A Phoenix Rises: The 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series I by Pinin Farina

For those with a profound appreciation for automotive artistry, historical significance, and a tangible piece of Maranello’s most exclusive past, the 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series I by Pinin Farina from RM Sotheby’s stands as an almost mythical beast. This isn’t just a car; it’s a meticulously restored legend, one of only 40 examples ever built, and arguably one of the freshest and best-preserved iterations of Maranello’s bespoke, built-to-order, range-leading Series I Pinin Farina Cabriolet to be found anywhere on the planet.

Introduced to a rapturous audience at the 1957 Geneva Salon, the Pinin Farina-bodied Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet was nothing short of a design triumph. Its elegant rear haunches, the exquisite touch of covered headlamps, and that long, centrally ventilated bonnet didn’t just turn heads; they heralded a monumental milestone in Ferrari history.

This was Maranello’s inaugural series-produced open-top model, a truly auspicious occasion for aficionados then and now. While the very first two examples served as prototypes, it was the subsequent 38 cars that solidified its iconic status, each one a virtual “one-off” bespoke grand touring machine, meticulously crafted in Pinin Farina’s custom shop rather than the factory floor. This level of artisanal dedication meant a substantially higher price tag than even the venerated California Spider, cementing its position as the flagship touring model of the 250 GT range.

Chassis number 0801 GT, the 17th of these exclusive creations, is particularly special. It was originally displayed on the Ferrari stand at the 1958 Geneva Salon, a testament to its inherent allure. Dressed in the breathtakingly refined colour combination of Grigio Metallizzato (MM 16201) paint over a sumptuous Rosso leather interior, this car was born to captivate. Its first owner was none other than the famed Italian opera singer Giuseppe Di Stefano, adding a layer of celebrity provenance to its already rich tapestry.

Fast forward to 2024, and this magnificent 250 GT has undergone a comprehensive, no-expense-spared restoration by the revered Ferrari marque experts, Motion Products Inc. This included the crucial re-fitting of its matching-numbers engine, ensuring an unparalleled level of authenticity. The total investment for the engine purchase and MPI’s exhaustive restoration work exceeded a cool $2 million, pushing its estimated value to a breathtaking $5.75m+.

The fruits of this meticulous labour were immediately evident. The car debuted its immaculate restoration at the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where it clinched a class win, bested only by a Ferrari 250 GTO – an indicator of its almost unparalleled quality. A month later, it garnered a Platinum Award and the prestigious David Carte Memorial Trophy for restoration quality at the 2024 FCA National Meet and Concours, with its stunning colour combination even featuring in Forza magazine.

Offered from 25 years of fastidious single-owner care, and now reunited with its original, matching-numbers engine, chassis 0801 GT is an utterly magnificent embodiment of the style and power that defined the first-series Pinin Farina Cabriolet. Remaining eligible for the world’s most exclusive gatherings, this stunning example is worthy of the most accomplished collections, representing the pinnacle of open-top grand touring from the late 1950s.

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