Ferrari 250 GT Speciale: A One-of-a-Kind Classic for European Royals
Royal Chariot - Every so often, the automotive world tosses us a story so elegant, so rare, and just the right amount of royal that it makes a Bugatti look like it’s trying too hard. In an era where cars nag you for sneezing too loudly, it’s refreshing to revisit a time when automobiles weren’t just machines—they were tailor-made suits on wheels. Enter the Ferrari 250 GT Coupé Speciale—a slice of luxury, speed, and regal flair, hand-built with the kind of attention usually reserved for palace renovations and fine Italian espresso. Of all the Coupé Speciales ever built, only three were commissioned specifically for royalty.
The first 'royal' Ferrari 250 GT Coupé Speciale by Pininfarina, originally built for Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands in 1957, made a stunning appearance at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2001. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)
Now, before anyone accuses this Ferrari of being just another pretty face with a horse on the hood, let’s make one thing clear: this isn't your average 250 GT. No offense to the "standard" 250 GTs out there (if owning one of those can even be called "standard"), but the Speciale lived in a class of its own. A class so exclusive, only three seats were available—and even then, you had to be royalty just to get your name on the list. No RSVP, no V12.
The first 'royal' Ferrari 250 GT Coupé Speciale by Pininfarina, commissioned by Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, was built on the 508C chassis number 0725GT, was powered by a specially revised 128MMC engine producing up to 260 horsepower.(Picture from: PaulRussell)
The story kicks off with Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, a man who clearly believed in living life at 240 horsepower. Having already owned two Ferraris from the 212 series, the Prince wasn’t exactly new to Maranello magic. But in the mid-1950s, he decided it was time for something even more extraordinary—because, you know, being royalty without a custom Ferrari is basically just camping with better linens.
The first 'royal'Ferrari 250 GT Coupé Speciale by Pininfarina, commissioned by Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, featured a front-end design that echoed earlier Pinin Farina beauties like the 250 Cabriolet Series I and the one-off 410 Superamerica, complete with those cheeky front bumperettes.(Picture from: PaulRussell)
Thanks to his personal friendship with Enzo Ferrari (imagine having Enzo on speed dial), Prince Bernhard’s wish was granted in the form of chassis 0725GT. Built on the 508C chassis and powered by a specially revised 128MMC engine, it was not only larger in displacement—3.1 liters thanks to a 75mm bore—but also beefier under the bonnet, delivering up to 260 horsepower. You could probably tow a crown with that, but that would be uncouth.
The second 'royal' Ferrari 250 GT Coupé Speciale by Pininfarina was commissioned in 1957 by Princess Liliane de Rethy of Belgium, resulting in the creation of chassis 0751GT. (Picture from: Retromania4Ever on X)
The styling? Think of it as haute couture for cars. Pinin Farina—Italy’s top automotive fashion house—gave this machine the same bespoke treatment usually reserved for Ferrari’s Superamerica line, which is like being dressed by Armani when everyone else is shopping off the rack. The front end design echoed earlier Pinin Farina beauties like the 250 Cabriolet Series I and a lone 410 Superamerica, complete with those cheeky front bumperettes that say, “Yes, I’m royalty, but I still enjoy a good drive down the Riviera.”
The second 'royal' Ferrari 250 GT Coupé Speciale by Pininfarina was finished in Grigio Fumo Max Meyer and trimmed with naturale Connolly Vaumol leather. (Picture from: Retromania4Ever on X)
Just months later, in 1957, another VIP joined the party. Princess Liliane de Rethy of Belgium commissioned her own version, and thus chassis 0751GT was born—a sister car to the Prince’s ride, though perhaps with more elegance and fewer racing gloves. This one, too, was draped in the same regal styling cues, proof that Pinin Farina knew how to keep it classy no matter whose crest was on the glove box.
The second 'royal' Ferrari 250 GT Coupé Speciale by Pininfarina received styling treatment similar to that of the Dutch Prince’s 0725GT sibling.(Picture from: Retromania4Ever on X)
But wait, the throne wasn’t complete just yet. In 1958, a third Ferrari 250 GT Coupé Speciale appeared, this time for Prince Bertil of Sweden. His royal steed, chassis 0853GT, galloped through the south of France before settling down in Paris for what can only be described as a very long nap—over 40 years, in fact. At some point during this automotive hibernation, its original engine was swapped out (possibly by a very confused valet), but in a delightful plot twist, the current owner managed to reunite the engine with its rightful chassis after also acquiring the car it had ended up in. A love story, really—just one with a lot more oil. | 4vxKL0nNze4 |
These cars were never mass-produced, never advertised, and never meant for the common driveway. They were whispers between kings, sketches passed under tables in Italian cafés, and pieces of rolling sculpture meant to be seen by the few who knew where to look.
The third 'royal' Ferrari 250 GT Coupé Speciale by Pininfarina was commissioned in 1958 by Prince Bertil of Sweden, resulting in the creation of chassis 0853GT. (Picture from: Retromania4Ever on X)
Fast forward to 2001, and the two royal chariots (Prince Bernhard’s 0725GT and Princess Liliane de Rethy's 0751GT) reunited on the green velvet stage of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. There, amidst champagne flutes and breathless collectors, the Dutch and Belgian Ferraris stood side by side like long-lost cousins at a family reunion—if your family happens to be European aristocracy and your cousins roar like V12s.
The third 'royal' Ferrari 250 GT Coupé Speciale by Pininfarina with chassis 0853GT, appeared in a striking light blue finish.(Picture from: Retromania4Ever on X)
Today, in an era of algorithms and autonomous driving, the Ferrari 250 GT Coupé Speciale remains a reminder of what happens when passion, artistry, and a dash of monarchy meet at the crossroads of design and speed. Sure, you might not be able to afford one unless you find a long-lost royal lineage in your family tree—but hey, dreaming is free, and this one’s worth every imaginary penny. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RMSOTHEBYSS | SUPERCARS.NET | CONCEPTCARZ | PAULRUSSELL | RETROMANIA4EVER ON X ]
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Ferrari 250 GT Speciale: A One-of-a-Kind Classic for European Royals
Now, before anyone accuses this Ferrari of being just another pretty face with a horse on the hood, let’s make one thing clear: this isn't your average 250 GT. No offense to the "standard" 250 GTs out there (if owning one of those can even be called "standard"), but the Speciale lived in a class of its own. A class so exclusive, only three seats were available—and even then, you had to be royalty just to get your name on the list. No RSVP, no V12.
The styling? Think of it as haute couture for cars. Pinin Farina—Italy’s top automotive fashion house—gave this machine the same bespoke treatment usually reserved for Ferrari’s Superamerica line, which is like being dressed by Armani when everyone else is shopping off the rack. The front end design echoed earlier Pinin Farina beauties like the 250 Cabriolet Series I and a lone 410 Superamerica, complete with those cheeky front bumperettes that say, “Yes, I’m royalty, but I still enjoy a good drive down the Riviera.”
Today, in an era of algorithms and autonomous driving, the Ferrari 250 GT Coupé Speciale remains a reminder of what happens when passion, artistry, and a dash of monarchy meet at the crossroads of design and speed. Sure, you might not be able to afford one unless you find a long-lost royal lineage in your family tree—but hey, dreaming is free, and this one’s worth every imaginary penny. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RMSOTHEBYSS | SUPERCARS.NET | CONCEPTCARZ | PAULRUSSELL | RETROMANIA4EVER ON X ]
