A Ferrari That Shaped History
1959 Ferrari 250 GT Coupé – Now offered by Pickering Luxury Garage
Every once in a while, a car doesn’t merely move through history - it defines it. This 1959 Ferrari 250 GT Coupé is one of those rare machines: a timeless icon born from passion, precision, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.
Emerging during a crucial turning point in Ferrari’s story, the 250 GT signified the marque’s evolution - from building bespoke, race-focused machines to creating refined grand tourers for the world’s most discerning drivers. Coachbuilt by Pinin Farina, this Series I example is a pure expression of Ferrari’s golden era - where effortless style met exhilarating performance, all wrapped in an aura of sophisticated restraint.
Pictured above: Enzo Anselmo Ferrari, founder of Ferrari, during the pivotal transition from a racing-dominated legacy to the production of road cars.
This remarkable example, chassis and engine number 1239GT, remains beautifully paired with the coveted Tipo 128C "inside plug" V12 engine - a technical masterpiece of its time. Originally finished in Nero Tropicale over a rich green leather interior, it was delivered new to Belgium’s famed Garage Francorchamps and first owned by André Janssen, heir to a prominent pharmaceutical fortune. From there, it passed through a succession of notable European collectors, each one safeguarding its rarity and provenance with care.
The 250 GT was not just another Ferrari - it was a pivotal model that ushered in the brand’s transition into true series production. Hand-sculpted by the artisans at Pinin Farina’s Turin workshops, its design captured the essence of a new Ferrari philosophy: effortless elegance underpinned by race-bred DNA. With just 350 examples constructed between 1958 and 1960, each car bore subtle, individual nuances, blending the craftsmanship of the coachbuilt era with the emerging discipline of precision production.
In 2020, 1239GT underwent a sympathetic restoration exceeding £150,000, preserving its authentic character while enhancing its usability. Highlights include a complete bare-metal respray in a deep, lustrous Dark Blue, a full interior retrim in supple tan leather, a comprehensive suspension overhaul, carburettor rebuilds, and meticulous cosmetic refinements. The result is a car that feels alive and fresh, yet remarkably true to its original spirit. It’s a Ferrari that invites you not just to admire, but to drive and experience, just as Enzo intended (Documentation for the full restore is available upon request)
This car’s presence transcends aesthetics — it embodies an era where driving was pure, mechanical, and deeply connected. Period reviewers praised the 250 GT for its uncanny balance, its tractability at low speeds, and its poise at pace. Whether weaving through tight European streets or devouring long, sweeping country roads, the 250 GT offered, and still offers a level of engagement and elegance few cars could dream of matching.
Full service and restoration history is available upon request, with all invoices carefully preserved and up to date. Every detail has been meticulously recorded and securely stored, ensuring transparency and traceability throughout the car’s life. Comprehensive documentation on the vehicle’s provenance, ownership history, and specifications is also available—offering serious collectors and enthusiasts full confidence in its authenticity and care.
At Pickering Luxury Garage, we are deeply proud to offer this extraordinary 250 GT - a masterpiece that reflects Ferrari’s heart, craftsmanship, and the enduring joy of driving. It stands not just as a car, but as a living testament to one of the greatest chapters in automotive history.
Opportunities to acquire an example of this calibre are vanishingly rare. Enquire today by submitting the form below to secure a true Ferrari legend - and become part of its continuing story.
