At the Paris Salon de l’Automobile, held in October 1954 at the magnificent Grand Palais, Ferrari introduced an important new model – the 250 Europa GT.

The previous year, Ferrari had unveiled the 250 Europa, a companion to the exclusive 375 America. The two models were virtually identical, with the exception of their engine displacement: the 375 America featured a 4.5-liter Lampredi V-12, while the 250 Europa was fitted with a similar V-12 of three-liter capacity.

The foundation of the new Europa GT was the thoroughly redesigned Tipo 508 chassis, which featured a wider track and shorter wheelbase. Most significantly, the Europa GT benefited from independent coil-spring front suspension, a major improvement over the previous model’s transverse leaf-spring arrangement. Thanks to its modern coil-spring front suspension and more manageable proportions, the 250 Europa GT offered superior road holding, more precise handling, and greater stability at speed.

Whereas the original 250 Europa was powered by a three-liter version of the Lampredi long block, the new Europa GT was the first road-going 250 model to utilize the classic Colombo-designed V-12. This family of engines can be traced back to the earliest days of the marque, and were responsible for some of Ferrari’s greatest achievements in motor sports. In addition to its upgraded engine, the Europa GT featured an improved gearbox, utilizing Porsche-type synchromesh on all four forward gears, allowing for fast, seamless shifting.

As with the original Europa, the GT chassis was almost exclusively tailored by Carrozzeria Pinin Farina. The handsome design was instrumental in defining the “Ferrari look,” with its imposing eggcrate grille, elegant proportions, and restrained yet sporting lines. Though similar to the original 250 Europa and 375 America, Pinin Farina’s design for the 250 Europa GT is perhaps even more harmonious due to the compact scale of the chassis.

Although it was primarily designed for high-speed grand touring, the 250 Europa GT was so technically advanced that many owners entered the model in motor sports events such as the Tour de France, where they were immediately successful and highly competitive.

Ferrari completed the Europa GT offered here, chassis 0379 GT, on November 27, 1954. The 12th example of 43 units built, it was sent to the Pinin Farina workshops, where it was cloaked in its elegant and unique bodywork. Displayed by the coachbuilder at its stand during the 1955 Torino Motor Show and depicted in Antoine Prunet’s The Ferrari Legend: The Road Cars, this particular Europa GT was distinguished by additional fared-in rectangular driving lights, with distinctive chrome trim and a cavallino rampante (prancing horse) adorning the typical Pinin Farina eggcrate front grille.

After the show, this Europa GT was sold to its first owner, Commendatore Francois Ferrario, a prominent cinematographer in Rome who also owned an earlier 250 Europa Coupe. As noted by Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, two years later this car was sold and exported to the US, where it evidently changed hands several times and was separated from its original engine.

Circa 1982, the Europa GT was sold to James A. Piper of Newport Beach, California, who commissioned Rod Drew’s Francorchamps of America to restore the car. Refinished in its present color combination of deep red over tan leather interior, the Europa GT was exhibited by Mr. Piper at the 1989 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®. Chassis 0379 GT eventually joined a large private collection in the mid-1990s and remained a fixture in an impressive stable of classic Ferraris until its recent acquisition by the consignor.

Today, this unique Europa GT still presents well cosmetically. However, with limited use following its refurbishment, and a long period in static storage, it may require recommissioning work. The interior configuration differs from other Europa GT models and features a competition-style dashboard and bucket seats instead of the typical appointments. Mechanically, this car is fitted with a tipo 128C inside-plug 250 GT engine (internal no. 0246C) with front-mounted distributors and Weber 36 DCZ3 carburetors. Most importantly, the car also is accompanied at auction by its original, disassembled engine, correctly stamped 0379 GT with internal no. 329. This block shows significant welding around the cylinder bores and will require repairs. The engine also comes with cylinder heads, timing chest, liners, carburetors, sump, and other major components, all of which will be available for viewing at the auction site.

One of the first road-going Ferraris to bear the famed 250 moniker, the Europa GT is eligible for a variety of prestigious motoring events. Due to this Europa GT’s custom coachwork, and its history as the 1955 Torino show car for Pinin Farina, this example presents an even more exceptional proposition. It awaits an astute collector who will decide how to write the next chapter of its history.