A 1956 Ferrari 250 Europa GT has sold for $1.5 million at a California car auction.
The white car was one of the star items at Bonhams’ Quail Auction in Carmel in which modern cars sold well, with a 2020 Bugatti 2020 Bugatti Divo VIN achieving $8.6 million.
There’s still plenty of enthusiasm for the best older motors too though, with this car billed as “a spectacular Ferrari Grand Tourer for the gentleman racer.”
The car was shown at the 1956 Brussels Motor show and competed on the Spa Francorchamps course, Belgium’s grandprix circuit.
It came with full, authenticated classification and a “factory-correct restoration”. It was, say Bonhams, the “very last 250 Europa GT built, with the desirable GT chassis upgrades”.
The model is considered Ferrari’s first Gran Turismo – luxurious, high-speed cars designed for long journeys. It was designed by Pinin Farina, who founded the Carrozzeria Pininfarina company, a coachbuilding firm who partnered with Ferrari from 1951 to 2012, and designed and built some of the most famous shapes in post-war automobile history.
A splash of characteristic Ferrari red in the interiors completes a beautiful design by Pinin Farina, who was behind most road cars made in Maranello in this period. Image courtesy of Bonhams Cars.
This particular car was one of a small number built with improvements to boost its racing performance. It was built from September 26, 1955 and sold to a Belgian importer, who showed it at the 1956 Brussels Motor Show after paying 3 million Lire for it.
A Mr Nilens bought the car and raced it at the Spa track.
The car has subsequently passed between collectors, undergoing a major restoration in the first decade of this century and becoming a regular feature at historic car events.
Bonhams said: “This rare and coveted Ferrari GT boasts exciting provenance and is equally well suited for vintage touring or display on the finest Concours lawns.”
Ferraris of this pedigree are hot properties whenever they are sold. In March 2025 a 1955 model of a Europa GT sold for $1.7 million.
