The First Ferrari 250
As the first Ferrari to carry the now legendary 250 series nomenclature, the 250 Europa marked the beginning of a wonderful time in Ferrari’s history. It was revealed to the public in January 1953, and it would be Ferrari’s first true grand touring automobile, showing that the company was willing to produce cars for well-heeled customers who preferred to drive their cars on the road rather than on the track.
In addition to being the first road car of the 250 series, the Europa is unique amongst other members of its family for being the only one to carry the Aurelio Lampredi–designed V12. This engine, which was used in previous racing Ferraris, could produce over 200 horsepower and was capable of propelling its occupants to speeds in excess of 135 mph.
Its coachwork was just as striking as the performance of the Europa itself, as it was designed and fabricated by Pininfarina. The company was finally coming into its own in the early 1950s and was beginning to establish its own look and feel for the Ferrari bodies it was manufacturing. Pininfarina’s design for the Europa proved to be a perfect blend of sportiness and elegance.
The 11th of 43 total examples produced, this 250 Europa GT, was completed with its handsome coupe bodywork by Pininfarina in November 1954.
The factory delivered the Ferrari in January 1955, through Luigi Chinetti Motors, to original owner Jan de Vroom. De Vroom was a silent partner and major financial backer to Chinetti’s North American Racing Team (NART), as well as an avid amateur Ferrari racing driver of the period, often co-driving with partner George Arents. Reportedly, he maintained this Ferrari in the South of France, where one of his several homes was located.
RM Sotheby's will be offering this 1954 Ferrari 250 Europa GT Coupe at their upcoming Arizona auction held between the 16-17th January. For more information on this and other vehicles at the sale, click on the link below. Photos: Darin Schnabel © Courtesy of RM Sotheby's.