Discover the Beauty of the 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Boano
When it comes to the most refined Gran Turismos that ever bore the prancing horse badge, the 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Boano is a name that deserves recognition. This lovely car was made by Carrozzeria Boano, after it won the contract to build Pinin Farina’s 250 GT concept in 1954. Boano, a master coachbuilder, decided to rework the body slightly, which led to a smoother silhouette, a lower belt line, and an undeniably beautiful car. Over two years, the carrozzeria built between 70 and 80 low roof coupes such as this one.
What makes this car even more special is that its body was crafted out of aluminum, rather than steel. That means it’s one of just 14 lightweight examples ever made, allowing drivers to get even more out of the 3.0-liter Colombo V12 engine that powers it. The badge and body made the Ferrari 250 GT Boano “Low Roof” Aluminum Coupes a hit with gentlemen racers, and this example is no exception.
This particular car was delivered to Luigi Chinetti, Ferrari’s most famous American importer, and raced by Jan de Vroom in the 1956 Nassau Grand Prix. It’s almost hard to believe that this beautiful, light blue metallic sports car with a white roof and a blue and cream leather interior was a racecar, but Italians struggle not to be stylish, apparently. Further adding to this car’s status is the fact that it comes with a certificate of authenticity from Ferrari Classiche.
If you’re interested in owning a piece of automotive history, you’ll be pleased to know that this fine example of the 250 GT Boano will be part of MonacoCarAuctions’ June 8 Asta Rossa auction, which is focused entirely on Ferraris. Estimates suggest that it will go for between $1.39 million and $2.14 million.
The Legacy of Carrozzeria Boano
While the name Mario Felice Boano may not be as famous as the likes of Scaglietti and Bertone, his legacy lives on through his work at Carrozzeria Boano. The company was founded in 1928 by Mario’s father, Gian Paolo Boano, and his partner, Luciano Pollo. In 1954, Pinin Farina won the contract to build the 250 GT concept for Ferrari, but they were unable to keep up with demand. As a result, Ferrari turned to Carrozzeria Boano to build the bodies for the 250 GT.
Mario Boano was a master coachbuilder who had previously worked for Ghia, where he had designed the Fiat 1100 TV and the Alfa Romeo 1900 Sprint. He decided to rework the body of the 250 GT slightly, which led to a smoother silhouette and a lower belt line. Over two years, Carrozzeria Boano built between 70 and 80 low roof coupes such as this one.
The company continued to work with Ferrari until 1957 when it was merged with Carrozzeria Ellena to form Carrozzeria Ellena Mario Boano. The new company continued to build bodies for Ferrari until 1965 when it was absorbed by Pininfarina.
Owning a Piece of Ferrari History
If you’re a collector or enthusiast of classic cars, you know that owning a Ferrari is like owning a piece of history. The brand has a rich legacy that spans over 70 years, and each model tells a story. The 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Boano is no exception. It’s a beautiful car that represents the pinnacle of automotive design and engineering from the 1950s.
If you’re interested in owning this particular car, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s available for sale at MonacoCarAuctions’ June 8 Asta Rossa auction. The auction is focused entirely on Ferraris, so you’ll have plenty of other options to choose from as well. Whether you’re a collector or just an enthusiast, this auction is not to be missed.