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Although selling in smaller numbers compared to coupes, Ferrari has almost continually offered cabriolets for discerning customers that want an open-air experience. Before 1959, these were almost always custom made.

The forerunners to the 250 GT Cabriolets include some smaller convertibles built on the 212 Inter chassis as well as a pair of very exclusive 342 America Cabriolets and a couple other special one-ofs, but the Cabriolet Series I has the distinction of being Ferrari's first 'production' cabriolet.

By 1957, the successful 250 GT 'Tour de France' had been released and it was an ideal platform to to support Ferrari's next cabriolet. It had a robust chassis, large finned drum brakes, double wishbone front suspension and the Colombo-designed 60º V12 engine.

Pinin Farina was commissioned to make the first design and started with chassis 0655GT. It was a prototype that was well decorated for the 1957 Geneva Auto Show and it also sketched the basic outline for forty more versions.

Traits of the Series I body style included a long hood, covered headlights, kicked up rear fenders, recessed rear taillights and a simple raked windshield without vent windows. By comparison, many of the the Series I cars usually had as many similarities as they did differences. For the most part these were differences in the side vents, bumpers, interior, mirrors and other more subtle variations.

The Series I Cabriolets were built in a special workshop at Pinin Farina's facilities. Each body was made of steel and was exquisitely detailed both inside and out. By 1959, Pininfarina had changed their name and standardized the Cabriolet in Series II specification. This included the more staid uncovered headlights and revised rear fenders which began with chassis 1537GT.

As a high performance alternative , Luigi Chinetti convinced Ferrari to sell an sporting version of the 250 GT Cabriolet called the California Spyder. They were instead bodied by Scaglietti and some of the aluminum versions were periodically raced.

Individual Chassis

0655GT - Built as the prototype, 0655GT was well decorated for the 1957 Geneva Auto Show. It was one of the first cars to use Dunlop disc brakes. Unique details include a driver's side cut-down door, a sculpted front grill, and a hood scoop with prominent chrome accents. The car has been part of the Bob Lee collection for some time.

Story by Richard Owen