A rare 1956 Ferrari 250 GT Boano Alloy Coupe is set to cross the auction block at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, where it is expected to draw significant attention from collectors despite a relatively modest estimate for a car of its caliber.
The coupe, one of only 14 lightweight alloy-bodied examples ever produced, represents a particularly exclusive subset of the already limited Ferrari 250 GT Boano series. Built during a period when Ferrari partnered with Carrozzeria Boano in Turin to meet growing demand, the model combined performance-focused engineering with hand-crafted coachwork. Unlike the standard steel-bodied versions, the alloy construction reduced weight and enhanced performance potential, especially for competition use.
Chassis No. 0565 GT stands out even among this rare group due to its documented history and specification. The car retains its original engine and transmission, supported by Ferrari Classiche certification, and features period-correct performance components such as triple Weber carburetors and an Abarth exhaust system. Power comes from a 2.953-liter Colombo V-12 producing approximately 250 horsepower, paired with a four-speed manual gearbox.
Completed in late 1956, the car’s early life included participation in the Nassau Speed Week before being delivered to the United States. It changed hands multiple times over the decades, spending a significant portion of its history in California before moving through prominent international collections. Along the way, it appeared in major historic driving events and races, including the Mille Miglia Storica and the Goodwood Revival.
The car has undergone extensive restoration work in recent years. A detailed mechanical overhaul was commissioned in the mid-2010s, followed by a comprehensive cosmetic restoration that returned the vehicle to its original color scheme. The process included refinishing the exterior in blue with an ivory roof and restoring the interior with period-correct materials.
Despite its rarity and pedigree, the car carries an estimate between $1 million and $1.18 million. Comparable models have previously sold for higher figures, but shifting collector preferences have recently favored more modern Ferrari models. That trend may position this example as an appealing opportunity for buyers seeking historically significant vehicles from Ferrari’s early era.
As it heads to auction, the car represents a blend of rarity, provenance, and craftsmanship from one of Ferrari’s most celebrated periods, arriving at a time when market dynamics could influence its final result.
Via Broad Arrow Auctions
