One to Buy: ex-Luigi Taramazzo 1959 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Tour de France
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Conceived as a three-litre V12-powered Grand Tourer for competition use, the 250 GT Berlinetta became a popular and extremely effective mount for both professional and gentleman drivers during the mid-to-late 1950s.
Powered by a Gioacchino Colombo-designed engine dropped into a traditional tubular steel chassis, the 250 GT Berlinetta came with rakish lightweight aluminium bodywork, a pared back interior and a host of racey Competizione-style features.
Although perhaps best suited to long distance road races, the handsome model also excelled in hillclimbs and circuit racing. Most notably, these long wheelbase cars won the gruelling Tour de France on four straight occasions between 1956 and 1959. During this time they were continually updated with the chassis, engine and body all coming in for significant attention to keep Ferrari at the head of the field.
Currently being represented by RMD is chassis 1401 GT, the last 250 GT Berlinetta built before Ferrari switched to the updated SWB-style bodywork.
Originally delivered to respected Italian privateer Luigi Taramazzo of Bordighera, it was uniquely configured with Oro Chiaro Metallizzato paint and Pelle Marrone upholstery.
Taramazzo retained chassis 1401 GT for just a couple of months, during which time he finished ninth overall in the Monza Lotteria GP and won the Garessio-Colle San Bernardo Hillclimb. The car was then sold to Gerard Spinedi in Geneva who continued to race it until late 1960.
Today, chassis 1401 GT is offered in superb restored condition complete with Ferrari Classiche certification.
