1963 - 1964 Ferrari 250 GT/L Berlinetta Lusso
Posted by David Kinney
Production of the Ferrari 250 GT/L Berlinetta “Lusso” started at roughly the end of the 250 GT Berlinetta SWB (short-wheelbase) run and ended at the start of the 275 GTB’s run. The Lusso was to be the last of the 250 series cars, and in its short two-year life, and only 350 to 355 examples were built.
The Lusso has been roundly criticized for not being a strong performer on the road. Indeed, it pales when compared to a lighter 250 SWB, or even with the later 330 GT 2+2. But the Lusso was not just about going fast from point A to point B; it was also about the style in getting there.
Inside, the Lusso is among the most distinctive of production Ferraris. The speedometer and tachometer are set in two large pods in the center of the dash, angled towards the driver’s view, while the oil pressure, fuel and other gauges are in the driver’s direct line of sight between the spokes of the Nardi steering wheel. Other unusual touches (for Ferrari, at least) include a horn button at the end of a stalk within reach of the driver’s fingers, a one-piece seat with no articulation (only forward and back adjustment) and a quilted vinyl covering (echoing the underhood pad in many Ferraris) in the rear parcel area. Many owners found the parcel area a welcome addition, as the spare tire largely fills the trunk.
Few would disagree that the Lusso is a beautiful car. A Pininfarina design with bodies built by Scaglietti, the organic lines flow from front to rear, devoid of most of the styling cliches that age many sports and GT cars from the early 1960s. Practical observers will note that the car also lacks anything but the thinnest suggestion of bumpers, making both the front and rear end of the Lusso extremely vulnerable to the “park by touch” crowd. The construction of the 250GT/L is of steel, with aluminum hood, doors, and trunk lid.
(From the June 2001 issue of Sports Car Market magazine.)