Italian Automotive Elegance: The 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Coupé by Boano

If you’re anything like us here at The Coolector, your heart skips a beat at the mere mention of the 1950s golden era of motoring. It was a time when cars were not merely tools for transportation, but rolling sculptures, visceral experiences, and symbols of unbridled freedom.

Few manufacturers captured this spirit quite like Ferrari, and within their storied lineage, the collaborations with coachbuilders produced some of the most breathtaking vehicles to ever grace the tarmac.

One such rarity has just caught our eye over at RM Sotheby’s: a stunning 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Coupé by Boano, a vehicle that seamlessly blends gentlemanly elegance with genuine race-bred pedigree.

This particular example is something truly special for the dedicated petrolhead. Carrozzeria Boano had a painfully short existence as a fully-fledged coachbuilder, spanning just three years.

During this brief window of creativity, they produced a mere 68 examples of the “low roof” Ferrari 250 GT Coupé. To own one is to join an exclusive club; to own chassis number 0661 GT is to become the custodian of a fascinating narrative that spans continents and decades.

Delivered new to Belgium in April 1957, its first owner was none other than Baron de Fierlant Dormer. While the Baron’s tenure was brief, the car’s life was only just beginning, quickly transitioning from the boulevards to the hillclimbs under the ownership of racing driver Robert Crevits.

We love a classic car with a few war stories, and this 250 GT certainly delivers. Unlike many showroom queens that have never seen a redline, this Boano boasts a period competition history that adds a layer of grit to its glamour.

Crevits campaigned the car extensively in Belgian hillclimb events, notably securing a hat-trick of GT class victories during the summer of 1960. It is a car that was built to be driven, and driven hard.

Following its racing career, the car embarked on a global journey, passing through the hands of enthusiasts in the Netherlands, South Africa, and the United States, including a restoration by marque specialist Patrick Ottis Company in Berkeley, California.

The provenance of this machine is impeccable, but its recent history is equally compelling for the prospective buyer who wants to actually use the car. Since returning to Europe in the early 2000s, it has been a fixture at prestigious historic events.

It has graced the tarmac at the Nürburgring, Spa-Francorchamps, and Monza during the Ferrari Maserati Historic Challenge and has completed multiple runnings of the Mille Miglia and Tour Auto. This isn’t a static display piece; it is a turnkey ticket to the world’s most exclusive historic rallies.

Of course, acquiring a piece of Maranello royalty requires a significant investment. This breathtaking 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Coupé by Boano is expected to fetch in excess of £550,000. However, for that price, you are buying peace of mind alongside beauty.

The car was certified by Ferrari Classiche in March 2004 and comes with its coveted “Red Book,” confirming the presence of its matching-numbers 3.0-litre V12 engine.

Furthermore, the current vendor has spared no expense in its upkeep, evidenced by a massive £76,000 engine rebuild undertaken by David Morris Race Preparation in November 2022.

Visually, the car is a masterpiece, currently accompanied by a spare pair of seats trimmed in beige leather to complement its interior. Whether you are looking to conquer the Mille Miglia or simply want to own one of the rarest silhouettes in Ferrari’s history, this Boano Coupé represents a unique opportunity.

It is a vehicle that has lived a thousand lives—from the possession of a Belgian Baron to the heat of South African restoration and the winding roads of the Italian countryside. Now, fully sorted with a FIVA Identity Card and fresh engine work, it is ready for its next chapter.

---