In late 1955, Pinin Farina began work on a new design, one of which became the 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Boano Alloy. Nine chassis were sent to the coachbuilder to receive the new body and there was not enough space for all of the cars so Carrozeria Voano completed six of them, one of which is the 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Boano Alloy seen here. One of fourteen alloys, 0447 GT was delivered new to Maestro Guido Cartelli, director of La Scala in Milan. A few months later he was tragically killed in a plane crash and the essentially unused 250 GT was sent to Luigi Chinetti for sale in America. It has since been a part of some of the world’s greatest Ferrari collections. This #0447 GT features a matching number engine, a full history from Marcel Massini, and was treated to a full restoration.
Background
- Manufacturer: Ferrari, the iconic Italian sports car manufacturer.
- Year: 1956
- Model: 250 GT Boano Alloy
Specifications
- Engine: The 250 GT Boano Alloy is powered by a 3.0-liter (2953 cc) Colombo V12 engine. This engine features single overhead camshafts and three Weber carburetors, producing around 240 horsepower.
- Chassis: The car is built on Ferrari's Tipo 508 chassis, known for its robustness and flexibility to accommodate various body styles.
- Transmission: It is equipped with a four-speed manual transmission.
Body Style and Design
- Coachbuilder: The bodywork for the 250 GT Boano was crafted by Carrozzeria Boano, a coachbuilding firm founded by Mario Boano after he left Ghia. The "Alloy" designation indicates that the body is made of aluminum, which reduces weight and enhances performance.
- Design: The design by Boano is characterized by its elegant and understated lines, with a focus on aerodynamics and aesthetics. The car features a long hood, a low roofline, and a sleek, streamlined profile.
- Interior: The interior is luxurious, featuring high-quality leather upholstery, detailed instrumentation, and refined finishes, providing a comfortable and elegant driving environment.
Features
- Performance: The lightweight aluminum body, combined with the powerful V12 engine, gives the 250 GT Boano Alloy impressive performance capabilities. It can reach top speeds of over 140 mph (225 km/h) and accelerate swiftly, making it a competitive sports car of its era.
- Handling: The car's suspension system, which includes independent front suspension and a live rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs, ensures precise handling and a smooth ride.
Historical Significance
- Rarity: The 250 GT Boano Alloy is extremely rare, with only a limited number of units produced. This rarity adds to its desirability among collectors.
- Transition Model: This model represents a transitional period in Ferrari's history, bridging the gap between the earlier 250 Europa GT and the later 250 GT models that would become legendary.
Legacy
- Collectibility: The 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Boano Alloy is highly sought after by collectors due to its rarity, performance, and historical importance. It is often featured in prestigious classic car auctions and events.
- Cultural Impact: The 250 GT series helped establish Ferrari's reputation for producing high-performance, beautifully designed sports cars. The Boano Alloy variant is a testament to Ferrari's commitment to innovation and excellence in automotive design.
You may purchase a print of the 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Boano Alloy in our dElegance 2014 online gallery.