• The fourth of nine Pinin Farina-bodied prototypes of the 250 GT Boano Coupé
• Retains its matching-numbers engine
• Formerly owned by the wife of celebrated conductor, Guido Cantelli
• Eligible for leading historic events including the Mille Miglia
• A significant and handsome V-12 Ferrari gran turismo

Ferrari forged its reputation in the white heat of competition, but as Maranello’s racing portfolio expanded from sportscars to the fledgling Formula 1 series in the 1950s, the cost of the various programmes began to weigh on its founder. To support Enzo’s on-track exploits, the firm turned to the burgeoning luxury road car market, channelling its competition know-how into a series of spectacular grand tourers beginning with the 250 Europa GT.

The new car proved such a hit at the 1954 Paris Motor Show that order books quickly reached a point where both Ferrari and its preferred coachbuilder, Pinin Farina, began to struggle. Carrozzeria Boano stepped into the breach, and its larger manufacturing facilities began turning out 250 GTs from 1956, beginning with a one-off Cabriolet and eventually leading to the creation of some five dozen 250 GTs, each featuring a distinctive lower wing line that marked them apart from the Pinin Farina-penned prototypes.

Only a handful of examples were built by Pinin Farina prior to production transferring to Boano, among them chassis 0435 GT, which was fourth to leave the Corso Trapani works. A home-market car, it was sold new to first owner, Signora Iris Cantelli—wife of celebrated conductor, Guido Cantelli—in April 1956. Cantelli would be named Musical Director of the Scala in Milan in November, a week before being killed in a plane crash outside Paris. Ferrari is understood to have offered to buy the car back as a gesture of goodwill following Cantelli’s death, and in 1957 it was bought by Parma-based industrialist, Sergio Cannaro, who drove the car during his honeymoon. In 1960 the Ferrari was exported to Switzerland, where it was later owned by a Mr. Messerli, in whose care the car was involved in a fatal accident. The prototype was subsequently rebuilt with the engine, rear axle, disc brakes, and wheels from 250 GT/L Lusso chassis 5135 GT.

The Ferrari was then sold, accompanied by its original engine and gearbox, to Jean-Pierre Oberson, a former mechanic of Jo Siffert based in Bulle, Switzerland. Oberson commissioned a complete restoration during which the car was reunited with its original powertrain and refinished in red over a black interior. The completed prototype was displayed at Club Ferrari Suisse’s anniversary meeting in Montreux, Switzerland in April 1990.

The Ferrari was sold to Tiziano Carugati in 2000, and in 2006 it was bought by a UK-based collector who commissioned a full body restoration by Carrosserie Francois Cointreau of Angers, France. By March 2008 the restoration had been finished, capped with a smart repaint in its current metallic grey over black configuration. The Ferrari was promptly entered in that year’s Tour Auto, after which it was sold to a Belgian enthusiast. It remained in their care until 2015, when it was acquired at auction by the consigning seller, and by December of that year had been imported to their native Germany.

While in the care of the current owner this special and significant Ferrari has been well cared-for and shown regularly, having participated in the Mille Miglia Storica no fewer than five times between 2016 and 2022. In 2018, following protracted negotiations, the car was reunited with its original rear axle, which was installed by Graber Garage, Bern.

With its handsome Pinin Farina bodywork and more convenient four-speed synchromesh gearbox, chassis 0435 GT is not only rarer than its Boano-bodied successor, but also significantly more enjoyable to drive. Beautifully presented, this special coach-built classic offers its next owner a golden ticket to the world’s most prestigious and exclusive concours and historic events.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/pa24/.