The 250 GT Series: Ferrari’s Foundation in the Early 1960s

During the turn of the 1950s to the 1960s, the 250 GT family provided Ferrari with a firm foundation to expand its manufacturing volume. While the 250 GT catered to a wider audience, the limited production of the parallel Superamerica series of 4.0-litre V12-engined models was reserved for more individual, bespoke needs. However, a small number of cars would combine these two approaches, creating something truly special.

The Birth of the Superfast Concept

In November 1960, at the Salone Internazionale dell’Automobile exhibition in Turin, Ferrari and Pininfarina revealed the Superfast II concept car – an aerodynamically sleek Gran Turismo coupé. This model stood out for its innovative design and marked the beginning of Ferrari’s exploration into aerodynamics. A re-bodied version, the Superfast III, was displayed at the Geneva Salon of 1962. It featured a more open ‘greenhouse’ cabin window treatment. A Superfast IV followed soon after. However, the distinctive ‘Coupé Aerodinamica’ bodystyle designed by Pininfarina also found its way onto four 250 GT Berlinettas built on the 250 GT SWB ‘passo corto’ chassis – including this fine example.

Chassis 3615GT: A Unique Masterpiece

I photoed Chassis 3615GT at Concours of Elegance 2024, and learned that it was originally supplied to businessman and engineer Ferdinando Gatta. Although he ordered the car in 1960, it wasn’t until July 1962 that this unique creation took to the streets of Torino. Gatta made the most of his purchase, racking up an impressive 42,337 kilometres over the next three years, as indicated by service records.

A Journey Across Continents: Ownership Timeline

In 1966, Gatta sold the car to Evasio Arcangelo Ricaldone, who kept it for a year before passing it on to Antonina Pravata. The car’s international journey began in 1972 when it was exported to the USA by Luigi Chinetti Motors. From there, it found a new home in Los Angeles with Robert Solomon in 1974 and later moved to San Diego under the ownership of Donald L. Rose in 1977. Rose kept the car for a short while before selling it to Marvin L. Johnson through Ferrari of Los Gatos.

Tom Davis and the Move to Canada

The car’s next private owner was Tom Davis, a resident of Fort Lauderdale, who held onto it until 1985. Afterward, it was acquired by David Cohen of Vancouver, continuing its North American journey. Cohen eventually put the car up for sale, and it was auctioned off in London during the early 1990s.

A New Chapter: The Collezione Maranello Rosso

The car joined Fabrizio Violati’s Collezione Maranello Rosso in San Marino in the 1990s. Following Violati’s passing in 2010, his entire collection, including chassis 3615GT, was acquired by English investor Graham Sullivan.

Restoration and Pebble Beach Appearance

In 2020, chassis 3615GT underwent an extensive restoration by Strada e Corsa in The Netherlands. The car was restored to its original condition, including repainting and reuniting it with its original engine. Once the restoration was completed in 2023, the car was proudly displayed at the 72nd Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where it competed in the Ferrari Grand Touring class.

Technical Specifications

Engine – 2953cc V12, naturally aspirated, SOHC

Transmission – Four-speed manual, RWD

Power – 240bhp

Torque – N/A

Top Speed – N/A

0-60mph – N/A

Weight – N/A

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