The Ferrari presented here, chassis 1817 GT, is a very special example of the Series II Pinin Farina Cabriolet, of which only 200 were built between 1959 and 1962. Designed and built by Carrozzeria Pinin Farina, the beautifully finished Cabriolet was the most refined model in the 250 GT range and, with a price of 5,800,000 lire, it was also the most exclusive.

Completed in May 1960, 1817 GT was finished in the most popular color for the Series II Cabriolet range, Grigio Conchiglia (Shell Grey), with contrasting red upholstery. The first owner was Melchior Bournique, the proprietor of a shipping company based in Livorno, Italy. A valued Ferrari client, he requested that his new Pinin Farina Cabriolet be custom tailored with side vents, which imbue the car with a distinctive appearance. Just as they do on the contemporary Series III 410 Superamerica, these attractive vents also serve as a visual break to the long, unadorned front fenders, giving the Ferrari a shorter, more sporting appearance. In addition to these special side vents, 1817 GT was originally specified with bumper-mounted driving lights and an optional hardtop.

Before M. Bournique took delivery, 1817 GT was displayed in the XII Rassegna Internazionale dell’Automobile, a prestigious concours held in Rome in May 1960. In Antoine Prunet’s book, The Ferrari Legend: The Road Cars, 1817 GT is mentioned as winning an award at the 1960 Concours d’Elegance in Rome. Two photographs published in the 1960 Ferrari Yearbook are further evidence of 1817 GT’s participation in this Roman concours outing.

Copies of the original Automobile Club d’Italia registration records indicate that M. Bournique sold 1817 GT to Giancarlo Folco of Vicenza, Italy, in April 1961, less than a year after taking delivery of the new Ferrari.

As with many used Ferraris, the Series II Cabriolet was exported to the US in the 1970s. During this period, 1817 GT was fitted with a later 250 engine, 3867 GT, which had originally been installed in a short wheelbase (SWB) California Spider. In 1989 or 1990, 1817 GT was sold to Jeffrey Rowe. During the time that he owned the car, Mr. Rowe’s enthusiasm for the Ferrari led him to create a registry for the Series II Cabriolets and he also penned a comprehensive overview of the model that was published in Prancing Horse magazine.

In researching the history of 1817 GT, Mr. Rowe corresponded with Gerald Roush, who had inspected the car at F.A.F. in Atlanta during the late 1970s, and even managed to track down Carlo Bournique, whose father Melchior had originally taken delivery of the Ferrari in 1960.

In December 2002, Mr. Rowe structured a trade whereby 3867 GT was reunited with its original engine, while the Series II Cabriolet received a period-correct, factory replacement block fitted with the original, stamped timing case from 1817 GT.

In June 2009, Mr. Rowe finally decided to part with 1817 GT, and it was sold to a Florida-based collector with a passion for the Ferrari marque. Seeking to return the Ferrari to its former splendor, the previous owner commissioned The Creative Workshop of Dania Beach, Florida, to perform a comprehensive, show-quality restoration. During this process, 1817 GT was certified by Ferrari Classiche and the engine was sent to Italy to be inspected by the factory. At this time, the factory confirmed that the block was a correct-type replacement unit and stamped the blank pad with the correct engine type, 128F, and the requisite Ferrari Classiche symbol.

Now presented in its elegant original color scheme, 1817 GT was completed in time to take part in the Palm Beach Cavallino Classic in January 2014, where its authentic presentation garnered a favorable response as well as a Platinum Award.

Offered with the sale of 1817 GT is an impressive file of documentation that includes several Ferrari books (including a copy of the 1960 Ferrari Yearbook), important correspondence, magazine articles, archival photographs, and a history report compiled by marque historian Marcel Massini as well as copies of the Ferrari assembly sheets and ACI registration records.

Considering its many desirable qualities – documented custom features, a fascinating provenance, and a Platinum Award-winning restoration – this is an exceptional 250 GT Series II Cabriolet that demands serious consideration.