The 250 GT Berlinetta SWB was among the most significant GT race cars of its era. With a short wheelbase of 2400 mm, it was designed to handle better; for the first time on a Ferrari GT, disc brakes were fitted. It was developed by Giotto Bizzarrini, Carlo Chiti, and the young Mauro Forghieri, the very team that later built the 250 GTO. Of the 176 cars built, there were road versions ("Lusso") and competition versions with steel or aluminum bodies and 240 to 280 PS. It won the GT class of the International Championship for GT Manufacturers in 1961 and took victory in the Tour de France Automobile in 1960, 1961, and 1962.
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Learn moreDevelopment and homologation · The versions · Reputation and standing
Development and homologation
The SWB replaced the 250 GT Berlinetta LWB; in Italy, it is referred to as the "Passo Corto." It was introduced in October at the Paris Motor Show, quickly found buyers, and went straight into motorsport competition. On June 17, 1960, the model received FIA homologation No. 22 for the GT group, just in time for Le Mans on June 25, 1960. Its recipe consisted of low weight, high power, and a well-sorted chassis.
The versions
The Competizione with an aluminum body and a Colombo Tipo 168 engine came first. In 1961, the even lighter SEFAC Hot Rod version followed; both raced with great success, earning class victories at Le Mans in 1960 and 1961, among other races. In 1960, the Lusso with a steel body and several convenience features was added. Joining the standard production cars were eight cars with custom bodies by Pininfarina and Bertone; four others later received new coachwork by Sportscars, Neri e Bonacini, and Zagato.
Reputation and standing
In 2004, Sports Car International ranked the 250 GT SWB seventh on a list of the top sports cars of its era; Motor Trend Classic placed it fifth among the ten "greatest Ferraris of all time." In the Tour de France Automobile, after its victories in 1960, 1961, and 1962, it yielded the spotlight to the GTO.
Summarized from the cited sources; every figure was automatically verified against the sources.
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