Ferrari 250 GTZ Lusso

Chassis 0689GT is the twentieth Ferrari 250 GT Long Wheelbase Berlinetta bodied by Carrozzeria Zagato, completed on March 29, 1957. Constructed with a full aluminium body and configured in left-hand drive, this example featured the distinctive coachbuilt Zagato design (with double “bubble” roof) without the characteristic rear louvres found on the standard “Tour de France” berlinettas. Its design, refined and aerodynamic, stood as a hallmark of mid-century Italian craftsmanship where form and function were harmoniously integrated. Delivered new to Vittorio de Micheli of Florence, 0689GT was immediately deployed in Italian national competition. Throughout 1957 and 1958, de Micheli campaigned the car extensively in regional hillclimbs and GT events. Early appearances included the XIX Coppa della Consuma, followed by participations in the Pontedecimo-Giovi and Varese-Campo dei Fiori hillclimbs. Highlights of its competition career under de Micheli include a class win at the Compiano-Vetto d’Enza hillclimb in July 1958, alongside a series of consistent finishes across northern Italy’s demanding racing landscape. In 1959, ownership passed to Umberto Filotico of Taranto. Under his direction, 0689GT continued its competitive service. During this period, the car’s front bodywork was altered following an accident. Despite this, it maintained a notable record, with victories in GT class categories at Agnano-Cappella dei Cangiani, Frascati-Tuscolo, and the prestigious Coppa Luigi Fagioli. Filotico’s driving culminated in a first overall finish at the 1960 Coppa Luigi Fagioli, affirming the car’s competitive edge well into the decade. By the early 1970s, 0689GT had entered the United States. It passed through the hands of several notable collectors, including Nub Turner, Ken Hutchison, John Delamater, and Gary Rice. In the 1980s, it was offered for sale by Joe Marchetti and later acquired by Charles Glapinski, who drove it in the Mille Miglia retrospective events in 1986 and 1987, as well as other American concours and historic races. After further changes in ownership through the 1990s and 2000s, the car was eventually restored to its original body configuration in red with a beige interior. Under the stewardship of Rick Nash, it was presented at “The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering” in 2011.