Tag Archives: Columbo

1962 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Pininfarina Series II

July 21, 2014 Graham

As series of cars go, I don't believe that any can match the pure beauty, speed and desirability of the Ferrari 250 line. The variations are seemingly endless; from the iconic Testarossa, the stunning GTO, elegant and brutal SWB in racing to the simply gorgeous Lusso and California Spider models, I can think of no other line of cars that is so perfectly designed - or so valuable. Perhaps only eclipsed by a few rare Bugattis the value of even the lowliest of the 250 line is simply staggering these days, and the most expensive of the line nearly matches the GDP of some African nations. That's the price you'll pay for perfection:

Year: 1962
Model: 250 Pininfarina Cabriolet
Engine: 3.0 liter V12
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 30,274 mi
Price: $1,500,000

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1962 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet on eBay

1962 FERRARI 250 PININFARINA SERIES II CABRIOLET Exotic Classics is proud to present this absolutely stunning 1962 Ferrari 250 Pininfarina Series II Cabriolet. Featured in the deepest Black paint with Red leather, the car includes a rare factory hard top in matching Black, along with a Black soft top. The car has been restored to Platinum-level standards by renowned experts, and it recently was awarded the Best Ferrari trophy at the 2012 Greenwich Concours. The restoration included a complete mechanical rebuild so the car runs and drives as good as it looks. As expected, the car has its original books, leather pouch and tools. All numbers match. The 250 PF Cabriolet is often confused with the California Spiders that were sold in the same period. A complete frame off nut and bolt matching numbers resororation was completed in January of 2013 by Horepower Enterprises. Receipts totaling over $215,000 as well as restoration photos are available upon requestWhen new the Cabriolet was the more expensive model by virtue of its more elegant appointments, but it is the Spider that is valued higher today. They are mechanically identical with Ferraris famous 4 Liter V-12, 4-speed manual, and electric overdrive. This car is ready and qualified for the most prestigious events and represents superb value in an open 250 Series Ferrari.

To view complete restoration photos please visit: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/myfza3ibed99c7d/Moi8VNjs71

To view complete documentation of vehicle please visit: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/16m3e0krzd20fsd/bLFak6jZxo

I was lucky enough (or not, depending on how you look at it) to have had a 250 GT Lusso in my family at one point. Won over a drunken card game in the late 1960s, my grandfather enjoyed that car for many years before financial difficulties in the 1970s saw him sell it. At the time, he just about doubled his money on the car and considered himself lucky. Today, he would have seen a return in the neighborhood of 3,750% return on his investment with no end in sight. And the Lusso is one of the least expensive models right now - jump into a 250 Cabriolet like this, and you're set back 1.5 million dollars. And this isn't even the prettiest of the 250s! But such is the craziness that surrounds the mystical marque of Ferrari, so sit back and enjoy the view.

-Carter

Classic, Ferrari, Pininfarina, Revisit

1967 Ferrari 330 GTC – REVISIT

July 10, 2014 Graham

The 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC in lovely light blue with alloys did not sell last time around on eBay and is back up for sale. These Ferraris are quite hot items these days, with a 250 GTO about to hit auction and already being claimed to be the most expensive car ever sold. The GTC is far short of the GTO in terms of value, but with the reserve still on and bidding at $630,000, it sure isn't cheap! Still, it's very pretty to see and lovely to dream about:

CLICK FOR DETAILS:1967 Ferrari 330 GTC on eBay

The below post originally appeared on our site May 30, 2014:

When I was a young man, my father and I were at a car show with his 1927 Bentley 3/4.5 open tourer. At the show was also a late 1960s Ferrari 330 GTC. I remember the owner of the GTC was very interested in the Bentley, to the point where he offered a trade of his GTC in exchange for the Bentley. At the time, it seemed like a poor idea; the Bentley was at that point worth about triple what the GTC was, aside from being a family item which had been passed down. In hindsight, it probably would have been a very good investment if you could have predicted prices on these cars - while early Bentley prices have increased over the past few years back to the level they were at in the early 1990s, Ferrari prices have absolutely gone through the roof. The 330 GTC isn't the prettiest, fastest or most rare Ferrari - but none of that seems to matter, because it's got the right look, the right engine, and the right badge:

Year: 1967
Model: 330 GTC
Engine: 4.0 liter V12
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 30,000 mi
Price: Reserve Auction

Chassis Number: 9595. Engine number: 9595.

One of 604 produced between 1966 and 1968.

Euro model with just 48,411 kilometers (30,081 miles) from new.

One-owner for 30 years with all service receipts from 1985-2014.

Original “Celeste Charo Metallizzato” (Metallic Light Blue) color.

“Nero Franzi” (Black) Leather interior.

Rare working factory air conditioning.

Always pampered, this 330 GTC is accident and abuse-free. Current owner has driven it just 12,659 miles (20,373 Km) over the past 30 years (An average of 421 miles per year.) Properly maintained and serviced by the same Ferrari specialist the entire time. Receipts from 1985-2014 totaling in excess of $53,000 in service are included.

Original numbers-matching Type 209 V-12 engine develops 300 horsepower at 7,000 rpm, fed by 3 Weber 40 DFI carburetors, giving this 2,866 pound coupe a rated top speed of 152 mph with performance of 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds. Runs beautifully with no issues.

Disc brakes stop the car smooth and straight. Rides on the original Campagonolo 7L/15 alloy wheels with new, correctly sized radial tires.

The body is laser-straight with all original panels in place. No rust of anywhere. Recently repainted in correct color it is stunning from every angle. Interior is correct and largely original. Please see photos and video. All gauges register accurately. Original tool roll and custom fitted flannel car cover are included. Ready to show or go.

Inspection is invited by seriously interested parties. Please call to schedule an appointment. David: 503-309-7729. Located in Portland, Oregon USA. A realistic reserve has been placed on this car in keeping with its rarity, condition and mileage. Please bid accordingly.

If you are looking for one of the finest 330 GTC Coupes available today, this is it.

WE WILL HAPPILY SELL TO BUYERS, WORLDWIDE.

If the video link below is inactive, please go to: http://youtu.be/qVd9IEow-Xw

This model is a very pleasing color combination and condition is certainly very good. In the past four years, GTC pricing has quadrupled from around $200,000 for the best examples to just shy of $800,000 for the best examples. It really puts the 400i into perspective; a car that can be had for less than a tenth of the price of the GTC but is very similar in many aspects. While GTCs are certainly pretty to look at, I'd probably choose a 365 GTC/4 well before this model for less than a third of the price.

-Carter

Ferrari

1968 Ferrari 365GT 2+2

August 31, 2012 Graham

Towards the end of the 1960s, Ferrari was in a transition phase. With the introduction of the mid-engine Dino in 1968, the model lineup would forever include a mid-engined sports car in the lineup. Also, more creature comforts began to filter their way into Ferrari road cars, such as the case with this 365GT 2+2. This was the first Ferrari to feature power steering and air conditioning, which was standard equipment for US customers. With its familiar Columbo 4.4 liter V12 delivering 320 horsepower, this touring machine was capable of a run to 60 in just over seven seconds. Over 800 copies were produced from 1967 through 1971, giving way to the 365 GTC/4. This 365GT 2+2 for sale in California is a European market car in eye catching Fly Yellow replete with California black plates.

1968 Ferrari 365GT 2+2

1968 Ferrari 365 GT. Excellent Matching Numbers Euro Model. The Ferrari 365 GT was designed by Pininfarina and followed in the vein of the 500 Superfast, bearing a striking resemblance to it. Sometimes referred to as the "Queen Mother" of Ferraris, it was the last of the front engine, wood dash cars unfettered by DOT and EPA regulations. It continued a wonderful legacy of awesome road cars that began in the 1950s with the Columbo engined 166 and 250. The example here is a Euro version 1968 model that has not been offered for sale in over 20 years. It has been in the careful custody of its current owner since the 90s. A Ferrari/Maserati collector and enthusiast, the current owner has fastidiously maintained the car and recently has reluctantly decided to part with it.

I had the pleasure of owning this very car prior to the current owner. It was my wife's daily driver. It provided us years of pleasurable and reliable (exciting) "transportation" and completed several (fast) trips up the coast to the Monterey weekends in August. IT IS AN AWESOME CAR ON THE ROAD! With 12 cylinders up front, 5 speeds, quad exhaust, Borrani wires, leather interior, wood dash and wheel, and super svelte styling, the car literally has it all. Just 800 examples were built between 1968 and 1971. (Compare that figure to 1284 Daytonas...)

This Ferrari is a matching numbers example. Here is the original chassis plate. Chassis # 11853. The wheels are original Borrani wires, including the spare. Tires are correct and extremely rare Michelin XWX. The tires have plenty of tread, but are a bit aged. For any high mileage driving, it is recommended that newer tires be fitted. The body on this Ferrari is excellent. It has never suffered an accident or damage. All the lines are nice and crisp, just as original. In 1998, the car was repainted professionally in fly yellow, and the bumpers were re chromed. New window rubbers were installed and and the trim around the windows was re anodized as per original.

The paint has held up extremely well and needs no attention. The car appears large from the outside, but once inside, it's just right. Visibility is superb in all directions with no blind spots. The seats and interior are in excellent condition. The leather shows little wear and is nicely patina’d. It has factory air conditioning, although it has gone unused for years. It worked previously and may just need some freon. The electrics all work as they should, including the crazy motorized front 1/4 vent windows, controlled by the switches shown here, just forward of the window switches.

The odometer shows 93,173 kilometers (57,767 miles) and although unverifiable, is believed to be original. The condition of the car supports it. The early cars such as this one, came with this gorgeous wood rimmed steering wheel. It's literally a work of art. This one is in excellent condition. The 365 GT is a true 2+2. The leather is all in nice shape. The very nice original headliner is shown here.

The car runs beautifully. All three Webers, both distributors, and everything else that matters-all in fine fettle. The correct original plate is still intact on the air cleaner, as well as the correct yellow fuel line. The underside is rust free. Original rockers seen here. This is the right rear underside. The left rear underside. The 365 GT is such a beautiful piece of machinery. The classic design elements characteristic of early Ferraris are all here, like the famous egg crate grill. Really, words are not necessary when the photos herein aptly represent this Ferrari's impeccable beauty. The original correct leather tool rolls are present. The original jack is here, but most of the tools are non-original replacements. A parts manual (reprint) and an original owner's manual are included.

This is a GRAND OPPORTUNITY to own an excellent example of a classic front engined V12 Ferrari that you can actually drive. And drive it you will. When the current owner and long-time friend of mine called me to say he was selling, I was a bit saddened. Having enjoyed owning this very car myself, and seeing the joy it has brought him, it will be bitter sweet to see it go. Ferraris do that to you. There is a very reasonable reserve on this auction. It is not available for sale anywhere else.

Interestingly, these late sixties 2+2 Ferraris are some of the more affordable pieces of hardware to emerge from Maranello. Entrance into this club starts around $60,000 to $70,000 and for the most well restored or original examples, look to pay somewhere in the neighborhood of around $120,000 to $130,000 or so. I’d wager to say this particular car’s reserve may be hovering somewhere around $90,000 to $100,000 or so. This 365GT certainly looks sharp in yellow, but I would prefer a more subtle color, such as a dark gray metallic or deep burgundy or brown. If it’s a classic V12 Ferrari you seek, these sleek machines offer relatively good bang for the buck.

-Paul