Sold 1963 Ferrari 250 GTE 2146353483 Tweet

1963 Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2
s/n 4217, engine no. 4217
Silver with Dark Blue Leather

The Ferrari 250 GTE has rapidly become a sought-after example of Ferraris legendary front-engined 12 cylinder lineage. Technically sophisticated and a pleasure to both drive and look at, the GTE embodies all the traditional Ferrari values at a comparatively reasonable price against other variants of the Ferrari 250, the car that decisively vaulted Ferrari to the pinnacle of the sports car construction. When it was new, it represented the top of the standard road car model line, with a pair of +2 back seats and luxuriously trimmed interior that made the car suitable for long distance touring in relative comfort, perhaps even with the owners children. In recent years, good GTEs have become increasingly difficult to find as many have sacrificed their drivelines, chassis, and other components to other 250s or to replicas.

The car is one of only 954 cars built. It was completed in January 1963 and delivered to the first owner in Vicenza, Italy in March 1963, optioned with an overdrive unit (with separate oil supply) and electric windows. In 1970 it was exported to California where it is believed to have had two owners and then sold to a long-term owner in 1979. The engine was rebuilt in 1989 by Modena Motors, and then the car was sold in 2004. The next owner spent significant sums on the car, bringing it to a high driving standard during his six years of ownership. The current owner purchased it in March 2013 and has maintained and enjoyed it for the past four years, driving it minimally, but diligently servicing and updating it as needed.

Currently showing 51,533 kilometers, this GTE still retains its matching engine. The current owner has also spent significant time and resources to improve the cars mechanical condition. In 2015, the car was serviced at 50,513 kilometers including a new brake booster, oil change, safety inspection, new fuel filter, and rebuilt fuel pump. In 2013, at 49,944 kilometers, the car received gearbox and differential oil services (including the overdrive unit), the cooling system was drained and serviced, and the clutch fan repaired. At this time compression was checked and found to be very consistent and within range (155-165 psi). Cam cover gaskets were replaced, three carburetors were removed and rebuilt while fuel lines and linkages were replaced or serviced as needed. Correct ignition wires, additional hoses, and miscellaneous hardware were replaced to achieve a factory appearance in the engine compartment. Additional work was done on the rear suspension, including new bushings while reinstalling the rear brake calipers and rotors. Also at this time, the rear package shelf was recovered in matching leather and door panels were redyed. Together, these services totaled approximately $15,000.

Today the car exhibits a very nice, cohesive strong driver-quality appearance with very good silver metallic paint showing consistent gloss throughout. Panel fit is good overall, however the drivers side door sits slightly proud of the rear fender surface, although it shuts easily without excessive force. Both doors shut well as does the hood and trunk with good shut lines and easy latching. There are some minor dings long the passenger door edge, a small paint chip on the drivers side hood edge, and a few minor paint blemishes, none of which take away from the cohesive visual presentation. Much of the exterior chrome shows nicely but mild to medium age is evident on close inspection, including some imperfections on the headlight trim rings. The trim and emblems are nicely finished, again very presentable, much like the remaining trim on the car. The Borrani wire wheels, shod with contemporary Pirelli tires, have a very nice mellowed finish showing no significant marks and nicely polished rims. The lighting and lenses are generally nicely preserved although there is some yellowing and crazing to the tail light lenses. The headlamps and foglamps are Marchal items and the glass and surrounding trim are in good condition.

The dark blue interior appears to have been redone some years ago, with a pleasant patina in the form of some creasing while still remaining supple. Carpeting remains nice, while the dashboard and instruments are beautifully maintained originals. The instruments show some of the typical yellowing but are in good shape otherwise. The wood rimmed steering wheel is handsomely aged with a warm feel. The headliner shows some minor aging particularly in the corners, while the door panels, and dashpad are clean and tidy. Overall the various trim, interior components, and details have been addressed with thoughtful considerations toward originality and cohesive patina. The trunk compartment has been carpeted and retains an original style reproduction tool roll with tools as well as a Borrani spare wire wheel.

Under the hood, the original matching numbers type 128F engine delivers a very satisfying visual impression, recently tended to with correct finishes, proper hoses, lines, and correct fasteners, including three eared airbox keepers. While the engine compartment has not been prepared to show car level, the engine exhibits a very tidy representation of the hallmark 250 including the correct air cleaner and correctly wrinkle finished cam covers.

The car starts easily and warms up to idle smoothly, delivering the glorious Ferrari V12 sounds, with a particularly lovely induction noise at wider throttle applications. The carburetion is very good, with smooth and responsive behavior in a wide range of conditions. The 4-speed gearbox functions well with good synchromesh on all gears from cold and correct clutch engagement. The overdrive functions properly. Braking is very good, bringing the car down from higher speeds with excellent pedal pressure and even tracking. Steering is fairly low geared to keep control forces manageable, and allows the driver to place the car accurately on the road. Suspension and roadholding are competent and free of slop and after a few minutes, the driver is feels at ease in the car and its competence in modern traffic, unlike some cars from the period.

The underside of the car is clean and well tended, showing good structure overall and correct components reflective of the cohesive visual and mechanical integrity of the car overall. The car comes with a notebook containing a reproduction owners manual, miscellaneous reference materials, and receipts from the 2013 and 2015 service and repair work. A reproduction tool kit and tools are included with the car.

This Ferrari 250 GTE represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a lovely matching numbers example of the handsome and elegant car that started the Ferrari 2+2 tradition that continues to this day. While many examples were neglected and then cannibalized or comprehensively resuscitated, this car has the feel of a nice honest old car that was never allowed to fall into a state of disrepair. There is a pleasant patina to the entire presentation of the car and is an ideal car to use guilt-free for events or touring, especially given the mechanical sorting that it has enjoyed. Alternatively, the car could be taken to the next level while it is enjoyed, but regardless, it will undoubtedly bring its next owner joy and pleasure from the first turn of the wheel.