Description
1959 Ferrari 250 GT Pininfarina Series I Coupe: Well-Preserved Survivor
This 1959 Ferrari 250 GT Pininfarina Coupe s/ n 01315 GT is a well-preserved survivor and the 143rd of only 202 Series I inside-plug, drum brake PF Coupes built. As a Series I PF Coupe, s/ n 1315 GT was originally built from the factory with the traditional tipo 128D twin distributor, inside-plug engine, three Weber 36 DCL carburetors, a smooth shifting four-speed manual gearbox, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, and Borrani wire wheels. It entered Carrozzeria Pinin Farina to receive its coachwork on February 18, 1959 and was completed in May of 1959, finished in an elegant and uncommon color combination of Bianco (White) with its roof painted Grigio Conchiglia (Shell Gray). Trimmed with a Nero vinyl and leather interior, a striking and elegant example.
Delivered new to Luigi Chinetti Motors in New York in June 1959, the car’s first owner is unknown. By 1965 250 PF s/ n 01315 GT was purchased by Buckley D. Sowards, an attorney from Waite Hill, Ohio. Mr. Sowards retained the car for the next 49 years, selling it 2014. 250 PF s/ n 01315 GT retains its original interior, which displays a lovely aged look, adding to the car’s character and unique appeal. The odometer currently displays less than 40, 000 miles, which we believe to be original given the car’s overall condition. While the car has been painted, including the roof being refinished in metallic gold, it appears to be a largely unrestored example as it displays the honest patina of its age, including some checking on its paintwork.
Sadly, over the years, several hundred 250 PF Coupes have become 250 SWB or 250 California Spyder replicas as their frame, engine, trans, suspension and brakes are more-or-less identical, making for an easy re-body. The few surviving 250 GT Coupes offer outstanding value in the overall scheme of collectible Ferraris. With subtle styling, event eligibility, and the 250 series’ wonderful driving characteristics, the model offers something for seasoned and budding Ferrari collectors alike. It is rare to find an impressively original example, like this, that has remained in single ownership for nearly half a century.
250 PF s/ n 01315 GT retains its original, numbers-matching engine, trans and diff and is accompanied by a rare, original and mostly complete leather tool roll with its tools, jack and lube gun plus an original 250 GT owner’s manual. 250 PF s/ n 01315 GT has just completed a full rebuild of the brakes hydraulic systems and a carb tune by Chris Dugan at Dugan Enterprises, Oceanside Cal. As per Chris Dugan (an FCA Enzo-era judge) the car is wonderfully complete with every original part other than a modern fuel pump. The engine runs well and is nicely tuned, the oil pressure is great, the trans nicely “clicks” through the gears and the rebuilt brake system hauls it down from speed. All the gauges work, the mechanics are well sorted and while it is not perfect, it is a study in ready-to-use patina, a pleasure to own and drive to a Sunday brunch or a weekend Cars and Coffee meet. A wonderful find in its largely unrestored condition, all numbers matching, this early Ferrari is a unique prize for the astute collector.
S/ n 1315 GT. 250 GT Pinin Farina Coupe. Series I, inside plug.
Body no. 143. Bottom-Bianco MM10319. Top-Grigio Conchiglia MM16249.
Plastic and leather nero 8500. Listed as a 250 GT PF Coupe in the Pininfarina records. First series car with drum brakes and offset lever four speed transmission. The 143rd of a total of 202 Series I PF Coupes built.
Matching Numbers Well-Preserved Survivor
The 143rd of only 202 Series I inside-plug, drum brake PF Coupes built
Elegant and uncommon color combination of Bianco (White) with its roof painted Grigio Conchiglia (Shell Gray)
Offered with its owners manual and mostly complete leather tool roll
Recent full rebuild of the brakes hydraulic systems and a carb tune
Mechanically strong driver
A largely unrestored example with patina in all the right places
1959, 18 Feb., rolling chassis sent to Carrozzeria Pinin Farina in Torino for body.
1959, May, Factory completion month
1959, June, delivered new to Luigi Chinetti Motors, New York, NY.
1959 sold to the first unknown American owner.
1965 Sold to Buckley D. Sowards, an attorney, Waite Hill, Ohio. In his ownership the roof was repainted from Grigio Conchiglia to Gold Metallic, registered on license plates “576 XGE”.
1965 – 2014, owned by Buckley D. Sowards, Waite Hill, Ohio.
2014, sold to the third owner.
2019, 18-19 Jan., at the Gooding Scottsdale Auction. 1315GT 250 GT Pinin Farina Coupe Series I 5/ 59 Bianco MM10319 Grigio Conchiglia MM16249 roof then Silver/ Plastic & Leather Nero 8500 LHD US eng. # 1315GT body #143 PF job # 22143. Lot 153. Sold for $599, 000.
2019, Jan, sold to the third owner.
2023, July, serviced by Chris Dugan, Dugan Enterprises, rebuild brake hydraulics, tune and balance carbs, test drive and check all systems.
Price: $549, 500
