The 3.0-liter, 250 GT V-12 series remains the cornerstone of Ferrari’s enduring success story of the 1950s and 1960s, with its many variations setting the company’s engineering and stylistic directions and forming the basis for countless racing victories. As a greater emphasis on road-car sales in the latter 1950s helped fund Scuderia Ferrari’s many international racing commitments, the marque’s diverse range of 250 GT models led the way.

Launched at the influential October 1959 Paris Motor Show, the elegant 250 GT Series II Cabriolet was essentially an open-air version of the formal notchback 250 GT Pinin Farina Coupe already in production, and it succeeded the lowproduction 250 GT Series I Cabriolet as Ferrari’s primary open road-going model. A true masterpiece with performance rivaling that of the Scaglietti-built 250 LWB California Spider, the 250 GT Series II Cabriolet was at once more comfortable, luxurious, and instantly historic as the first commercially successful “production” convertible by Ferrari’s limited-production capacity of the era. Nonetheless, it was highly exclusive, with just 201 built in all.

Mechanically, both the 250 GT PF Cabriolet and Coupe were considerably improved, with their updated Colombo-derived, 3.0-liter V-12 engine delivering 240 bhp. Race-bred stopping power was achieved with four-wheel disc brakes, and 16” Borrani wire wheels were standard. At once elegant and capable, the 250 GT Series II Cabriolet delivered electrifying performance with acceleration from rest to 60 mph in under seven seconds and a top speed of 140 mph. Of particular significance, the 250 GT Series II Cabriolet was the last convertible offered by Ferrari until 1965.

This compelling example, chassis 2135 GT, is documented by Ferrari historians Hilary A. Raab and Marcel Massini as the 91st of the 201 examples built. The chassis frame was delivered to Pinin Farina for its body and interior on July 29, 1960, with the final assembly completed on October 4. Factory-finished in Sabbia Sahara (Sahara Sand) over Pelle Rosso (Red Leather), 2135 GT was shipped to the US, where it was purchased new from Luigi Chinetti Motors by Frank Carter, a resident of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. In February 1973, 2135 GT was purchased by John Granik, the prolific Canadian film and television actor. Fellow Ontarian Joseph Shlesinger acquired the glamorous Cabriolet in 1977, and went on to be the Ferrari’s long-term custodian.

In 2014, Mr. Shlesinger initiated the restoration of 2135 GT, with the intention of achieving premier awards. To that end, he made a significant investment before transferring the project to the renowned classic Ferrari experts at Farland Classic Restoration of Englewood, Colorado. Once there, 2135 GT received an additional $600,000 of work, with the restoration finally completed to the highest standards of detailing and authenticity, including restoration of the rare and very desirable factory hardtop. Following completion, this beautiful Series II Cabriolet debuted at the 2017 FCA Cavallino Classic, where it was judged at 97.5 points, achieving the coveted Platinum Award, plus the Wayne Obry “Excellence in Restoration” award.

Certainly, 2135 GT is unreservedly one of the finest restored examples of its rare breed in existence and available today, retaining exemplary factory authenticity throughout. According to its Ferrari Classiche Red Book, 2135 GT retains its factory-original tipo 128F outside-plug 3.0-liter V-12 engine and original four-speed gearbox with overdrive. The sophisticated Pinin Farina coachwork features excellent gaps and shut lines, outstanding paint quality, and show-quality chrome and brightwork. Fine details include correct Marchal headlamps, windshield-wiper arms with correct stampings, proper lettering and emblems, and of course, a striking set of Borrani wire wheels. The functional yet luxurious interior features supple leather upholstery with correct piping and tufted pleats, complemented by correct low-pile carpeting.

Superbly presented throughout, 2135 GT is Ferrari Classiche certified as retaining factory-original mechanical components and includes the Classiche Red Book detailing its attributes. Desirable accompanying items include its restored hardtop, concours tool roll, books and manuals in a correct folio, and a green leaflet-type sales brochure. Beautifully restored and presented, the offering of 2135 GT is a rare and exciting occasion for Ferrari collectors and enthusiasts alike. While eminently ready to grace the concours lawn as desired, it stands ready to deliver an unforgettable experience in its natural element – the open road.