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The 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Boano: A Masterpiece of Italian Design, Power, and Legacy

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Phil Schneider

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The Ferrari 250 GT Boano "Low Roof" is more than a rare antique automobile; it represents Ferrari's evolution from racing machines to exquisite grand tourers. To properly understand its significance, let us go into the specifics of this remarkable automobile.

The 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Boano by mco

Design and Origins

Ferrari 250 GT Boano "Low Roof" mco

Pininfarina, one of Italy's most well-known design houses, created the 250 GT Boano. However, because Pininfarina's factory was busy with other projects, production was delegated to Carrozzeria Boano, a coachbuilder led by Mario Boano. The Boano's design features sleek and beautiful lines that evoke the spirit of 1950s Italian automotive beauty. Its "Low Roof" version, of which only 63 were built, has a distinctive profile that distinguishes it from the other 250 GTs of the time.

Engine and Performance

The 250 GT Boano is powered by Ferrari's famed 3.0-liter Colombo V12 engine, named after the company's brilliant engineer Gioachino Colombo

The 250 GT Boano is powered by Ferrari's famed 3.0-liter Colombo V12 engine, named after the company's brilliant engineer Gioachino Colombo. This engine, which produced 260 horsepower at 7,000 RPM, was a significant advancement in Ferrari's pursuit of both speed and dependability. With three Weber carburetors, the V12 provided consistent power delivery and excellent acceleration for its time.

250 GT Ferrari Boano Red Beige Interior with wooden driving wheel

This vehicle could reach speeds of up to 145 mph (233 km/h) and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 7 seconds. These figures were innovative in the 1950s, particularly given the car's twin position as a luxury grand tourer and a performance machine. The engine is well-known for its durability and high revving capabilities, which have become synonymous with Ferrari's V12 pedigree.

Technical Specifications

Car Specifications
Specification Details
Weight The 250 GT Boano weighs around 1,130 kg (2,491 lbs), making it relatively light for a grand tourer, which aids in its agile handling and performance.
Transmission It features a 4-speed manual gearbox, which complements the high-revving V12 engine, providing a thrilling driving experience.
Chassis and Suspension Built on Ferrari’s tubular steel chassis, the Boano is equipped with independent front suspension and a live rear axle, ensuring a comfortable yet responsive ride.

Historical Significance and Ownership

The Ferrari 250 series, which included the Boano, was essential in Ferrari's development of grand touring automobiles, mixing elegance with the company's racing DNA. Famous collectors and fans have adored the 250 GT Boano, with notable owners over the years. For example, this type was originally supplied to Jacques Swaters' Garage Francorchamps, Belgium's official Ferrari importer, in 1957. The car passed through various American owners, including Hollywood producer John Calley and David Berkeley, who displayed it at the Greenwich Concours d'Elegance in 2008.

Jacques Swaters (left) & Enzo Ferrari (right side)

Jacque Swaters and Enzo Ferrari
Jacques Swaters' left side and Enzo Ferrari right side

Many notable collectors, including Michael Schudroff and Dennis Roberts, have owned and maintained this unique machine, restoring it to its former brilliance. This Ferrari's current restoration has earned it multiple distinctions, including the FCA Platinum Award, and Ferrari historian Marcel Massini has recorded it, proving its Ferrari Classiche designation.

Legacy and Collectibility

Owning a Ferrari 250 GT Boano is like having a piece of Ferrari's rich history. The Boano qualifies for some of the world's most important classic automobile events, including the Mille Miglia, Tour Auto, and Targa Florio. Its spectacular beauty and mechanical capability make it an ideal choice for these renowned driving trips.

With only 63 "Low Roof" Boanos ever produced, collectors prize this model for its rarity, matching numbers, and well-documented history. These cars are becoming increasingly valuable since they reflect a golden era of Ferrari craftsmanship.

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The Ferrari 250 GT Boano "Low Roof" is an outstanding combination of design, performance, and heritage. Pininfarina designed it, Boano built it, and Colombo's V12 engine powers it. It encapsulates the essence of what made Ferrari a famous brand. Its extensive ownership history, many restorations, and eligibility for world-class automobile competitions make it an absolute must-have for dedicated collectors. This automobile is more than a machine; it's a work of art, a timeless symbol of Ferrari's dedication to excellence in all aspects of automotive design.

For any Ferrari aficionado, the 250 GT Boano offers a driving experience that is both exhilarating and elegant, while serving as a key part of Ferrari's legendary V12 lineage.

This is an opportunity to own a car that encapsulates the best of Ferrari's grand touring philosophy, and with its unique "Low Roof" design, it’s a true gem in the world of classic cars.

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