Fantasy Junction

Description

1964 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso

Chassis No. 5931 GT
Engine No. 5931

Amaranto (Deep Red) with Tan Leather Interior

Highlights

- Numbers matching engine, gearbox, and rear end
- One of just 350 built and among the last in the series
- An exceptional restoration to concours standards
- Accompanied by books, tools, jack and restoration documentation

Considered by many Ferrari historians and enthusiasts to be the best of the Ferrari 250 road cars, the final iteration of the 250 series, the “Lusso” is widely agreed to be among the most beautiful classic Ferraris ever built. While its predecessor, the 250 PF, was restrained and elegant, the Lusso was dynamic and visually stunning due in part to the lower and wider body lines. Additionally, the aerodynamically effective Kamm tail rear design treatment combined with the lithe visual signature gave it a powerful yet graceful stance. Slotted between the larger 250 GTE 2+2 and the competition oriented SWB, the Lusso offered athletic GT performance in a civilized cockpit while delivering a dynamic driving experience for anyone seeking an elegant performance machine.



Of course the captivating Pininfarina coachwork was admirably supported by Ferrari’s fully developed 3.0 liter outside plug Colombo V12 engine; the premier iteration of the 250 GT, which also included disc brakes and aluminum deck lids and doors to reduce overall weight. The interior featured leather trim, elegant design elements, and a centrally mounted tachometer and speedometer, a unique and identifying feature of the Lusso design. Production was relatively brief, from January of 1963 to August of 1964 with just 350 examples built. The last of these series cars (as is the case with this example #5931, the last of which was #5955) are further desirable due to their more aggressive front end design. For collectors seeking the ultimate in a road-going 250 GT V12 driving experience, the Lusso exemplifies Ferrari’s legendary 250 SWB in road-going form. Celebrated and refined, the Lusso has since become a blue-chip Ferrari not only for its desirable features and rarity, but for the exquisite beauty and performance gracefully combined in a powerful and now iconic package.

History of this Ferrari Lusso



According to information provided by Marcel Massini in his Massini Report, Lusso #5931 was completed at the factory, finished in Azzurro (Blue), trimmed in Nuvola (Light Blue) and delivered to Chinetti Motors, New York in September 1964. Later that same year, the car was sold to the first owner, Charles Smith, a New York based attorney. By 1970 this Lusso was still in New York but was refinished in white and sold to a North Carolina furniture manufacturer and business owner. The car returned to the east coast in 1971 where it remained until 1978 under the ownership of Arthur Stickney, a resident of Boston, MA. In 1978, the car was offered for sale in the Ferrari Market Letter by Ed Waterman, Thoroughbred Motorcars, Arlington, VA. Still finished in white over light blue, the car was sold to William Butler in 1978 where it would reside through the 1980s and 1990s including being refinished in metallic silver-grey by 1990, while remaining under Butler’s ownership.

By 2013, the car had changed hands a few times with collectors, eventually joining a prominent Southern California collection. Under this ownership a comprehensive restoration was commissioned with Fast Cars Ltd., Redondo Beach, CA. During the restoration, the car was stripped to bare metal and alloy, mechanical and electrical systems were rebuilt, and the coachwork was refinished in Amaranto (Amaranth Red) over beige leather interior, the current colors. During the restoration, various body panels were extensively photographed recording the chassis numbers including the correct engine and transmission. By 2020, this Lusso joined the Jeff Mosing Collection where the paint was comprehensively refinished in Amaranth Red and sold to the prior owner, a resident of Texas. The current owner has continued to maintain this Lusso to the highest standards. In keeping with that commitment, a Ferrari Classiche Certification “Red Book” was commissioned for this Lusso. Although the red book itself is still under assembly at Ferrari and is pending arrival, Ferrari informed the owner that the engine, transmission, and rear axle numbers have been confirmed as original to the car. Additionally, a proper tool roll, tools, jack, and a set of books are included with the car.

Current Presentation

Today this stunning Lusso presents as an exceptional example of professional restoration and original Pininfarina design. Restored with just the right amount of attention to detail without being overdone, the finishes remain very fresh with crisp details, excellent overall composition, and superb mechanicals. The paint presents with smooth coverage, deep color, and lustrous gloss. The doors, hood, and trunk have excellent panel fit and closure. The exterior chrome, trim, and glass are also superb throughout including the lovely and correct Marchal headlamps and fog lights. A complete set of 15 x 6 1/2" L – RW 3801 Borrani wire wheels and chrome plated knock offs are exceptionally nice wearing Michelin 205/70 R15 tires. The stance, presence, and overall composition is both stunning in detail and elegantly poised in this rich and lustrous color combination.


The interior is beautifully finished in every respect with exceptionally fine leather work and proper stitching. The tan leather seating presents in excellent condition, and the curved bucket seats are correctly pleated in supple leather, indicative of hand crafting performed by skilled upholsterers familiar with these complex and dramatically contoured seats. The matching tan carpet is correctly trimmed and fitted, while the rear luggage shelf is handsomely tailored with correct pleating, diamond stitching, and finished with dual matching tan leather luggage straps. The dashboard and instruments are exquisite with excellent color and clarity fronted by a beautiful Nardi steering wheel. Throughout the interior the finishes and details are exceptionally fine, from the correctly trimmed inner door panels and headliner to the 5-speed gear shift handle, door pulls, and iconic twin pod central instrument cluster.


Under the hood, the correct matching numbers engine bears the single strike number 5931 with correct finishes, original components, and correct hardware. The engine delivers a handsome and accurate presentation of the original features including the iconic black crinkle paint on the Ferrari cam covers, correct yellow fuel lines, proper oil filters, and correct triple carburetors with the original spinner nuts over the stamped metal air cleaner. Every aspect of the engine is both correct and beautifully finished in keeping with the traditions of excellence from the original build.

The chassis has been finished with the same level of care and attention afforded to the exterior. The correct transmission, rear end, authentic coatings and components complete the underside including factory accurate exhaust and mufflers, suspension components, correct Koni shock absorbers, excellent engine and 4-speed gearbox alloy castings, and correct lines and hoses all of which further express the exceptional nature of this restoration.



The car runs and drives extremely well, with a tight, responsive feel that is often missing from restored cars. The engine is well tuned and responsive, and the 4-speed manual gearbox is a pleasure to use. The chassis and suspension are spot on for spirited driving while still offering a level of compliance suitable for highway drives or club tours. Having not been shown at any major concours or Ferrari event since the restoration was completed, the pleasure of showing this exceptional car will surely add to the delight of the next fortunate owner.

This car is accompanied by a set of tools and tool roll, a jack and storage bag, a set of manuals, a photo book documenting the restoration, and an original owner’s manual. 



This is a rare opportunity to acquire a beautifully restored matching numbers, Ferrari Classiche Red Book Certified desirable final series production numbered Ferrari Lusso. Offering superb quality, exceptional restoration by some of the best in the business, excellent mechanicals, and documented provenance. Ready for any world concours or Ferrari event, it would be challenging to find a more fitting example ready for immediate enjoyment.

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