1007/GT

VIN : 1007/GT
Date : 11 Jul 1958
Body No : 22027
Destination : Vitale
Exterior : Grigio Conchiglia MM 16249
Interior : Leather Blu Connolly 3087
Existant : Yes
Notes : Numerous Special Original Features for Preferred Client Vitale
Photos : © Marcel Massini & Peter Grootswagers

VIN History :

This beautifully presented 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Pinin Farina coupe, with a wealth of fascinating details, is numbered 1007 GT. Accompanied by a history compiled by renowned Ferrari specialist Marcel Massini, the 1007 GT was the 31st example produced; however, Hilary A. Raab’s Ferrari Serial Numbers Volume I lists the car as the 27th built. Given that the cars were still being built to order, it is reasonable to expect that some chassis bearing later numbers would have been completed before others and not necessarily in numerical order. The vehicle in question was ordered new by none other than Guido Vitale, co-owner of Wax & Vitale SaS, the famous Genoese importer of luxury goods and premium liquors, which remains in business to this day. Well known to Ferrari collectors and historians, Vitale and his partner Dr. Enrico Wax were favourite Ferrari customers who owned a succession of the most interesting Ferrari models produced during the period. Chassis 1007 GT was one of two such 'PF' coupes commissioned by Vitale and Wax, each newly fitted with a host of bespoke features that set them apart from the rest of the production run.
An original left-hand drive example, the 1007 GT was beautifully finished in Grigio Conchiglia paint over Pelle Blu Connolly leather upholstery. Notable exterior details included special chrome exhaust grilles and chrome headlamp bezels with small air intakes, plus unique badging, with the usual yellow hood badges replaced by large chrome Ferrari script and a chrome prancing horse. Body weight was minimized with experimental fiberglass hood and rear deck panels. This purpose-built vehicle also featured factory-fitted under-hood lighting. Rarely seen on Ferraris of this era, these bespoke custom touches really complement the exterior, while the interior also benefited from some specially commissioned details. The 1007 GT's interior was enhanced with gray carpeting and a blue leather-wrapped dashboard featuring multiple switchgear and special race-specific instrumentation. Double chrome moldings on the lower bodywork, under-bonnet lighting, special badges on the rear completed the many special features of the 1007 GT.
Shortly after completion in October 1958 and delivery to Mr. Vitale, the 1007 GT was sold to American Ferrari importer Luigi Chinetti, who exhibited the special Ferrari GT at the Chicago Auto Show in January 1959. The following year, Chinetti sold the coupe to William Jennings Bryan of Munhall, Pennsylvania, the well-known businessman, WWII veteran and avid automobile enthusiast. Interestingly, Mr. Bryan notably exhibited the 1007 GT at the inaugural FCA (Ferrari Club of America) annual meeting held at Notre Dame University in April 1965. In the late 1980s, the 1007 GT was displayed by Mr. Bryan at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix and in the early 1990s it was acquired by Peter Markowski of RPM Vintage Racecar Services of Vermont, who exhibited the 1007 GT at the Palm Beach FCA National Concours d'Elegance. In 1994, 1007 GT passed to Susan De Felice, who showed it at the 1995 FCA National Concours d'Elegance at Mid-Ohio and the 1997 Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance.
In 1999, the 1007 GT was acquired by Stephen Bacen of Hollywood, Florida, who drove the car in the June 2000 Northeast Ferrari Rally and subsequently commissioned a restoration by RPM, including extensive mechanical work, rebuilding the original engine, a bare-metal repaint, brightwork restoration, and reupholstering of the interior. Upon completion, Mr. Bacen displayed the 1007 GT at the January 2003 Cavallino Classic, as well as the April 2003 FCA North American Field and Driving Concours at Sebring. Following Mr. Markowski's acquisition of the 1007 GT around 2010, it was inspected by Ferrari marque expert Marcel Massini before being displayed at the September 2010 FCA National Concours at New Jersey Motorsports Park. In 2011, the 250 GT was sold to Peter Hosmer of New Hampshire, who won a Gold Award for it at the 2013 Cavallino Classic. The next owner purchased the 1007 GT in early 2015 and had it serviced and cosmetically improved, including engine work by marque expert Patrick Ottis and repainting and detailing of the engine compartment.
The 1007 GT is provided with restoration documents and previous ownership details, and a correct Borrani wire wheel. As an early and unique ‘Series I’ example of the elegant 250 GT Pinin Farina Coupé, the 1007 GT marks a beautiful and fascinating addition to a valuable collection.

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