Only rarely has such a beautiful synergy of form and function been built as the Ferrari 250 GT/L Lusso. Denoting the word “luxury” in Italian, the Lusso was the final apogee of 10 years of development of the 250 GT platform, benefitting from a decade of lessons learned.

Introduced at the 1962 Paris Salon as a replacement for the 250 GT Coupé styled by Pinin Farina, the Lusso featured new coachwork by Scaglietti based on a Pininfarina design, and it remains one of the most successful sports car designs ever conceived, unanimously perfect from every angle. With delicate curves and flowing lines, the coachwork was distinguished by classic early cues such as an egg-crate grille and bulbous wings. These gave way to a luxuriously trimmed, glass-heavy cabin with a fastback profile punctuated by a “Kamm” tail. Inside, an all-new interior arrangement was highlighted by a revised dash panel and leather upholstery.

Mechanically, the Lusso’s Tipo 168 U engine was the ultimate 3-litre development of the long-running short-block Colombo V-12, incorporating the outside-plug ignition and single-cylinder porting that had proven so successful in the 250 Testa Rossa and California Spider racing variants. This fantastic foundation was bolstered with chassis improvements including four-wheel disc brakes, Koni shock absorbers at each corner, and a rear Watts linkage that had been perfected on the legendary 250 GTO.

Originally owned by jet-set luminaries and celebrities such as Steve McQueen, the Lusso was built in a modest quantity of just 350 examples over roughly two years of production. As essentially the final and most developed evolution of the revered 250 GT lineage, the GT/L has evolved into one of Maranello’s most collectible road cars, bar none.

CHASSIS 5379: ONE OF ONE

Claiming a rare colour combination and matching-numbers drivetrain elements, this handsomely presented Lusso is a beguiling example. According to history reports respectively written by Marcel Massini and Rosso Corsa Consulting, chassis number 5379 is the 235th example of the 350 cars built. It is the only Lusso factory-finished in the elegant livery of Avorio paint over a Rosso leather interior, establishing the car as a bona fide one-of-a-kind.

Completed in February 1964, the Ferrari was delivered new to famed US importer Luigi Chinetti, who in turn sold the car to first owner W T Davis of New Jersey. The 250 GT passed through the hands of well-known sports car importer and SCCA racer Bob Grossman before being acquired in the late 1960s by Homewood, Illinois, resident Carl Johnson, the well-known longtime treasurer of the Ferrari Club of America (FCA). Mr Johnson presented the Lusso at numerous FCA events over the following few years before selling the car, and it was next acquired in 1972 by Dr Walter Bayard, an ophthalmologist based in Tryon, North Carolina.

In 1974, the Ferrari found more lasting ownership when it was acquired by Dr Raymond Boniface of Poland, Ohio, who retained possession until his passing in March 2020, a remarkable period of 46 years. A one-time American serviceman deployed to the European theatre during World War II, Dr Boniface returned to Italy in 1948 to study at the University of Bologna, and a love affair with Italian sports cars blossomed. Of the dozens or more Italian cars he ultimately owned, few could compare to the exquisite elegance of the Lusso.

In 1988 Dr. Boniface commissioned Joe Piscazzi’s American Auto Body of Akron, Ohio, to conduct a cosmetic restoration in the original colour combination. Eleven years later, chassis number 5379 was featured as the cover car of the fourth quarter 1999 issue of Prancing Horse magazine, for an article about the Lusso model. In 2017, prompted by a clutch failure, the owner commissioned a significant mechanical overhaul by Fowler Automotive of Glenshaw, Pennsylvania, and on the heels of this work the Lusso was awarded best-in-class at the 2017 Concours of America in St Johns, Michigan.

In 2020 the Ferrari was sold from Dr Boniface’s estate to the consigning owner, a well-regarded collector based in the UK. Under his stewardship, the Lusso has experienced very little use while being annually serviced by marque specialist Bob Houghton.

It should be noted that mechanical stampings corresponding to the build records and this car retains its matching-numbers chassis, engine, gearbox, and rear axle. As per the recollections of Dr Boniface’s family in 2020, the car remained true to its early form throughout his ownership with the exception of replacement floor mats. Otherwise, the interior displays a high degree of patinated originality.

Documented with build sheet copies, the two history reports, service and restoration invoices, further to historic photographs, chassis number 5379 presents with impressive authenticity in its original colour combination of Avorio over Rosso, a one-of-a-kind Lusso colour scheme. This distinguished grand touring machine would make a splendid addition to any garage of Italian thoroughbreds, undoubtedly a perfect acquisition for the consummate marque enthusiast.