Rare Ferrari 250 GT Lusso by Fantuzzi: Discover the Untold Story of This Italian Masterpiece

Car enthusiasts and collectors often find themselves enamored by one-of-a-kind vehicles, especially those with eccentric classic designs and intriguing histories. One such remarkable vehicle is the uniquely modified Ferrari 250 GT Lusso by the renowned Medardo Fantuzzi. This rare automobile, which captures the essence of Italian coachbuilding at its finest, is bound to captivate anyone interested in vintage Ferraris.

Overview of the Ferrari 250 GT Lusso

The Ferrari 250 series, produced between 1952 and 1964, included some of the most collectible Prancing Horses. Among these, the Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso stands out, often regarded as one of the most beautiful cars ever designed. It combined the elegance of Pininfarina's design with the racing DNA of models like the 250 GT SWB and the 250 GTO. With only 351 units produced over 18 months, any Ferrari 250 GT Lusso is a rare find, but the 1963 example styled by Fantuzzi takes rarity to another level.

Built with the chassis number 4383, this Ferrari 250 GT Lusso was the 16th of its kind. Its history is thoroughly documented by Ferrari historian Marcel Massini. Completed on March 20, 1963, the car was initially purchased by Luciano Pederzani, co-founder of the Tecno Formula One racing team, through the Bologna-based dealer Società Italiana Veicoli Agriculturali e Motori. Originally finished in Grigio Argento with a Nero Connolly leather interior, it departed from the factory in its standard Pininfarina body.

The Fantuzzi Transformation

Three years after its manufacture, the car underwent a significant transformation. Pederzani, already familiar with Fantuzzi's design prowess from his work on Tecno race cars, commissioned the re-bodying of the vehicle. The modifications aimed to echo the design elements of the Ferrari 330 LMB competition model. The result was a unique Lusso featuring a smaller, rounded grille, twin bumperettes, and faired-in headlights with aerodynamic Plexiglass covers.

This Ferrari's journey didn't stop there. It was later sold and exported first to Venezuela and then to the United States. In Texas, additional modifications were made, including 250 GTO-style intakes above the grille and vents behind the rear wheel arches. Also, it received a fresh coat of red paint in 1977. With these modifications, the car became an exemplary specimen of Italian coachbuilding, combining its sweeping hood, curved fenders, and sloping rear end into a masterpiece of automotive design.

Performance Under the Hood

But this Ferrari 250 GT Lusso isn't just a feast for the eyes; it packs a substantial punch under the hood. Powered by a 3.0-liter Colombo V12 engine, the Lusso features single overhead cams per bank, two valves per cylinder, and three dual-barrel Weber 36 DCS carburetors. This setup delivers an impressive 240 hp at 7,500 rpm and 178 lb-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm, enabling the car to achieve top speeds of around 150 mph (240 kph). Paired with a four-speed manual transmission, this Lusso is a beast that performs as well on the road as it looks.

The car's suspension further cements its racing pedigree. The front suspension boasts independent coils, unequal-length wishbones, and telescopic shock absorbers, while the rear features a live axle with coil springs, semi-elliptic leaf springs, and telescopic shock absorbers. This setup is similar to the 250 GTO, making the Lusso not just a luxurious grand tourer but also a respectable performer in the racing scene.

Luxurious and Elegant Interior

Inside, the Lusso's cockpit exudes timeless luxury. The leather upholstery, three-spoke Nardi steering wheel made of wood and aluminum, and spacious trunk with a quilted leather parcel shelf all contribute to its classic charm. The interior layout is considered one of the finest in any grand tourer from the 1960s, combining functionality with unmatched elegance.

A Journey Across Continents

Throughout its life, this Lusso has traveled extensively, visiting cities and countries like Italy, Venezuela, New York, Hawaii, and England. It spent 28 years in Hawaii before being acquired by a new owner in England. While in the UK, the car underwent a comprehensive restoration by DK Engineering to concours standards. It was also owned by radio and TV broadcaster Chris Evans, a fervent Ferrari collector.

Now, the sophisticated and unique Ferrari 250 GT Lusso by Fantuzzi is set to go under the hammer, with an estimated price range of £1,100,000 to £1,500,000 GBP (approximately USD $1,400,000 to $1,900,000). This special vehicle, with its compact proportions, elegant lines, and understated details, continues to be as captivating today as it was in the early 1960s.