Introduced to the public at the 1953 Paris Auto Salon, the 250 Europa was the first road-going Ferrari identified by the now legendary 250 series nomenclature.

It was also the first true gran turismo Ferrari ever produced, and it solidified Ferrari’s longstanding relationship with Pinin Farina.

Pinin Farina designed their first Ferrari in the early 1950s, but by the mid ‘50s, they had truly established the iconic Ferrari “look,” as exemplified by the Europa, Boano and Ellena GT series.

Design cues included the long, low hood and a signature oval radiator opening, traits that by the mid-1950s had secured “Principal Ferrari Design House” status for Pinin Farina.

Even though these cars were marketed as expensive, luxurious, and well-finished grand touring machines, their advanced specifications and sleek lines helped assure the marque’s reputation for performance above all else.

Before the Europa, the famed Italian design house had been entrusted with far fewer Ferrari designs compar...