Ferrari 250 GT

The 24 Hours of le Mans

 

One of the most notable GT racers of its time, the 1959 250 GT Berlinetta SWB used a short (2,400 mm (94.5 in)) wheelbase for better handling. Of the 176 examples built, both steel and aluminum bodies were used in various road ("lusso") and racing trims. Engine output ranged from 240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp) to 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp). The "lusso" road car version was originally fitted with 185VR15 Pirelli Cinturato (CA67).

Development of the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta was handled by Giotto Bizzarrini, Carlo Chiti, and young Mauro Forghieri, the same team that later produced the 250 GTO. Disc brakes were a first on a Ferrari GT, and the combination of low weight, high power, and well-sorted suspension made it competitive. It was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October and quickly began selling and racing. The SWB Berlinetta won Ferrari the GT class of the 1961 Constructor's Championship. Also won 1960, 1961 and 1962 Tour de France Automobile before giving ground to the GTO's.

In 2004, Sports Car International placed the 250 GT SWB seventh on a list of Top Sports Cars of the 1960s, and Motor Trend Classic placed it fifth on a list of the ten "Greatest Ferraris of all time".

 

Bang/Box/ Best 7086; Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB; 1961 24h Le Mans 6th; Grossman & Pilette; RN20 Bang/Box/ Best 7085; Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB; 1961 24h Le Mans DNF; Arents & Reed; RN19 Jouef 1012; Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta; 1961 24h Le Mans DNF; Arents & Reed; RN19 Jouef 1032; Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta; 1961 24h Le Mans DNF; Moss & Hill; RN18 Factory Models; Ferrari 250 GT SWB; 1961 24h Le Mans DNF; Moss & Hill; RN18
Bang 7086; Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB; 1961 24h Le Mans 6th; Grossman & Pilette; RN20 Bang 7085; Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB; 1961 24h Le Mans DNF; Arents & Reed; RN19 Jouef 1012; Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta; 1961 24h Le Mans DNF; Arents & Reed; RN19 Jouef 1032; Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta; 1961 24h Le Mans DNF; Moss & Hill; RN18 Factory Models; Ferrari 250 GT SWB; 1961 24h Le Mans DNF; Moss & Hill; RN18
Bang 7083; Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB; 1961 24h Le Mans DNF; Moss & Hill; RN18 Bang 7196; Ferrari 250 GT; 1961 24h Le Mans DNF; Tamavo & Baghetti; RN12 (Sperimentale) Bang/Box/ Best 7078; Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB; 1961 24h Le Mans DNF; Trintignant & Abate; RN16 BBR KIT35; Ferrari 250 GT SWB Breadvan; 1965 Coppa Gallenga Hillclimb; Edgardo Mungo, RN482  
Bang 7083; Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB; 1961 24h Le Mans DNF; Moss & Hill; RN18 Bang 7196; Ferrari 250 GT; 1961 24h Le Mans DNF; Tamavo & Baghetti; RN12 (Sperimentale) Bang 7078; Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB; 1961 24h Le Mans DNF; Trintignant & Abate; RN16 BBR KIT35; Ferrari 250 GT SWB Breadvan; 1965 Coppa Gallenga Hillclimb; Edgardo Mungo, RN482  

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Last Edit: 12/06/2024   Page Added 24/03/2022