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.

Due to its similar appearance to the original Europa model, the updated 250 Europa GT did not create much commotion. However, the new model was nothing less than a true innovation and a meaningful step in the evolution of the now legendary range of 250 Ferraris.

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 fact, the tipo 112 engine fitted to the 250 Europa GT was simply a lightly detuned version of the engine found in the race-winning 250 MM competition models.

Not only did the Colombo-type engine offer an increase in power, it was also better suited for road use; it was much less temperamental, easier to keep in tune, and took half the time to rebuild. It also was substantially lighter than the Lampredi V-12, which contributed to more balanced handling and ease of use at low speeds. In addition to its upgraded engine, the Europa GT featured an improved gearbox, utilizing Porsche-type synchromesh on all four forward gears, and 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.

It is widely acknowledged that the fundamental concepts first introduced by the 250 Europa GT – independent coil-spring front suspension, a three-liter Colombo V-12, and a fully synchronized gearbox – were found in every 250 GT model that followed, from the Tour de France to the GTO.

The Europa GT presented here, chassis 0419 GT, is among the finest surviving examples of this landmark Ferrari model.

Completed in August 1955 and identified by Pinin Farina job no. 4985, chassis 0419 GT was originally finished in the unique, elegant color scheme of Bianco Latte (Milk White) with a Verde (Green) roof and Grigio (Gray) leather upholstery. Delivered new to Jacques Swaters’ Garage Francorchamps in Belgium, 0419 GT made its public debut at the Brussels Motor Show in January 1956.

According to the research of Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, this Europa GT was retained in the Francorchamps stable and entered into several races and rallies by the team’s principal drivers Jacques Swaters, Olivier Gendebien, and Léon Dernier, who would become the car’s first private owner. Dernier, who raced under the nom de course “Eldé,” had a long and distinguished racing career, campaigning Ferrari GT and Sports Prototypes at major international venues between 1956 and 1969. Throughout this period, he captured four Top 10 finishes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and multiple class wins while racing for Equipe Nationale Belge and Écurie Francorchamps.

Following Léon Dernier’s ownership, the Europa GT passed through two subsequent owners, remaining in Belgium until 1972, when it was sold to noted Dutch collector Dr. Paul F. Schouwenburg. Dott. Edo Ansaloni of Bologna, Italy, was the Ferrari’s next owner, and he sold it to local collector Andrea Auletta in 1975. Sig. Auletta refinished 0419 GT in silver with red upholstery and, other than participating in the Crepaldi Ferrari Meetings at Monza in 1986 and 1987, rarely exhibited the Europa GT. In 2001, Dirk Libeert acquired 0419 GT, repatriated it to Belgium, and entered it in several shows, including the Concours d’Elegance Paleis Het Loo and the Brussels Retro Festival.

Ken Roath acquired 0419 GT in September 2007, and had it sent directly to Ferrari Classiche in Maranello, where it underwent a complete, no-expensespared restoration. As documented in photographs and correspondence on file, the experts at Ferrari Classiche stripped the Europa GT to bare metal, refinished the Pinin Farina coachwork in its original exterior colors, and rebuilt the mechanical components, including the engine, gearbox, and differential.

As the restoration neared completion, Ferrari Classiche issued a Red Book and Certificato di Autenticità for 0419 GT, confirming that it retains its original chassis, body, engine, and gearbox. The only nonmatching component is the rear differential, which had been replaced with a correct-type unit.

Completed in April 2009, the Europa GT made its post-restoration debut at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, where it was awarded the Trofeo BMW Group Classic award for the most sensitive restoration – a testament to the quality and accuracy of the work performed by Ferrari.

Under Mr. Roath’s ownership, 0419 GT has earned some of the most coveted and meaningful awards on the concours circuit. Accolades include a Platinum Award and the Excellence Cup at Cavallino Classic, Ladies’ Choice at Classic Sports Sunday, First in Class at The Unique Cars International Concours, the Trofeo Gran Turismo at the FCA National Meet, and Best of Show honors at the combined Concorso Italiano/FCA Pacific Region Concours. Beyond these awards, the Europa GT has also been displayed at the exclusive Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, Museo Ferrari in Maranello, and several gatherings organized by Ferrari North America, including Casa de Ferrari and the Finali Mondiali Concours d’Elegance.

Not only does 0419 GT present in beautiful, show-quality condition throughout, it benefits from an engine rebuild carried out by Francorchamps of America, Inc. in 2021. It has also proven itself on several long-distance rallies including four editions of the 1000 Miglia (2011, 2012, 2014, and 2015), as well as the 2011 Italia Classica Ferrari Grand Tour and the 2022 Copperstate 1000.

Consistent with its outstanding presentation, the Europa GT is accompanied by a tool roll and jack, as well as its Ferrari Classiche Red Book and detailed restoration book. An extensive supporting documentation file contains a report by Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, copies of the factory build sheets and certificate of origin, a FIVA Identity Card (dated August 2009), detailed restoration photographs, registration records, invoices, articles, and correspondence.

A truly significant model in the marque’s history, the 250 Europa GT represents the beginning of a legendary line of Pinin Farina-bodied Ferrari road cars. Of the 43 examples built, few compare with 0419 GT, which possesses a period show car and competition pedigree, a distinctive original livery, and well-documented provenance, with just three private owners since 1975. Consider then its Ferrari Classiche restoration and certification, extensive documentation, and impressive roster of major concours awards, and you have one of the finest, most compelling vintage Ferraris imaginable.

*Please note that this vehicle has a combined acceptance to two Mille Miglia events – the Warm Up USA Event in November 2025 and the Mille Miglia 2026 – subject to registration and payment of entry fee.