Small correction, the "250 GTO" was a specific racing model, while the "250 GT" was a series of models encompassing both roadgoing and racing cars. I'm assuming

Small correction, the "250 GTO" was a specific racing model, while the "250 GT" was a series of models encompassing both roadgoing and racing cars. I'm assuming you are referring to the roadgoing 250 GT models, such as the 250 GT Pininfarina Coupe, 250 GT California Spyder etc. The roadgoing 250 GT series was produced at the tail end of the "coachbuilt" era of automobiles, where the manufacturer sent the bare chassis and engine to a artisan shop specialized in the design and construction of the body. So you're correct that, from Ferrari's perspective, the design of these roadgoing models was secondary to the racing models. However, because it was not Ferrari's primary concern, it could be contracted out to coachbuilders such as Pininfarina. These firms were highly sophisticated designers and artisans and indeed produced some very beautiful work.