Ferrari 250 GT SWB Alloy Competizione at RM Monterey
Benefiting from recent cosmetic measures that have bolstered a prior engine rebuild, this beautifully presented 250 GT is an outstanding example of the rare and celebrated “Short-Wheelbase.” Chassis 2163 GT is one of 42 alloy-bodied examples built in 1960. Undergoing much of its build process during October 1960, the 250 GT was clothed in aluminum alloy coachwork by Scaglietti and finished in rosso chiaro, while the interior was trimmed with nero leather (a color combination the car retains today).
After a certificate of origin was issued on 8 August 1961, the SWB was sold on 22 August to its first owner, Vincenzo Malago, an official marque dealer in Rome who kept the berlinetta as a personal car for six months. After a succession of Italian owners, the 250 GT was acquired by English enthusiast Robert McIntyre, commencing a chain of British ownership that continued in 1969 with Oliver Harris of Surrey.
During the 1970s the berlinetta was fitted with a fresh Tipo 168 engine originally from an extremely rare and more powerful 250 GT LWB California Spyder Alloy Competizione. Notably, though the same type engine, 1615 GT was originally fitted with a competition camshaft and had a higher 9.5 compression. This engine was originally rated at 259 hp at 7400 rpm.
Passing through the collections of several owners, the car was fully restored by Hall & Fowler Engineering in Lincolnshire. Later in 1985, this SWB berlinetta was sold to Stefano Durelli of Padova, Italy, and the car participated in a handful of vintage events over the following few years, including the AvD-Oldtimer-Grand Prixes at the Nürburgring in 1988, 1989, and 1991. The 250 GT also participated in the International Historic Race Festivals at Silverstone in July 1992 and 1993 (the latter of which included display at the British Ferrari Owners’ Club 25th Anniversary exhibition).
In March 1996 the SWB was purchased by Andrew Pisker of London, and he continued to enter the car in vintage events, including the International Historic Race Festival at Silverstone in July 1997 and the Tour Auto Historic in France in April 1999. Pisker also commissioned a full engine rebuild by the esteemed UK-based specialists, Hall & Hall. Additionally, the interior was refurbished with correct nero leather with complementary carpets.
Acquired by the consignor in July 2014, the 250 GT has since been fastidiously maintained and consistently corrected toward original standards. In 2016, the exterior was refinished in proper rosso chiaro paint and the dashboard was removed and refurbished with correct wrinkle finish, while the chassis was mechanically sorted as needed, including a full rebuild of the brakes.
Currently in a beautiful state of presentation that includes a meticulously detailed undercarriage and engine compartment, the SWB is notable for its high state of chassis and body originality, having experienced no accident damage or serious racing in period, in contrast to most Competizione examples, which have at some point incurred damage during racing.
An excellent show car that is mechanically poised to enjoy premium touring and track events, the SWB would require only a handful of corrections to approach platinum-level standards for club exhibition. The car is now equipped with a roll cage for safety during event use and is a perfect candidate for events like the Tour Auto or Le Mans Classic, should its next owner wish to take the car to the track rather than the concours lawn. Regardless of application, the rare alloy-bodied berlinetta would make an essential acquisition for any Ferrari enthusiast.
Info and images from RM Sotheby’s.
The RM Sotheby’s auction takes place on August 24 and 25, 2018 at the:
Monterey Conference Center, 1 Portola Plaza, Monterey, California 93940
Auction Contact Info: +1 310 559 4575 and info@rmsothebys.com
