1959 Ferrari 14 Louver 250 Tour de France Re-creation

Description 1959 Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France 14 Louver Re-creation Chassis No. 1657 Engine No. 1549 Red with Tan Interior Among the most celebrated and important sports cars of all time, the Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France remains one of the cornerstones of the Ferrari legend. In 1955, FIA was tasked to reclassify sports car racing in an effort to reduce the influence of grand prix technology on sports cars that were simply becoming too fast for open road courses. Ferrari had grown their reputation constructing dual-purpose road racers, and the new Scaglietti-bodied 250 GT Berlinetta (constructed on the 2,600 mm LWB chassis) was a stunning beginning. By 1956, the 250 GT Berlinetta distinguished itself in a multitude of races, including the Marquis de Portago’s victory at the new Tour de France rally in September. Shortly thereafter, Oliver Gendebien won the race in another LWB Berlinetta in 1957, and again in 1958. With four consecutive victories at the French rally, this model would become affectionately known as the 250 GT Tour de France, or TdF. Ferrari would build these cars through early 1959, establishing the 250 GT TdF as one of the most desirable early racing models, and eventually rising to the pinnacle of collector status. The combination of racing prowess, impressive historic provenance, and stunning alloy Scaglietti coachwork results in one of the finest hand built cars Ferrari has ever created. ?Revered today as extraordinary examples sequestered to museums or fine collections, original examples rarely come to market as motorsports enthusiasts continue to retain these cars as cornerstones of premier collections. As such, record prices are achieved whenever an original example comes to auction. Consequently, enthusiasts have become increasingly aware of the value found in an accurately re-created Ferrari depicting the very best aspects of the original while using Ferrari mechanicals, period correct components, and faithful construction methods. For many, driving a car of this stature based on an original example, is an excellent way for a performance enthusiast to engage in one of the most exciting sports car experiences without the multi-million dollar entry fee. This Ferrari is a remarkably well-constructed re-creation of the original Ferrari 250 GT TdF which has been faithfully crafted to exacting detail. The build began with a 1959 Ferrari 250 GT Pininfarina Coupe (built October 1959) as the basis for construction. When the build began, chassis #1657 was already disassembled when it was imported to the UK in the 1980s. In 1994, the chassis was acquired from DK Engineering in Hertfordshire by a Swedish owner who commissioned Carrozzeria Auto Sport of Bastiglia, Italy, to construct alloy coachwork reflecting the desirable 14-louver Long Wheelbase Berlinetta ‘Tour de France’, which would be fitted to the Ferrari chassis. This also included the installation of a 3.0-liter inside-plug Colombo V12 (engine number 1549, also from a PF Coupe). The engine was configured to match the original TdF including triple Weber carburetors with vertical velocity stacks surrounded by a custom fabricated air pan, and distinctive Ferrari crinkle black cam covers. For improved highway driving, a GTE four-speed manual transmission with overdrive coupled to a central shifter was installed. Correctly configured with 16” Borrani wire wheels, the car was later upgraded in 2003 with power-assisted 360mm drum brakes by Patrick Ottis, Berkeley, CA. The interior was also treated to the very best available for any Ferrari with work performed by Tappezzeria Luppi. Originally directed under Romano Luppi and more recently with son Fabio, with almost 50 years of established excellence, they are recognized masters of leather craft for the finest Ferraris and other exceptional cars. In addition to the fine craftsmanship and superlative construction, the build has been documented with invoices and letters dating back to the late 1980s including 1990s correspondences from Carrozzeria Auto Sport construction, DK Engineering letters and faxes discussing the build with the commissioning owner and vendors, various hand drawn schematics, technical notations, parts and service invoices, and a copy of a 1996 letter from Ferrari stating the build date for chassis #1657. Additionally copies of the 2006 ACCUS FIA/USA papers as well as service invoices spanning 2003-2025 are also included with the car. ??Under current and prior ownership, services and ongoing enhancements to this car have always been managed by top tier Ferrari specialists including two years of dedicated service by Patrick Ottis (2003-2004), extensive handwritten notes covering mechanical details and general services, new carpet and engine compartment detailing with refurbishment for components, and fuel pump rebuild, Legendary Motorcars, Gazelle, CA (2o22), and all four shocks rebuilt with silent block bushings in August, 2025. Today this stunning re-creation of the Ferrari Tour de France presents in excellent condition throughout. Beautifully finished with correct Ferrari components and elegant alloy coachwork, the build quality and attention to detail is evident at every corner. The paint is exceptionally fine with high gloss and vivid depth to the deep maroon color. All panel gaps are excellent including crisp closure and fit to all opening features. The correctly configured removable hood allows complete access to the engine compartment, in keeping with the competition heritage of the original, complete with leather hood straps. Details throughout the car are not only beautifully constructed, they are accurate and correctly finished to authentically reflect the original. A set of clear headlight covers are correctly formed with high polished finishes shielding period correct headlamps. All trim, emblems, and lenses are beautifully restored including correct 16” Borrani wire wheels with Pirelli Cinturato tires, finished in silver secured by chrome plat