Ferrari Classiche has brought no less than four stunning cars to the 21st Techno Classica in Essen, Germany, to showcase its activities. Techno-Classica this year runs from April 1-5. Exemplifying the specialist department’s skills are two versions of the 250 GT Berlinetta passo corto, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of this legendary model’s unveiling at the 1959 Paris Show, a Pinin Farina-bodied 250 GT and a Superamerica.

Starting in 1959, a total of 166 250 GT Berlinettas were built, of which 92 were road-going, steel-bodied cars and 74 aluminium ‘Competizione’ versions. The first of the two models on display on the Ferrari stand is a steel-bodied car and has been issued with a Certificate of Authenticity for complying exactly with the original characteristics of the model. The second car is a ‘Competizione’ version and a superb example of the fine restoration work carried out by Ferrari Classiche. The project involved meticulous research before work started on restoring the car from the chassis up.

The Pinin Farina-bodied 250 GT displayed on the Ferrari stand was shown in Essen two years ago before undergoing the Ferrari Classiche Authenticity Certification process. It competed in its heyday and is now seen after restoration of both its front bodywork and chassis. In the course of Ferrari’s research into the car, in fact, it became clear that the front chassis did not comply with the original designs as it had been repaired following an accident. Similarly the car’s nose section was also found to be of a slightly different shape than the original. Using original photographs, Ferrari Classiche was, however, able to restore the car to its original pristine state and to redo the paintwork in its original white colour.

The fourth model on display at the stand is actually a modern Ferrari. However, it still boasts certain unique characteristics that mean it falls under the competency of Ferrari Classiche. The stunning 2005 Superamerica features the innovative Revocromico roof and was built on the 575M Maranello platform. It is a limited edition model of which just 559 were ever built. As is the case with other special models, such as the Enzo Ferrari and the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina, Ferrari Classiche can issue a Certificate of Authenticity for the Superamerica. Furthermore the car is also covered by the new Ferrari Approved Programme developed to guarantee purchasers of pre-owned Prancing Horse models complete peace of mind, courtesy of a 190-point pre-sale vehicle check and a 12-month roadside assistance package.

Ferrari Classiche

This department was set up in 2006 to provide owners of classic, veteran and historic Ferraris with dedicated maintenance, repair and restoration services, technical assistance and authenticity certification. Since the start of 2009, it has also been in charge of issuing the new Attestations for Vehicles of Historic Interest. Thus far a total of 1,000 Authenticity Certification requests have been processed. The certification process involves researching the original designs of the historic Prancing Horse cars held in the Company’s archives which house details of all of the GT, competition and sports-prototype cars built by Ferrari since its foundation. Any work done on the cars is carried out in compliance with those original designs. In all, 28 full restorations have been carried out at Ferrari Classiche’s dedicated workshop.