Description

The Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso, produced between 1962 and 1964, was the final road‑going model in Ferrari’s legendary 250 series and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cars the marque ever built. The name “Lusso” means “luxury” in Italian, and the model was conceived as a more refined and elegant alternative to Ferrari’s competition‑focused Berlinettas, blending high performance with exceptional comfort and style.

The Lusso was introduced at the 1962 Paris Motor Show as the spiritual successor to the 250 GT SWB, but with a longer wheelbase and a focus on grand touring. Its bodywork, designed by Pininfarina and constructed by Scaglietti, featured a sleek, aerodynamic fastback profile, delicately curved panels, and minimal ornamentation. The proportions were perfectly balanced, with a long bonnet, short rear deck, and a low stance that gave it both elegance and a hint of aggression. Large glass areas, including a distinctive wraparound rear window, improved visibility and added to the car’s airy, sophisticated feel.

Under the bonnet, the Lusso carried the familiar 3.0‑litre Colombo V12 engine, here in Tipo 168 configuration, producing around 240 horsepower. Paired with a four‑speed manual gearbox, the Lusso was capable of reaching top speeds of approximately 150 mph, with smooth, linear power delivery. While it lacked the lightweight competition engineering of its racing siblings, the Lusso still offered capable handling, precise steering, and a supple ride suited to long‑distance touring.

Inside, the Lusso lived up to its name, offering one of the most luxurious cabins Ferrari had produced to that point. The dashboard was set low and far forward, with a large central speedometer and tachometer flanked by auxiliary gauges. Leather upholstery, chrome details, and a polished wood‑rimmed steering wheel completed the refined atmosphere. Despite its beauty and comfort, the Lusso was still a driver’s car, delivering a deeply engaging experience from behind the wheel.

Only 350 examples of the 250 GT Lusso were built over its short production run, making it a rare and highly sought‑after model today. It was famously owned by personalities such as Steve McQueen, who appreciated its blend of performance and style. As the last of the 250 GT lineage, the Lusso occupies a special place in Ferrari history, representing the end of an era before the arrival of the 275 series. It remains celebrated not only for its design purity but also for embodying the ideal of a true Italian grand tourer.