Scaglietti-bodied 250 GT Berlinetta (constructed on the 2,600 mm LWB chassis) was a stunning beginning. By 1956, the 250 GT Berlinetta distinguished itself in a multitude of races, including the Marquis de Portago's victory at the new Tour de France rally in September. Shortly thereafter, Oliver Gendebien won the race in another LWB Berlinetta in 1957, and again in 1958.

With four consecutive victories at the French rally, this model would become affectionately known as the 250 GT Tour de France, or TdF. Ferrari would build these cars through early 1959, establishing the 250 GT TdF as one of the most desirable early racing models, and eventually rising to the pinnacle of collector status. The combination of racing prowess, impressive historic provenance, and stunning alloy Scaglietti coachwork results in one of the finest hand built cars Ferrari has ever created.


Revered today as extraordinary examples sequestered to museums or fine collections, original examples rarely come to market as motorsports enthusiasts continue to retain these cars as cornerstones of premier collections. As such, record prices are achieved whenever an original example comes to auction. Consequently, enthusiasts have become increasingly aware of the value found in an accurately re-created Ferrari depicting the very best aspects of the original while using Ferrari mechanicals, period correct components, and faithful construction methods. For many, driving a car of this stature based on an original example, is an excellent way for a performance enthusiast to engage in one of the most exciting sports car experiences without the multi-million dollar entry fee.

This Ferrari is a remarkably well-constructed re-creation of the original Ferrari 250 GT TdF which has been faithfully crafted to exacting detail. The build began with a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT Pininfarina Coupe (built October 1959) as the basis for construction. When the build began, chassis #1657 was already disassembled when it was imported to the UK in the 1980s. In 1994, the chassis was acquired from DK Engineering in Hertfordshire by a Swedish owner who commissioned Carrozzeria Auto Sport of Bastiglia, Italy, to construct alloy coachwork reflecting the desirable 14-louver Long Wheelbase Berlinetta ‘Tour de France’, which would be fitted to the Ferrari chassis. This also included the installation of a 3.0-liter inside-plug Colombo V12 (engine number 1549, also from a PF Coupe). The engine was configured to match the original TdF including triple Weber carburetors with vertical velocity stacks surrounded by a custom fabricated air pan, and distinctive Ferrari crinkle black cam covers. For improved highway driving, a GTE four-speed manual transmission with overdrive coupled to a central shifter was installed. Correctly configured with 16” Borrani wire wheels, the car was later upgraded in 2003 with power-assisted 360mm drum brakes by Patrick Ottis, Berkeley, CA. The interior was also treated to the very best available for any Ferrari with work performed by Tappezzeria Luppi. Originally directed under Romano Luppi and more recently with son Fabio, with almost 50 years of established excellence, they are recognized masters of leather craft for the finest Ferraris and other exceptional cars.

In addition to the fine craftsmanship and superlative construction, the build has been documented with invoices and letters dating back to the late 1980s including 1990s correspondences from Carrozzeria Auto Sport construction, DK Engineering letters and faxes discussing the build with the commissioning owner and vendors, various hand drawn schematics, technical notations, parts and service invoices, and a copy of a 1996 letter from Ferrari stating the build date for chassis #1657. Additionally copies of the 2006 ACCUS FIA/USA papers as well as service invoices spanning 2003-2025 are also included with the car. 

Under current and prior ownership, services and ongoing enhancements to this car have always been managed by top tier Ferrari specialists including two years of dedicated service by Patrick Ottis (2003-2004), extensive handwritten notes covering mechanical details and general services, new carpet and engine compartment detailing with refurbishment for components, and fuel pump rebuild, Legendary Motorcars, Gazelle, CA (2o22), and all four shocks rebuilt with silent block bushings in August, 2025.

Today this stunning re-creation of the Ferrari Tour de France presents in excellent condition throughout. Beautifully finished with correct Ferrari components and elegant alloy coachwork, the build quality and attention to detail is evident at every corner. The paint is exceptionally fine with high gloss and vivid depth to the deep maroon color. All panel gaps are excellent including crisp closure and fit to all opening features. The correctly configured removable hood allows complete access to the engine compartment, in keeping with the competition heritage of the original, complete with leather hood straps. Details throughout the car are not only beautifully constructed, they are accurate and correctly finished to authentically reflect the original. A set of clear headlight covers are correctly formed with high polished finishes shielding period correct headlamps. All trim, emblems, and lenses are beautifully restored including correct 16” Borrani wire wheels with Pirelli Cinturato tires, finished in silver secured by chrome plated dual-eared knock offs and backed by power-assisted 360mm drum brakes.

The interior is equally impressive in both finish and detail. Tan leather and properly stitched diamond panels cover the center console which proudly features the 4-speed manual transmission, while the custom made seats feature pleated seat inserts, lap belts, and period correct side bolstering construction, which assists in lateral support when cornering. The beautifully finished dashboard houses a stunning group of large and small dial instruments with highly contrasting dial faces and wonderfully restored nomenclature. The beautifully restored flat alloy spoked steering wheel features a warm wood perimeter and definitive black pin stripe. The recently replaced black carpet and diamond stitched black firewall material creates a fitting contrast for the tan leather interior. Delicate interior details include the matching leather door panels, chrome window cranks and door handles, and delicately sculpted chrome door pulls. The rear storage area is also finished in diamond stitched tan leather offering space suitable for soft luggage storage while on road tours or Ferrari club driving events.

Under the hood the engine is simply stunning. Every aspect of the engine and engine compartment has been researched and studied to recreate the most accurate features consistent with the TdF original. Attention to detail includes correct fasteners, proper fuel and brake lines, correct finishes to the cam covers, proper engine compartment finishes, and correctly finished raw castings. The carburetor air pan is also accurately constructed allowing for better air flow and heat dissipation, per the original design. Correct Weber carburetors, ignition, and proper exhaust have all been sourced and finished per original specifications.

The car starts easily setting off a welcomed V12 sound with just the right cadence to the exhaust burble. The 4-speed gearbox is easily engaged, while the clutch takes up smoothly with progressive acceleration, excellent carburetion, and linear power delivery. Driving in the sweet spot between 2nd and 3rd gears, the driving experience is authentic and compelling with each gear change. Highway speeds are exhilarating and greatly improved for longer outings or events thanks to the overdrive. Impressive brakes, even tracking, and well sorted suspension further combine to make for a wonderful road car. The underside of the car is clean and well-maintained reflective of the original Ferrari chassis, period correct specifications, and components consistent with the 1959 era. 

This Ferrari is accompanied by a set of Marchal road lamps, three carburetor screens, documentation supporting the build, copies of build records dating back to the original construction in the early 1990s, and service records covering more than twenty years of expert service and maintenance by Ferrari specialists.

This Ferrari 250 GT TdF re-creation represents a unique opportunity to acquire a well-sorted and highly enjoyable sports car reflective of the glory days of historic motorsports. Built to match the engineering and design of the finest examples in the world, cars of this stature are increasingly becoming sought after as enjoyable event cars, delivering all the driving pleasure of the original without the limitations of hesitations surrounding a museum artifact.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608