MIAMI, 2024 — It’s not every day that a piece of automotive history rolls onto the auction stage, but when it does, it’s sure to rev the engines of car enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. This is precisely the case with the 1953 Ferrari 250 Europa Coupe by Vignale, chassis no. 0295 EU, engine no. 0295 EU, which is set to be the star attraction at RM Sotheby’s auction in Miami on Saturday, March 2, 2024.
Dubbed the “Birth of a Legend,” this Ferrari isn’t just any classic car. It’s a rolling testament to the dawn of Ferrari’s golden era, being the very first luxury grand touring Ferrari equipped with a 3-liter Colombo V-12 engine. Out of the 22 Europas built, this one stands out as a unique gem, thanks to its distinction as one of just two 250 Europas featuring the legendary 3-liter Colombo V-12, and one of only three Vignale-bodied 250 Europa coupes.
This automobile isn’t just about what’s under the hood. It’s a masterpiece of design, penned by the celebrated Vignale designer Giovanni Michelotti. Its elegance and iconic design were first showcased at the 1953 Paris Motor Show, and it has since traveled through time with its allure intact.
The car underwent a meticulous restoration from 2010 to 2015 by Brian Hoyt’s Perfect Reflections, including a full rebuild of its matching-numbers engine by Patrick Ottis. This painstaking work has not gone unnoticed, as the car boasts multiple Best of Show and FCA Platinum Award wins. It’s been a star at numerous prestigious events, including the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza, and was even featured in the June/July 2016 issue of Cavallino magazine.
The car’s journey from its unveiling in Paris to its current spotlight in Miami reads like a who’s who of luxury car ownership. It changed hands among discerning owners, including Robert Teakle of Detroit and Gilbert Walton of California, who held onto it for 37 years.
This Ferrari is more than just a car; it’s a piece of art, a slice of history, and a symbol of the grandeur of Italian design and engineering. With an estimated value of $4,500,000 to $5,500,000 USD (about INR 45.59 crore), it’s poised to make a splash in the world of high-end car auctions.
For collectors and Ferrari enthusiasts, the auction of chassis no. 0295 EU offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a significant part of Ferrari’s storied past. As the car gears up to find its new home, it stands as a shining example of automotive excellence and a testament to the enduring legacy of Ferrari’s innovation and style.
