The Ferrari 250 MM Vignale Spyder made its debut in 1952 as the first true series-built competition model from Maranello. Building on this success, it was developed from the experimental 250 S. Out of the total production, 31 examples were built, and notably, 13 were bodied as Spyders by Vignale. Furthermore, ten of those featured Giovanni Michelotti’s striking Series II design.
We saw this iconic and very rare 1953 Ferrari 250 MM Vignale Spyder Series II at the 2025 Concours of Elegance held at Hampton Court Palace. This car was one of many that grabbed my attention. You can see much more Concours of Elegance content here, and videos on our YouTube Concours of Elegance playlist.
Built for Racing Royalty
The final car of the series, chassis 0390 MM, was initially delivered new to Harry O’Reilly Schell. At the time, he was a resident of New York, who paid S85D0. Moreover, Schell operated the Horschell Racing Corporation, based in Paris, New York, and Monaco. He then acquired the car for the Spanish aristocrat and gentleman racer Marguis Alfonso de Pomago. Finally, it was registered with temporary Bologna plates. Later, it was shipped aboard the Giulio Cesare from Genca to Buenos Aires.
Racing Success in Argentina and the US
Once in Argentina, the car was repainted in Spanish racing colours – red over yellow – at Froilán Gonzalez’s garage. Driven by Schell and de Pomago, it secured a strong second-place finish in the Buenos Aires 1000 Kilometres. However, it was followed by a retirement in the Sebring 12 Hours.
In March 1954 the car was registered on New York plates. Subsequently, it was sold to Roger | Bear of Ohio. Bear lem it to Howard Hively, ano raced it extensively that year across the US.
From Ohio to Utah: A Restorer’s Challenge
Following a change of ownership to John J Saladin, the car passed through two more bands. Finally, it arrived with Thomas A Oleson in Utah. Damaged in a transport accident, it was dismantled by Oleson for restoration. In 1970 it was sold in disassembled form to Richard F Merritt. He, in turn, sold it to Jackson Brooks’ Exotic Car Store in Colorado. There it was rebuilt with the engine block from chassis 0330 MM and sold to Peter Giddings of New York in 1973.
Restored, Raced, and Revered
After changing hands twice in the 1970s, it was restored by Wayne Sparling and then acquired by Swiss-born US resident Tiebo P Vos. It was stored in Florida.
The car returned to Europe in 1986. It entered Austria with Christian Schwemberger-Swarovski. Moreover, it was prepared by Edi Wyss Engineering for use on the Mille Miglia. In 1989, it was purchased by Jeremy Agace of Monte Carlo. He enjoyed it at several Historic events before selling it in 1994 to German dealer Mario Bernardi, who raced it successfully in the Ferrari/Maserati Challenge during his ownership.
By 1998 it had joined the collection of Japanese enthusiast Mr Nakao. In 2014 it was sold to Dutchman Michiel Mol and became part of the current owner’s stable in 2021. Other than an appearance at this year’s Cavallino Classic Modena, it’s not been on public display for 30 years.
Specifications
Engine: 2953cc / V12 / naturally aspirated / SOHC
Transmission: Four-speed automated manual, RWD
Power: 240bhp
Torque: 166lb ft
Top Speed: 155mph
0-60mph: 5.1secs
Weight: 900kg
A Legacy of Speed and Style
The 1953 Ferrari 250 MM Vignale Spyder Series II is far more than a race car – it’s a rolling chronicle of Ferrari’s formative years. From its early days thundering through Buenos Aires to its later life gracing concours lawns and historic rallies, chassis 0390 MM has lived a life as colourful as its paintwork. Every chapter – every restoration, every owner – adds to its mystique. Seven decades on, it still embodies the raw spirit of 1950s racing: elegant, uncompromising, and unmistakably Ferrari.
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