A barnfind 1961 Ferrari 250GTE 2+2 that belonged to movie mogul Agostino 'Dino' De Laurentiis is set to by sold in Oxford by Bonhams on 3 March.
Wearing an estimated of £40-60,000, the GTE – in short supply nowadays with so many having been sacrificed to make replicas of more exotic 250s – was bought new by an Italian resident who imported it from Rome and latter passed to the famous Italian movie producer.
In 1967 the Pinin-styled car was bought by the late owner who, according to the paperwork, appears to have laid it up in the mid-'70s.
Bonhams' Rob Hubbard said: "This well-preserved barnfind represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire an original and untouched early Ferrari 250GTE, ripe for sympathetic restoration by a fortunate new owner."
Hopefully, having a famous ex-owner in its history will prevent this example from being chopped.
De Laurentiis produced his first motion picture at the age of 21. His found international success with Bitter Rice in 1949 and produced more than 150 films in a 30-year career. His work with Fellini resulted in two Oscars, for La Strada and Nights of Cabiria. He also presided over Barbarella and Death Wish – as well as a good number of films that are probably best forgotten – before his death in 2010.
James Elliott is a former Editor of Classic & Sports Car