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Hypothetical 250 Lusso Rebuild

Discussion in 'Recreations & Non-Period Rebodies' started by Ferrari1777, Jan 26, 2025.

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  1. Ferrari1777

    Ferrari1777 Rookie

    Jan 26, 2025
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    #1 Ferrari1777, Jan 26, 2025
    Hi all,


    I’ve been pondering a hypothetical scenario and wanted to get your thoughts on it. After seeing multiple 1 of 1 250s created in the 60s it caused me to think of this. Imagine you have a 1960s Ferrari 250 GT Lusso chassis with a gearbox and engine in good condition, but the body is completely ruined (either through severe damage, rust, or some other calamity).


    Now, let’s say you decide to commission a custom “Competizone” body built by an established coachbuilder from the same era (think someone like Pininfarina, Scaglietti, etc.). The body would be built in a way that is faithful to the spirit of the original Lusso design, but with certain period correct touches either from other Ferraris or taking inspiration from other Italian brands and coach builders from the time to make it unique while still being a true homage to the period.


    To make this even more hypothetical, let’s say this project is approved by Ferrari Classiche, ensuring that the car retains its original chassis, engine, and gearbox components—essentially making it eligible for Ferrari’s certification and recognition as an authentic “restoration” in some sense.

    My questions for you all are:

    • Feasibility: Would this be a feasible project? Would an established coachbuilder from the period even entertain such a commission?
    • Originality: How would this car be viewed by the Ferrari community and collectors?
      Would it still be regarded as an original Lusso, or would it be seen as a re-bodied or "restomod"?
    • Market Value and Collectibility: Would a car like this retain value as an authentic Ferrari, or would it be considered
      something else entirely, potentially lowering its status in the classic car world?
    I'm curious to hear your opinions, especially from those who are deep in the world of Ferrari restoration and history. Would love to get a discussion going!

    Looking forward to your insights.
     
    Scott A. O'Donnell likes this.
  2. miurasv

    miurasv F1 World Champ

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    #2 miurasv, Jan 26, 2025
    Last edited: Jan 26, 2025
    This is a complete NO NO. Ferrari Classiche would never approve anything like this.

    I can't see Pininfarina being interested at all. Scaglietti were taken over by Ferrari.

    This is no different to what Drogo or Michelotti did in period.

    There has been a 250 GT/L Lusso, 5319 GT, made into a fake 250 GTO already. Ferrari Classiche would never certify that as it does not meet the qualifying criteria.

    DK Engineering have modded a 250 GT/L Lusso with 6 carbs, bored it out to 3.3 litres, uprated the brakes and given it a 250 GTO style gearbox, but it again will never be Ferrari Classiche approved. See here.
     
    Scott A. O'Donnell, Ferrari1777 and turbo-joe like this.
  3. The Red Baron

    The Red Baron Formula 3

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    #3 The Red Baron, Jan 26, 2025
    If you have a 250 Lusso with the body rusted away, then I am sure Ferrari Classiche will be glad to rebuild the car for you.
    Better check your pocket depth before starting.
     
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  4. miurasv

    miurasv F1 World Champ

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    #4 miurasv, Jan 26, 2025
    Of course Ferrari Classiche will rebuild a car with a rusted body, to the same specification it was originally, but that is not what the OP has in mind at all.

    Thinking about it, Carrozzeria Zagato might re-design and re-body the car, but Ferrari Classiche will not certify it.
     
    Ferrari1777 likes this.
  5. donv

    donv Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #5 donv, Jan 26, 2025
    There was a woman in Chicago who was a member here about ten years ago who had a Lusso which had been rebodied as a GTO... I can't remember her name. I don't know that the car was running at the time she had it, and given the prices of Lussos these days, I wouldn't be surprised to find out that it's back to being a Lusso again.

    If I remember correctly in her case, the frame had been shortened... again, nothing money can't resolve.
     
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  6. miurasv

    miurasv F1 World Champ

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    #6 miurasv, Jan 26, 2025
    Another 250 GT/L Lusso that has been rebodied/reworked by Allegretti into a fake 250 GTO is chassis 5243, said to have the engine from another Lusso, 5589.

    See here.
     
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  7. turbo-joe

    turbo-joe F1 Veteran

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    #7 turbo-joe, Jan 27, 2025
    why not rebuilt this lusso in the original condition?. you have all the important and expensinve parts to rebuilt and so it makes no sense to "frankenstein" this lusso. and for rebuilding it needs not someone from italy. there are good craftsman all over the world for much less money than in italia
     
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  8. Ferrari1777

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    #8 Ferrari1777, Jan 27, 2025
    Last edited: Jan 27, 2025
    Thats a very fair point, I guess I have a bee in my bonnet of wanting a Competizone spec car. The way I am looking at it would be if I had bought it in the 1960s how would I have specked it or had a coach builder work on it, it'd be done all period correct etc. Alternatively if I got the lusso body built to 95% factory spec (Paris motor show spec which had two less lights on the front from the production car, an aluminium body and an instrument cluster akin to to the 250 gt swb, would that suffice for Ferrari Classiche or would it still be too different).
     
  9. miurasv

    miurasv F1 World Champ

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    #9 miurasv, Jan 27, 2025
    Last edited: Jan 27, 2025
    In short:

    To get a Classiche Red Book the car has to be mechanically as Ferrari built it specification wise. They do sometimes allow certification with qualifications for example if a 275 GTB was uprated to 6 carbs in period.

    To get a Classiche White Book as a car of Historic Interest it has to have been raced in period or shown at International Shows/Concours in that exact specification as raced or shown within 10 years of being built.
     
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  10. Ferrari1777

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    #10 Ferrari1777, Jan 27, 2025
    Thank you for the clarification it is greatly appreciated. I will ponder on my options.
     
  11. donv

    donv Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #11 donv, Jan 28, 2025
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  12. swift53

    swift53 F1 Veteran
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    #12 swift53, Jan 31, 2025
    I can build you another Lusso body. Classiche will not approve it, but then we have sold assorted body parts to Italy.
    Price was most convenient, as was quality.
    We use Chinese sheet steel, and in Italy, the same. :)

    Regards, Alberto
     
  13. turbo-joe

    turbo-joe F1 Veteran

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    #13 turbo-joe, Feb 1, 2025
    you not mean sh.t steel? ;)
     

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