1956 | Ferrari 250 GT Boano

Model history

Ferrari had been doing well through the 1950s with the 250 series of road and racing cars. The company’s successful early line included many variants and are characterized by their use of the Lampredi or Colombo designed 3 liter V12 engine. From the mid fifties, Ferrari’s road car production became important to the company’s future stability. Carrozzeria Pinin Farina was not yet able to meet Ferrari’s increased demand and thus Carrozzeria Boano was entrusted to expand the 250 GT series.

Carrozzeria Boano was established in 1954 by ex-Farina designer, technical director of Pinin Farina and owner of Ghia Mr. Mario Boano and his son Paolo. In 1957, Boano and his son ran the Centro Stile Fiat and left their body building business to son-in-law Ezio Ellena.

The Ferrari 250 GT Boano replaced the 250 GT Europa and represented a significant departure for Ferrari. Driver and passenger comfort were taken seriously; the interior was more luxurious, seats were broader and there was less noise intrusion. By this time there was also synchromesh in the gearbox, which was exactly what was expected by the increasingly important North American market. The Boano-bodies cars were distinguished from later cars by the roof being lower and by the existence of quarter-light windows. From 1958 onwards the body was built by Ellena who raised the roof by about 3 inches.

This example

• Well maintained in an important Dutch Ferrari collection
• One of only 88 ‘low-roof’ examples
• Restored in 1998

This lovely 250 GT Boano was built in 1956 is one of some 88 cars manufactured. Many of them were used in competition events with gentlemen drivers. The chassis was very similar to the 250 GT Tour de France and the Tipo 128 B engine delivered 240 bhp so the car could be competitive, although the car was heavier as the competition cars due to the steel body on the Boano.

The bodywork is in excellent condition with very good panel fit as the Boano’s were well built. This car shows no previous accidents and has a well kept and very clean underside with the original floorpans. 

We are currently researching the car’s early history, but quite early the car arrived in America and was owned by a Mr. Steve Barny and then by Robert Spangler of the Prancing Horse Farm. In 1983 the car was owned by Steve Cottingham. In 1997 the car appeared at auction in the UK and in 2000 the car was sold to a Mr Alberto Garnerone. He kept the car until his estate sold the car in 2013. The next owner is the current caretaker, a long time and important Ferrari collector. During the current ownership the car was used sparingly but well maintained. 

A number of cars were in period converted to other arguably more desirable, competition-orientated series from the 250 family. Fortunately, this car was not converted to a racing type car, making it a rare survivor. 

The paintwork is still presentable and shows some patina after more than 20 years. The Boano styling is elegant and the two-tone paintwork suits the model very well. The interior with the TdF style sport seats is in very nice condition. The engine starts well and shows hardly any smoke and has good oil pressure. The gearbox is a delight to use. The grey painted Borrani wheels give the car the sporting appearance. As you can see in the video the car likes to be driven… fast!

The price is an affordable 875.000,- Euro.

This must present a tempting offer, considering for example a 250 GT Lusso is much more expensive and significantly less rare while the Boano retains much more of its racing DNA. This car is a great 12-cilinder Ferrari to be used in rally, touring & club events or in the Mille Miglia for which it is eligible. This example deserves a new great home where it can be further enjoyed.

Please call for inquiries, pictures or more information as required.

Very Superior Old Cars is a classic sportscar consultancy company founded in 1992. We work for our customers to assist with all aspects of their car interests. From acquisition consultancy with restoration advice and management to private sales in our boutique art gallery.

VSOC is centrally located between Amsterdam and The Hague, only 17 km (11 miles) from Schiphol Airport. There is a broad selection of classic sports cars on display, in very good or excellent condition, varying from beautiful yet affordable sports cars to rare and valuable collectors’ items. When you intend to visit us in The Netherlands, we would advise you to make an appointment so that we can give you some quality time. If you arrive by plane or train, we would be happy to pick you up at the airport or train station. Besides Dutch we speak English, German, French and Italian.