Chassis No. 2533 GT Engine No. 2533 Transmission No. 233 E In the summer of 1959, before the first series 250 GT Cabriolets had even been delivered, Ferrari's design team at Maranello began developing a second series of its 3.0-liter Cabriolet. This revised model was specifically conceived to create greater differentiation from the first series as well as the more competition-focused California Spider model, which had its mechanical and design roots in the 250 GT LWB Berlinetta. While the California Spider emphasized sportiness, the new 250 GT Cabriolet was engineered to be the most refined open touring experience Maranello had to offer. This approach aligned it more closely with the contemporary 250 GT Coupe that had entered production in 1955. The model demonstrated several technical similarities with its closed sibling, sharing the successful 508F framework and potent Tipo 128F V12 engine with external spark plugs. It also borrowed its sibling’s sophisticated four-speed transmission complemented by an electric overdrive, Houldaille shock absorbers, along with Dunlop disc brakes for supreme touring comfort. The exterior design of the Series II Cabriolet demonstrated subtle yet significant evolution. The convertible top was now complemented by an optional hardtop starting in 1960 and marked Ferrari's first venture into offering removable hardtops for their convertibles. The cabin offered increased space compared to its predecessor, featuring a more vertical windshield that increased headroom, while the trunk was enlarged for improved comfort when grand touring. When the Series II debuted at the Paris Salon in October 1959, Ferrari’s intention to position it atop the 250 GT model range was made clear in its price: 5,800,000 Italian lire compared to the Coupe, California Spider, and Berlinetta all priced identically at 5,500,000 lire. With just 200 units produced, the Series II Cabriolet remained highly exclusive, particularly when compared to contemporaries like the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster. This particular Ferrari 250 GT, chassis number 2533 GT, represents the 127th Series II Cabriolet produced. According to research conducted by Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, its known history begins with its delivery to Pininfarina's Turin facility on 28 February 1961, where its elegant coachwork was completed by 28 June. Following completion in Maranello that September, it was dispatched to Malagò, the Rome-based Ferrari dealer, finished in Grigio Conchiglia (Shell Grey) with a Blu (Blue) leather interior. The car found its first owner, Renato Stefani di Canegina of Viterbo, two months after delivery. The Cabriolet passed to one further Italian owner in 1965, Mario D'Orazio, and was subsequently exported to the United States where Clark Hobart Record of California became its next documented owner. By the mid-1980s, 2533 GT returned to Europe under Swiss ownership, during which time it underwent a partial restoration, including an exterior refinish in red and an interior re-trim in cream leather. The car appeared in a March 1987 edition of German Motor Klassik magazine, featuring its factory hardtop and Borrani wire wheels. In 1987, Maurice Harlaux of Belgium purchased the 250 GT and maintained ownership for approximately 10 years. During this period, the car made several appearances at European events, notably participating in the September 1992 FF40 Ferrari Francorchamps International Concours d'Elegance in Brussels. The Ferrari changed hands in December 1998, moving to an owner in the Netherlands, who soon sold it to an Italian Ferrari collector. The car received its coveted Ferrari Classiche certification in early 2013, which noted that the car retains its original engine, transmission, and chassis corresponding with factory records, before being acquired by an American owner and being relocated to California. In this ownership, 2533 GT was treated to a comprehensive restoration to factory specifications. This extensive work reportedly included a bare-metal repaint in its original color combination, brightwork refurbishment, interior re-trimming, restoration of the convertible top and matching hardtop, and a complete rebuilding of both the 3.0-liter engine and transmission. In current ownership for nearly a decade, the car has been carefully massaged in the years since its restoration, with its current elevated condition noted by those in attendance at the 34th Palm Beach Cavallino Classic in 2022 where it was awarded Best Ferrari Classiche. Chassis 2533 GT was further recognized at the 29th Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in 2024, winning Best in Class in the featured 250 Ferrari Grand Touring class. Whether traversing coastal highways or challenging mountain passes, the Ferrari 250 GT Series II Cabriolet represents the most luxurious and costly touring experience offered by Ferrari during the revered 250 GT era. Chassis 2533 GT, with its comprehensive Ferrari Classiche certification and exceptional restoration, presents a compelling opportunity to acquire an exemplary specimen of this highly regarded model.