While the name Mario Felice Boano may not be as famous as the likes of Scaglietti and Bertone, it is one that you may want to get to know after seeing this lovely 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Boano.
One of the most refined Gran Turismos to ever bear the prancing horse badge, it was made by Carrozzeria Boano, after it got the contract to build Pinin Farina’s 250 GT concept in 1954. A master coachbuilder, Boano decided to rework the body slightly.
What may now sound like heresy led to a smoother silhouette, a lower belt line, and an undeniably lovely car. Over the course of two years, the carrozzeria built between 70 and 80 low roof coupes such as this one.
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Making it more special still, this car’s body was crafted out of aluminum, rather than steel. That means it’s one of just 14 lightweight examples ever made, allowing drivers to get even more out of the 3.0-liter Colombo V12 engine that powers it.
Along with the badge, the body made the Ferrari 250 GT Boano “Low Roof” Aluminum Coupes a hit with gentlemen racers, and this example is no exception. Delivered to Luigi Chinetti, Ferrari’s most famous American importer, it was raced by Jan de Vroom in the 1956 Nassau Grand Prix.
It’s almost hard to believe that this beautiful, light blue metallic sports car with a white roof, and a blue and cream leather interior to match it was a racecar, but Italians struggle not to be stylish, apparently. Further adding to this car’s status is the fact that comes with a certificate of authenticity from Ferrari Classiche.
Offered for sale at MonacoCarAuctions, this fine example of the 250 GT Boano will be part of the house’s June 8 Asta Rossa auction, which is focused entirely on Ferraris. Estimates suggest that it will go for between $1.39 million and $2.14 million.
