1963 Ferrari 250 GT/L 'Lusso'

Regarded by many as one of the most beautiful Pininfarina designs for Ferrari, the Scaglietti-built "Lusso' sold as a road-going car and directly benefited from the successful lineage of its predecessor, the Ferrari 250 GT. It was developed from the dual-purpose 250 GT Short Wheel Base delivered as either a tractable competition steed or a steel-bodied grand touring car. When the SWB's time was up, its road-going version was replaced in 1962 with the more curvaceous 250 GT Lusso.The very first Lusso appeared in October of 1962 at the Paris Salon and generated much admiration for its exquisite proportions. Call us biased, but we can't think of a prettier car before or since...One of just 22 Righthand drive cars built by Maranello Concessionaires, some reports suggest that today just 17 examples remain. This car is particularly special thanks in no small part to the comprehensive and exacting restoration which this car received by respected craftsmen and former Pebble Beach Concours-winning restorers, Auto Restorations NZ of Christchurch in the years to 2010. Upon completion of its meticulous restoration this handsome Lusso was rightly crowned Winner in the Masters' Class of the NZ Classic Car Weekend Intermarque Concours d'Elegance, Ellerslie, Auckland.Formerly the property of Mr Warren de France, a 747 Captain for a major international airline, one of the benefits of holding such a role was indulging in one of his favourite pastimes of visiting European car yards and forecourts keeping a keen eye for any irresistible classics. One particular occasion in 1995 this gorgeous Lusso, chassis number #5443 adorned the appropriate "for sale' sign and after some swift negotiation, it was his. For three years the car remained in the UK being visited occasionally for some spirited country-lane driving before the decision was made in early 1999 to ship the car to New Zealand where he'd anticipated moving from working overseas in order to restore and future-proof this important Ferrari. Without intentionally embarking on the level of restoration which then ensued, a small local restorer was enlisted to first strip a small amount of paint to ascertain the level of restoration required. As the area grew larger, predictably, all the paint was ultimately removed. Some previous repairs were uncovered but nothing of any deep concern. In for a penny, in for a pound, with the engine out of the car the decision to strip and refurbish the car and the Weber carburettors was an easy one to reach. Likewise, the differential and gearbox was treated to a rebuild at the same time.By the time the car's chassis had been dipped and coated for rust protection the demands of the restoration had begun to outgrow that of the appointed independent restorer. With the restoration fully committed and underway but Warren still living and working in Asia the car and all components were moved to another restorer before (to his credit) he too recognised that the job was beyond his means and skills. Requiring a professional and capable outfit who could complete the car to the greatest standard most deserving of this Ferrari, the Lusso naturally landed with the best Warren could find in mid-2006; Auto Restorations NZ. Within no time at all confidence with the project was at an all-time high and real progress was being made. With the experts at Auto Restorations in charge, they soon had all the elements of panel work, Rosso Cordoba paint, wiring, and the reinstallation of the Columbo-designed V12 engine fusing together to once again breathe life into this prancing horse.Attention to detail was foremost throughout this restoration and the commitment shown by both Warren and Auto Restorations has paid huge dividends for the next owner. Whilst hard to source, important components such as fog light bulbs, correct headlining and no less than four hides for the intricate leather interior have all been appropriately married to this car, further enhancing the incredible package that this benchmark Ferrari now offers.We are pleased to now offer for sale this Ferrari from a significant UK collection through auction. Resplendent in chosen Rosso Cordoba coachwork with contrasting tan leather interior the new owner of this very capable and matching-numbers GT can be confident that the quality of the restoration will stand the test of time.