Today the Tour de France might be more associated with bicycle racing – but in post-war Europe, the endurance race on public roads was one of the biggest and most famous challenges for sports and racing cars. So when a lightweight Ferrari 250 coupe won the challenge in 1956, the series of Pininfarina-designed grand tourers was naturally christened Tour de France as well. The TdF was a true racing car. And the stunning silver car that now claimed the Trofeo BMW Group – better known as the jury’s “Best of Show” – that was the second car of the series certainly lived up to the name.

In fact, it started its racing career at the Mille Miglia, just hours after its first owner Ottavio Randaccio took the keys to his new car in April 1956. After being raced at road races and hillclimbs all across Europe by various owners, the Ferrari moved to the United States where it entered the collection of Brian Ross, its current owner. Perfectly restored, this remarkable no-louvres-example has rightfully taken the crown at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. 

Photos: Remi Dargegen for Classic Driver