One to Buy: 1 of 1 ex-Prince Bernhard 1955 Ferrari 250 Europa GT
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To replace the original big block Lampredi-engined 250 Europa, Ferrari created the Europa GT with a small block Colombo-engine and new short wheelbase Tipo 508 tubular steel chassis.
Although infinitely customisable given suitably deep pockets, most Europa GT customers opted for the standard coachwork offering which was a handsome Coupe design by Pinin Farina with exposed headlights, a prominent front intake and a rakish cabin profile with single piece wraparound rear screen. Unless a lightweight body was ordered by special request, steel was used for everything bar the opening panels.
Instead of custom coachwork, where these cars tended to differ from one another was in their colour schemes, mechanical specifications and interior appointments. Mono and two tone paint could be ordered along with custom trim, specific instrumentation and an array of hot parts from Ferrari’s competition department.
Currently on offer at the Schaltkulisse showroom in Miami is arguably the highest specification 250 Europa GT ever built.
Commissioned by one of Ferrari’s best customers of the period, chassis 0387 GT was ordered by Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands in his trademark Nero / Naturale colour scheme. More significantly, it was one of just two cars configured with an all-aluminium body.
The bespoke specification did not stop there for Prince Bernhard also requested a 250 Mille Miglia-type 513/508 chassis (508/MM55, one of just two built) plus all manner of engine, gearbox, rear axle, suspension, brake and steering upgrades normally fitted to Ferrari’s competizione models of the day.
Today, this most exceptional 250 Europa GT is offered in superb cosmetic and mechanical condition having recently undergone a major refresh at the renowned workshops of Patrick Ottis Company and Chuck Wray of Grand Touring Enterprises.
