Ferrari 250 GT Pininfarina Coupé Speciale

The Ferrari 250 GT Pininfarina Coupé Speciale chassis 0751GT is a one-off masterpiece built in 1957 and delivered in early 1958 to Princess Liliane de Réthy of Belgium, the second wife of King Leopold III. Commissioned through Garage Francorchamps, the Belgian Ferrari importer, the car was finished in Grigio Fumo over Pelle Beige leather—an understated yet regal combination befitting its royal owner. Built on the 250 GT chassis and clothed in elegant custom coachwork by Pininfarina, 0751GT represents the height of Ferrari’s early grand touring design, blending sophisticated lines with luxurious detailing. Princess Liliane retained the car until 1967, when she gifted it to Dr. Ernest de Bakey, a renowned American cardiovascular surgeon. Initially reluctant to accept such a lavish present, Dr. de Bakey found a bill of lading waiting for him, confirming the gift’s shipment to the United States. In 1968, the car was sold to another physician, who modified it with 15-inch wheels and disc brakes to enhance drivability. Over the next several years, 0751GT passed through a series of American collectors, including John Wilson Clinard, who completed its restoration and owned the car from 1977 to 1984. Notable subsequent owners include Ferrari collectors Anthony Wang and Gregory Noblet, son of famed French racing driver Pierre Noblet. In 1997, the car returned briefly to Belgian ownership under Philippe Lancksweert, who commissioned another restoration by Italian specialists. It later entered long-term U.S. ownership in 1998, making a rare public appearance at the 2001 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. In 2019, this unique Ferrari was offered at RM Sotheby’s Arizona sale, representing a rare opportunity to acquire a car with royal provenance, bespoke design, and a history spanning some of the most respected names in the Ferrari community.