Ferrari 250 Europa GT Vignale

The Ferrari 250 Europa Vignale one-off chassis 0359GT is a masterpiece of automotive design, commissioned by Princess Lilian de Réthy of Belgium and created by Giovanni Michelotti and Carrozzeria Vignale. This unique car is celebrated for its mid-century Italian design and as an exceptional example of coachbuilt Ferraris. Princess Lilian de Réthy, born Marie-Lilian Baels, became an important Ferrari customer in the 1950s and 1960s. After marrying King Leopold III of Belgium, she developed a passion for high-performance cars, influenced by the king’s own enthusiasm for automobiles. King Leopold, a loyal Ferrari customer and a significant figure in the automotive world, facilitated a tire supply agreement between Ferrari and Belgian manufacturer Englebert, earning Enzo Ferrari’s respect. Chassis 0359 GT was the first Ferrari Princess Lilian ordered new and the second of only 43 Europa GTs built. It was shipped to Carrozzeria Vignale in Torino, where it received custom coachwork designed by Giovanni Michelotti. Vignale, known for their artistry in metal, collaborated with Michelotti to create striking and innovative designs. The 250 Europa GT Coupe Speciale features an impressive eggcrate grille, chrome-straked functional air vents, and subtle tail fins. Its canopy-like roofline with a panoramic windscreen and wraparound rear glass gives it a dynamic and sporting appearance. The interior is luxurious, with bespoke equipment, leather-upholstered seats, and a metal dashboard outfitted with Veglia instruments. Originally finished in dark green metallic with a white roof and beige leather upholstery, 0359 GT was a prime example of Vignale’s craftsmanship. The car was delivered to Princess de Réthy in spring 1955 and featured in the Ferrari Yearbook and a Vignale advertisement later that year. In the early 1960s, the car changed hands and eventually made its way to the US, where it passed through several owners, including Dr. Harvey Schaub and Ed Niles, who refurbished it and repainted it dark metallic red. It was later discovered by Ferrari specialist Mark J. Smith, repainted dark green-gray, and sold to Dutch collector Fritz Kroymans. The car was exhibited at several European concours events and remained a centerpiece of Kroymans’ collection until 2010. The current owner acquired 0359 GT in 2010 and commissioned Motion Products Inc. to perform a concours-quality restoration, returning the car to its original splendor. The restored Europa GT earned numerous prestigious awards, including First in Class at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and Best of Show at the FCA National Meet, Villa d’Este, and the Ferrari 70th Anniversary celebration in Maranello. The Ferrari Classiche Department certified 0359 GT, stamping the engine pad with the type number 112 and issuing a certificate of authenticity and Red Book. The car comes with an extensive history file, including restoration records, factory build sheets, period photographs, and a detailed history report by marque historian Marcel Massini. The Ferrari 250 Europa Vignale chassis 0359 GT is a remarkable example of automotive art, blending Princess Lilian de Réthy’s refined taste with Vignale and Michelotti’s unparalleled craftsmanship. This one-of-a-kind Ferrari is a testament to mid-century Italian design and the bespoke quality of coachbuilt Ferraris.