Footnotes

• This superb Ferrari 250 GTE was ordered by Garage Francorchamps in Brussels for a Belgian citizen, Mr Desoer, whose family hailed from the Liège area. This car's accompanying original Ferrari build sheet states that chassis '2353' was built as a 2+2 Coupé, body colour Bianco 12435 MM and with interior upholstery in Pelle Nera VM 8500.
  
  The car was invoiced by Ferrari Sefac to Garage Francorchamps on 23rd March 1961 priced at 4,690,000 lire, and the owner registered it on 7th June 1961. The unusual white and black colour combination gives it an appearance of both elegance and sobriety. Although not widely used, white is one of the most flattering colours for a GTE, and Ferrari chose this colour for its catalogue illustration and for all its press photographs.
  
  Having used his Ferrari 250 GTE but sparingly, Mr Desoer sold it to a Mercedes-Benz dealer in 1975. Shortly thereafter, it was acquired by a well-known Ferrari collector, Mr Ennio Gianaroli, another resident of the Liège area, who had amassed an impressive collection of racing and road-going Ferraris. He had '2353' repainted in grey metallic, and kept the car in his prestigious private collection for some 30 years.
  
  In February 2005, a Belgian Ferrari collector and historic racing competitor acquired the car and decided to undertake a complete restoration, which he entrusted to the internationally renowned coachbuilders Nova Rinascente di Dino Cognolato & Figlie in Italy. Before sending the car to Italy, the perfectionist owner photographed it in great detail, recording its authenticity and excellent state of preservation.
  
  '2353' was then treated to a complete restoration to perfect specifications ; the project took two years to complete, with no expenses spared to achieve excellence in all areas. Two other specialists, both internationally renowned, were entrusted with the restoration: Autofficina Omega di Corrado Patella & Figlio (mechanicals) and Tappezzeria Luppi (upholstery). During the two-year work, the passionately involved Ferraristi owner travelled several times to Italy to keep track of the restoration's progress.
  
  The work is compiled in a detailed photographic report recording each step of the restoration process. It confirms the car's 'all matching numbers' authenticity; the fact that it has never been damaged; and that the bodywork is corrosion free.
  
  The result of the restoration is quite exceptional and demonstrates an exemplary attention to details,extending to the original accessories such as the Marchal horn, etc. The paint and body are finished to perfect standards and the upholstery is magnificent, likewise the mechanicals.
  
  Its restoration completed, '2353' received Ferrari Classiche certification in June 2009 and since then has covered only some 1,500 kilometres.
  
  Completing the documentation of this remarkable car is its original 1961 Registration book (a very rare item); its original Ferrari Sefac-stamped build sheet; the original Garage Francorchamps invoice; a Massini Report; and Belgian Carte Grise.
  
  On the road the car delivers pure driving pleasure, with light steering, a smooth clutch, a direct and precise gearchange, supple suspension and, most of all, a fabulous engine that responds without the slightest hesitation.
  
  '2353' represents a unique opportunity to own a supremely elegant Ferrari 250 GTE, restored by the best in the business, and with a completely known history. There can be few, if any, better examples of this most desirable model currently available.

Saleroom notices

• Please note that the sales invoice from 1961 on file is a copy not the original.