Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 – SOLD

Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 – SOLD

This 1961 Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 could easily be considered the flagship of the J. Geils Collection. Geils identified Maserati, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari and Lancia as the five Italian automakers to collect since they had been formed at the beginning of the last century. Though they are now all owned by Fiat, their original independence was important to Geils; the enthusiasm and even drama under which they were established and operated spoke volumes to the late co-founder of the 1970s and ’80s musical group, The J. Geils Band.

Geils frequently discussed how the Italians built cars with the same enthusiasm expressed by the best musicians in creating music: with lots of passion. Most car enthusiasts would agree with him. Equipped with the 3.0L “Columbo” V-12 engine fed by three carburetors, Geils upgraded the drivetrain by installing a Daytona 5-speed manual transmission. The son of an engineer and a student in the discipline prior to his days as a musician, Geils was quite capable of turning a wrench.

The exterior of this 250 GTE 2+2 hosts a unique two-tone blue-and-gray coloring with a red pinstripe that matches the red interior. The body restoration and paint was performed by Rich Spaulding, a longtime favorite of Geils for his Italian cars. The subdued coloring is offset by fantastic Borrani wire wheels that bring just the right amount of splendor to the otherwise understated design. The GTE was Ferrari’s first large-volume 4-seat production car, in which the engine was moved forward in the chassis to provide extra space for a larger backseat.

It’s said that two factors led to the GTE: one, Ferrari was enduring financial pressures from the racing division and needed to earn more money to keep both racing and road cars alive, and a properly laid out GT car would feed the coffers well; two, Enzo wanted a car for himself, his chauffer, his wife and his dog to enjoy. Like most of Geils’ cars, it has a Nardi steering wheel. A radio-delete example, it’s brilliant for hearing the fabulous V-12 symphony; and equipped with built-in stopwatches, it’s ready to rally. Complete with a set of service records, this Ferrari 250 GTE is ready to provide its next caretaker with miles of fun, akin to how much Geils enjoyed this fine machine.

Highlights

• Triple carburetors
• Upgraded Daytona 5-speed manual transmission installed by J. Geils
• Blue/Gray exterior with Red pinstriping
• Red interior
• Nardi steering wheel
• Radio delete
• Stop watches for rally use
• Dual mirrors
• Borrani wire wheels
• Locking gas cap
• Body restoration and repainting by Rich Spaulding