THE 250 GT CABRIOLET SERIES II

Many enthusiasts consider the driver’s choice of the Ferrari 250 GT range to be the later, second-series variant, produced from 1960 onwards. In both Cabriolet and Coupe form, the Series II boasted numerous major improvements over the earlier cars, included revised shock absorbers, better sound insulation, and, more pointedly, the new “outside-plug” Tipo 128 engine, producing 232 horsepower, as well as overdrive transmission and all-around disc brakes. It was a great road machine and, with its Pinin Farina bodywork, a sensuous automobile, as well, with obvious design heritage back to the earlier coachbuilt Series I examples. Per Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, 200 of the Cabriolets Series II were produced. Unsurprisingly many can still be found enjoying concours fields and sunny rally roads today.

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The Cabriolet Series II offered here was, according to Mr. Massini, the 36th built and was originally finished in Grigio Conchiglia over Rosso vinyl and leather interior. It is noted as having been originally delivered to Giuseppe Fiocchi Pino, of Como, Italy – likely actually Giuseppe “Pino” Fiocchi, the prominent, powerful Italian munitions scion who had been a longtime Ferrari customer, back to the earliest days of the company.

Within five years of delivery, the car had been exported to the United States, and in 1965 was acquired by Vilém B. Haan of Mulholland Drive in Beverly Hills. Mr. Haan’s name requires no introduction to sports car enthusiasts of a certain age. He was a pioneering purveyor of aftermarket gear and accessories for sports and imported automobiles, sold through color ads in the back of the most famous motoring publications of the day, and is widely credited with having invented the lifestyle aspect of motorcar accessorizing, selling automotive logo beach towels and the like long before major manufacturers got into the game. More significantly, he was one of the co-founders of the Ferrari Club of America in 1961, remained active for many years, and was holder of FCA membership card No. 1 for the rest of his life.

By 1979, the Ferrari was in the ownership of Joey Heatherton, a popular actress and singer of the 1960s, known for her ubiquity on television variety shows as well as for her frequent participation alongside Bob Hope in USO tours, where her leggy and sensual dancing always made her a great hit with the GIs. She undoubtedly made quite a pair with the Cabriolet Series II – as perfect a combination of car and owner as could easily be imagined. Ms Heatherton’s care of the Ferrari is confirmed by a registration card on-file, listing addresses on both Park Avenue in New York City and in Beverly Hills.

In the late 1980s the car was acquired by Warren Weimer of Villanova, Pennsylvania, for whom it was mechanically and cosmetically restored by the noted Ferrari specialist Steve Tillack in its present dark red with tan leather interior. Afterward the Cabriolet Series II was in the care of a prominent enthusiast in the American Southwest with whom it remained for several years; in this ownership it underwent some $17,000 of further cosmetic and mechanical sorting in the hands of the noted firm of Motion Products. It was also featured in a 2009 episode of My Classic Car with Dennis Gage. More recently, in the present ownership, the brakes and distributor were rebuilt, and new exhaust fitted. Invoices for all of this work are included in the history file. Finally, the car was granted Ferrari Classiche certification in 2026, confirming that it retains its original chassis, engine, gearbox, rear differential, and bodywork. While the certification binder is still in transit, it will be forwarded upon arrival to the winning bidder.

Still in attractive condition throughout, and complete with its original, numbers-matching engine and gearbox, this Cabriolet Series II remains the embodiment of 1960s high living, a world of Haan driving gloves and Joey Heatherton pinups – the best of all possible worlds.