Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso – The best of both worlds

Among the exceptional cars from Maranello, the Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso holds a special place. The 350 examples produced between 1962 and 1964 mark the culmination of the model series and embody an almost perfect harmony of sportiness and comfort.

To understand the ‘Lusso’, it is worth taking a look at the other cars in the 250 series. From 1953 to 1963, Ferrari built five different Gran Turismo models, which can be grouped under the 250 model series. They are generally regarded as the base models of the 250 series, which were complemented by the particularly sporty Berlinettas and the open-top Spyders.

Following models such as the 166 or 195, which were built in very small numbers, Ferrari turned its attention to a smaller series featuring twelve-cylinder engines with a displacement of 3.0 litres. The designation 250 is derived from the displacement of a single cylinder.

The legendary engines by Lampredi and Colombo

All GT models were powered by a V12 engine; only the first variant, the 250 Europa, was fitted with Aurelio Lampredi’s so-called ‘long block’, which had a displacement reduced to 2,963 cm³. All other models featured Gioacchino Colombo’s more compact, legendary twelve-cylinder engine with a 60-degree bank angle and a displacement of 2,953 cm³.

The 250 model series spawned various models – some produced in relatively small numbers – with bodywork designed by Pininfarina, Ellena and Boano, amongst others. The last model to appear – and, as many would say, the technically most mature culmination of the range – was the Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso. Mature in this sense because the car successfully bridges the gap between sportiness and elegance; it is, in a sense, a synthesis of high-performance technology and road-going comfort.

The centrepiece, the Colombo V12, delivers around 240 hp at 7,500 rpm in the “Lusso” and produces a maximum torque of around 242 Nm. Compared to the more aggressively tuned version in the 250 GTO, the engine was deliberately designed to be a little more refined – with the focus on smoothness and responsiveness rather than maximum racing performance. Three Weber twin-barrel carburettors (Type 36 DCS) handle the fuel mixture, whilst two overhead camshafts per cylinder bank control the valves.

Power is transmitted via a 4-speed manual gearbox with overdrive, which reduces engine speeds on long journeys. Combined with a kerb weight of around 1,300 kilograms, this results in a power-to-weight ratio that still seems respectable today. The top speed is around 240 km/h – a figure that, in the early 1960s, was on a par with proven high-performance sports cars.

Innovation and tradition in the Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso

The chassis is based on the tried-and-tested Ferrari tubular frame (Tipo 539/62), a further development of the short-wheelbase design with a wheelbase of 2,400 millimetres. The front axle features independent suspension with double wishbones, coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers. At the rear, Ferrari remains faithful to the rigid axle, which is, however, precisely guided by trailing arms and Watt’s linkages – a compromise between stability and cost that proved to be remarkably stable in practice.
A significant improvement over earlier 250 GT versions are the disc brakes fitted all round, which offer significantly better fade resistance and modulation. Combined with the balanced weight distribution and the comparatively comfortable spring-damper setup, the result is a car that allows for both high cruising speeds and precise cornering.

The Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso is also aerodynamically sophisticated. The body, designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti, reduces drag and lift without compromising on design elegance. The long bonnet, gently sloping roof and abruptly cut-off rear improve high-speed stability – a crucial factor at speeds exceeding 200 km/h.

The interior is dominated by functionality with a clear focus on the driver. Centrally positioned instruments, including a large rev counter as the main display, reflect the car’s technical sophistication. At the same time, high-quality materials ensure long-distance comfort – true to the spirit of a Gran Turismo.

Today, the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso is regarded as one of the most well-balanced classic Ferrari models. On the collectors’ market, prices range from around €1.2 million to over €2.5 million, depending on the car’s history and condition. The vehicle pictured is likely to have been in a similar price range. It was auctioned by RM Sotheby’s in 2025; the parties have agreed not to disclose the exact price. Its technical integrity, coupled with its stylistic quality, makes it one of the most sought-after classics of all.

Photos Simon Clay / Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

Author: Paolo Ollig

As editor-in-chief Paolo regularly writes about all the big and small stories related to classic cars and motorbikes. Classic dreams: Lamborghini Countach and Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. View all posts by Paolo Ollig →