The 41st of only 201 examples produced between 1959 and 1962
Retains its matching-numbers engine, gearbox, and rear axle
Believed to have been converted to “covered headlights” by Tom Meade
Maintained as part of the Petitjean Collection for 26 years

1959 Ferrari 250 GT Series II Cabriolet by Pinin Farina

Unveiled to the public at the 1959 Paris Salon, the Ferrari 250 GT Series II Cabriolet represented the last evolution of Ferrari’s 250 Spyders and Cabriolets.

Around this time - the 250 TDF and 250 SWB competition models were the fastest and most prestigious road/racecars you could buy and the 250 California and Series I cabriolets were the most desirable dropheads. The Ferrari 250 PF Coupe was the flagship luxury GT and the newly launched Series 11 Cabriolets were to represent a big jump in performance and luxury over their predecessors.

The new Series 11 Cabriolets were fitted with the latest more-powerful Colombo V12 engine with outside plugs, coil valve springs and 12-port cylinder heads, coupled to a four speed with overdrive gearbox, giving a top speed of approaching 150 mph. The fitment of the newly introduced four-wheel Girling disc brakes and the latest Koni shock absorbers also provided the car with handling to match the performance of the engine.

#1941GT
An early car, #1941 left the factory finished in Grigio Conchiglia over a Rosso leather and vinyl interior. Delivered new in June 1960 to John von Neumann’s official dealership, Ferrari Representatives of California, it was sold to its first owner, Mr. Jean Pierre Alvin Overgood of California.

At some stage during the 1960s or early-1970s, #1941GT received a "covered headlight" conversion by Tom Meade, the legendary Ferrari modifier. In 1976, this cabriolet is recorded as being owned by a Mr. Noel Thompson of Morristown, New Jersey, and was next offered for sale in February 1987, by Thomas Barrett of Scottsdale, Arizona. It is understood that #1941GT was sold to Europe and believed to have had its front suspension and engine repaired by Jarls Bilverkstad of Sweden in early 1994.

#1941GT was acquired by Monsieur Petitjean at an auction in Monaco in May 1995, and has been driven by him over the years while on the French Riviera. In 2005 Monsieur Petitjean chose to have the engine fully rebuilt by marque specialists. In 2015 and 2016 1941GT was exhibited at the Allianz Riviera stadium in Nice, for the French Riviera Classic Motor Show. In the autumn of 2017, the Ferrari was shown at the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat held on the Côte d’Azur, where it achieved first prize in the “Moderne” category. Enjoyed by Monsieur Petitjean over many summers on the French Riviera.

A centrepiece of Monsieur Petitjean’s collection for 26 years, 1941GT presents a rare opportunity to acquire an early-production and matching-numbers example of Ferrari’s celebrated 250 GT Series II Cabriolet.