Ferrari 250 Europa GT Coupé
In 1954, Ferrari heavily modified their 250 Europa to accept the new short-block Colombo V12. In doing so, they created Ferrari’s first 250 GT, a model which would later become the company’s most successful.
Despite having a near-identical body, the Ferrari Europa GT was much different under the skin compared to its predecessor. Fitted was an detuned version of the short-block Colombo V12 that first appeared in the 250 MM. With 9.0 compression and a set of Weber 36 DCZs, 220 bhp was possible.
The more compact engine was fitted in a smaller chassis designated Tipo 112. This had a 200mm reduction and also supported the four-speed gearbox and differential from the 342 America. Furthermore the chassis had independent front suspension which was a first for Ferrari’s road cars.
With the 250 Europa GT, Ferrari was interested in keeping a standardized specification and style. Almost all the cars were bodied by Pininfarina similar the preceding model.
Pininfarina fabricated most of the Europa GTs, 4 of which were made in aluminum for competition. These cars can rightly be called the prototypes for the highly successful 250 GT ‘Tour de France.’ They achieved moderate success considering the Europa was never designed for racing. Furthermore, these cars may have been fitted with an independent rear suspension.
In total around 30 Europa GTs were constructed including, 0359GT, a stunning one-of manufactured by Vignale for the Princess Liliane de Rethy of Belgium and a pair of Berlinetta Speciales by Pininfarina.
Later in the production, several cars received the stronger Tipo 128 engine. Eventually the model was replaced outright by the 250 GT Boano.
Pictures
See full 1954 Ferrari 250 Europa GT Coupé Gallery here
Specs & Performance
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Limited Production Car |
| production years | 1954 – 1956 |
| released at | 1954 Paris Motor Show |
| built at | Maranello, Italy |
| body stylist | Pininfarina |
| production | 28 |
| predecessor | 1953 Ferrari 250 Europa |
| successor | 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Boano Coupé |
| engine | Tipo 112 60º V12 |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| block material | Aluminium |
| valvetrain | SOHC, 2 Valves per Cyl |
| displacement | 2953 cc / 180.20 in³ |
| bore | 73 mm / 2.9 in |
| stroke | 58.8 mm / 2.3 in |
| compression | 9.2:1 |
| body / frame | Body over Tipo 508 Steel Tube Chassis |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| front brakes | Unassisted Drums |
| rear brakes | Unassisted Drums |
| f suspension | Double Wishbones w/Transverse Leaf Springs |
| r suspension | Rigid Axle w/Longitudinal, Half-Elliptic Springs |
| wheelbase | 2600 mm / 102.4 in |
Auction Sales History
1956 Ferrari 250 Europa GT 0427GT – sold for $2,310,000 The Very Last 250 Europa GT Built. Distinguished Pedigree with Period Auto Show and Competition History. Restored to Concours Quality by the Most Respected Marque Specialists. Eligible for the Most Exclusive Tours, Rallies, and Concours Events. Documented by Ferrari Historian Marcel Massini. Auction Source: 2014 Pebble Beach Auctions
1955 Ferrari 250 Europa GT Coupé 0409GT – sold for $2,530,000. Among the Finest Unrestored 250 Ferraris in Existence. One of Only 43 Europa GTs Built. Unbroken Provenance with Single- Family Ownership for 45 Years. Exceptionally Original, Time-Capsule Condition. Just over 14,000 KM from New. Displayed at Pebble Beach and the Uniques Concours in Florence. Offered with Original Handbooks, Tools, literature, and Important Documents. Eligible for the Most Important International Motoring Events. Documented by Marque Expert Marcel Massini. A Significant Opportunity for the Serious Ferrari Collector. Auction Source: The Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company
1955 Ferrari 250 Europa GT Coupé Speciale 0407GT – sold for $2,420,000 1955 Ferrari 250 Europa GT Coupé Speciale 0407GT. The finest example of Pinin Farina’s iconic 1950s Ferrari “look”. A one-off custom design on the 250 Europa chassis. Recipient of numerous concours awards. Auction Source: RM’s Art of the Automobile
1955 Ferrari 250 GT Europa 0391GT – sold for €582,400 One of about 34 Europa GTs built. Special order by well-known Ferrari client Pietro Barilla. Expertly restored in 2001. Award-winner at 2002 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Benchmark example of Ferrari’s first, true series-production car. Auction Source: Monaco 2012 by RM Auctions
1956 Ferrari 250 Europa GT 0405GT – sold for $715,000 Recent Concours-Quality Restoration Of A Highly Original Example. An Important Car That is Eligible For The Most Prestigious International Events. A Stunning Presentation Of An Elegantly Styled Ferrari GT. Auction Source: 2008 Monterey Preview
