Agostino De Laurentiis needs no introduction for fans of vintage Italian cinema. A classic 1961 Ferrari 250GTE 2+2 'Series 1' Coupé car which once belonged to the famous movie producer is auctioning at a Collectors' Motor Cars and Automobilia sale in Oxford, UK.
The Ferrari 250GTE is billed as a 'barn find' and has coachwork by Pininfarina. It is understood that De Laurentiis - nicknamed "Dino" - acquired the classic car from an Italian resident who imported it new from Rome.
De Laurentiis was born in 1918. After his first international success, 1949's 'Bitter Rice' he went on to produce more than 150 films. These included works by Carlo Ponti, Federico Fellini, Vittorio De Sica, Roberto Rossellini and Roger Vadim.
This Ferrari has only had a few owners. It was most recently purchased in 1967, after which the 250GTE's owner is understood to have only used the car for eight or nine years. The classic automobile still carries its last tax disc, which expired in 1976.
 De Laurentiis's classic 1961 Ferrari 250GTE 2+2 'Series 1' Coupé car |
"This well-preserved 'barn find' represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire an original and untouched early Ferrari 250GTE," said Rob Hubbard, the auctioneer's Senior Specialist."[The Ferrari is] ripe for sympathetic restoration by a fortunate new owner."
Pininfarina's brief for the Ferrari 250GTE 'Series 1' was to create a 2+2 (with seating for two passengers in the front and two smaller seats in the rear) without lessening the 250's good looks or sporting image.
Needless to say, the master designer's final work was a complete success. This 'barn find' 250GTE 2+2 will appear at auction with a £40,000-60,000 presale estimate - a value which is testament to the car's classic status. The sale is happening on March 3.
Collectors hoping to be in with a chance of owning De Laurentiis's Ferrari 250GTE 'Series 1' car will surely face much competition from other bidders. But, the good news is, you don't need to subject yourself to spiralling bids in order to acquire your own classic Ferrari.
We have this rolling work of art for sale: a 1973 Ferrari Dino GT Targa Coupe
Opportunities to buy a Ferrari away from the auction block include this 1973 Ferrari Dino GT Targa Coupe (pictured above). The Dino, produced between 1968 and 1976, was Ferrari's attempt to produce a more affordable sports car - yet it is today highly valued among collectors.
Paul Fraser Collectibles has a 1973 model for sale. It has been restored by Ferrari-trained personnel to Concours standards. Click here to find out more.
Watch this space for more news from the classic car markets.
