Ferrari 250 GTE Series III (1963)

Launched at the Paris Auto Salon in 1960, the 250 GTE was the first production Ferrari 2+2. Borrowing its lengthy 2,600 mm chassis from that of the 250 GT PF Coupe and Cabriolet, there was enough room for two rear seats and a good-sized boot. The V12 moved 20cm closer to the nose of the car meant the car appealed to those looking for a grand tourer. Still effortlessly fast, capable and practical, the Pininfarina clothed GTE was elegant and ideally suited to the more discerning Ferrari customer. 954 250 GTEs were built between 1960 and 1963 over three series, but just 46 were UK supplied RHD variants.

Sadly, owing to their mechanical similarities, many RHD GTEs have been lost forever being used as donor cars for their running gear and identities for replicas of other extremely valuable Ferraris of the era such as California Spiders, 250 SWBs, 250 GTOs and 250 TRs. Today it is thought less than 31 survive in RHD.

This example produced towards the end of the production run was ordered by Maranello Concessionaires on the 22nd July 1963 and purchased by HR Owen on behalf of its first owner, Mr Patrick Joseph Lyons shortly after on the 25th July 1963 with a special request made to collect the car personally from the factory. Copies of the original order form specify it remains in its original colour scheme of Blu 20.444 19391 with Grigio Hide, a specification unique to the UK. It features a four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive.

Mr Lyons would retain the car for a couple of years before the car was sold to Mr Barrow in circa 1967. In circa 1970 it was sold once again to Mr Rainey who would keep the car until 1979 when it was sold on to Mr Franklin. In 1985, the car was purchased by Ferrari specialist Bob Houghton, who would retain and use the car as part of his own private collection. By this stage, the car had been refinished in Rosso and Mr Houghton set about restoring the car to its original Blu hue. Mr Houghton completed a full bare metal restoration of the car over a number of years. Taking enormous enjoyment from the car, he would keep the car for a total of 24 years.

Purchased by its current owner in 2009, the vehicle has since been serviced exclusively by ourselves. Most recently in April 2019, we completed a comprehensive mechanical refresh, including fuel lines, brake lines and caliper rebuild and new exhaust system. Complete with its tool kit and ever-important Ferrari red book Classiche Certification, this example presents on the button, ready to be enjoyed and is available to view at our showrooms outside London immediately.