Racing Royalty: The 1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta ‘Tour de France’ by Scaglietti

Few machines can match the sheer charisma and storied past of the 1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta ‘Tour de France’ by Scaglietti, now available from RM Sotheby’s. One look at this Oro Chiaro marvel, originally delivered with a bespoke Bordeaux leather interior, and it’s clear this is a rare breed: it’s the only TdF produced in this colour scheme, sporting the revered single-louvre, covered-headlight configuration that makes Ferrari aficionados weak at the knees. But the real magic lies in the motorsport lore woven through its bodywork.

Originally built for two-time Italian National Road Racing Champion Casimiro Toselli, chassis 0933 GT proved it was born for the track by claiming victory at the Aosta-Pila hillclimb in 1958. The car then headed across the Atlantic, conquering Venezuela’s notoriously tough races with Toselli and later with Mauricio Marcotulli, where it racked up consistent podium finishes and, impressively, a championship title. This prancing horse even tackled the 1000 Kilometers of Buenos Aires—part of the World Sportscar Championship—finishing 3rd in class and 11th overall, reinforcing its reputation as a formidable competition car that could outrun just about anything in its sights.

In subsequent years, 0933 GT found itself caught in a twist of fate when it was seized by French tax authorities, inadvertently preserving its originality. Legendary Ferrari collector Pierre Bardinon quickly secured it afterwards for his famed Mas du Clos collection, and it would later pass through the hands of other high-profile enthusiasts. A dedicated mechanical restoration brought this gem back to its original Oro Chiaro finish and, notably, its preserved Bordeaux leather upholstery remains available for reinstallation. The engine block is believed to be a period factory replacement—fitted in Caracas—while crucial original components like the timing case, gearbox, and rear axle remain intact, making it a remarkable survivor in an arena where many racers were lost or heavily altered.

Today, 0933 GT continues to enthral at events like the California Mille and Colorado Grand, proving its grand tourer credentials in style. Although meticulously maintained for reliability, it retains a captivating patina and authenticity that modern supercars can only dream of. It’s not just a museum piece—this is a thoroughbred with serious racing chops and a passport filled with storied stamps.

Available now through RM Sotheby’s, this 1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta ‘Tour de France’ by Scaglietti effortlessly blends exotic flair with the race-winning legacy of two championship drivers. Coveted by collectors for good reason, it’s a rare chance to own a genuine icon of Ferrari’s golden era—one that continues to celebrate the triumph of speed and elegance decades after it first roared to life.


Leo Davie