The unique New York Auto Show Ferrari 250 Europa Coupé with exclusive Michelotti-designed Vignale coachwork is a milestone in Italian design and automotive history.

Bonhams is thrilled to announce the offering of one of the most outstanding early Ferraris with the consignment of the 1953 Ferrari 250 Europa Coupé Vignale for the Quail Lodge motorcar auction in Carmel, California, this summer. This one-of-a-kind Ferrari was designed by Giovanni Michelotti for Vignale and sold new to the famed North American Ferrari importer Luigi Chinetti.

Upon seeing the striking beauty, Chinetti immediately made it the jewel of the Ferrari display at the January 1954 New York Auto Show at Madison Square Garden. This unique coach built sports car, from the very beginning of Ferrari's legendary 250 model range, was tailor made to showcase a wealth of exquisite design and styling details that put it in a class of its own. Remaining in America until 2009, the car was purchased by a noted Swiss enthusiast who, with first place and best of show awards for his work from Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and Ferrari Club of America National Concours, commenced a superb restoration. Upon completion, the stunning Ferrari was unveiled at the 2012 Villa d'Este Concorso d'Eleganza and has since been fully certified by Ferrari Classiche. Impeccable and correct in every detail, the tobacco and bruno siena-colored Ferrari (its original livery colors) would be a welcome entrant and fierce competitor at any major concours d'elegance around the globe.