Photo: Brian Snelson · CC BY 2.0
Raced1962
EngineV12
Units built1
The Ferrari 250 GT SWB "Breadvan" is a one-off created in 1962 from a 250 GT Berlinetta SWB. Giotto Bizzarrini built it for Count Giovanni Volpi and his Scuderia Serenissima because Enzo Ferrari refused to sell Volpi one of the new 250 GTOs. The car was intended to compete against the GTOs at Le Mans and in the World Sportscar Championship. The "Breadvan" moniker refers to its unusual rear styling. Its success fell short of the factory Ferraris, though it achieved two victories in the GT class.
Summarized from the sources cited below; every figure in the text was automatically verified against the sources.
Good to know
- The nickname "Breadvan" was coined by English-speaking journalists; the French press called the car "La Camionnette", meaning "little truck".
- Enzo Ferrari refused Count Volpi a GTO because Volpi had hired former Ferrari personnel at ATS.
- The base car, chassis 2819 GT, finished second overall in the 1961 Tour de France driven by Olivier Gendebien and Lucien Bianchi; Gendebien sold it to Volpi shortly thereafter.
- On its debut at Le Mans in 1962, the Breadvan passed all the Ferrari GTOs and was running in seventh place in the fourth hour when a driveshaft snapped.
Learn moreBackground · Conversion and engineering · Afterlife
Background
In late 1961, several senior staff members were forced out of Ferrari following a dispute, an event known as "the great walkout". Giotto Bizzarrini, who had developed the GTO himself but had not finalized it, was hired by Count Volpi in 1962 to make a 1961 250 GT SWB competitive. Serving as the foundation was chassis 2819 GT, a 250 GT SWB Competizione with lightweight bodywork, stripped-down equipment, and a 286 bhp Tipo 168 engine featuring Testarossa cylinder heads.
Conversion and engineering
Working alongside coachbuilder Piero Drogo, Bizzarrini developed an aerodynamically advanced body, even lower than that of the GTO, with a roofline extended rearward following Kamm aerodynamic theory. The engine and radiator were shifted further toward the center, a dry sump lowered the engine, and six twin-choke Weber 38 DCN carburetors replaced the three Weber 46 DCN units. The four-speed gearbox remained. At 935 kg, the car was lighter than a GTO, which typically weighed 1000 kg. Mechanical fabrication was handled by Giorgio Neri and Luciano Bonacini in Modena.
Afterlife
After Le Mans, subsequent outings proved the design's effectiveness: the car won the GT class twice in 1962. Since 1973, it has appeared regularly at historic racing events worldwide, including the Monterey Historic Automobile Races, the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and the Tour Auto.
Summarized from the cited sources; every figure was automatically verified against the sources.
Frequently asked questions about the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Breadvan
When was the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Breadvan raced?
The Ferrari 250 GT SWB Breadvan was raced in 1962.
How much power does the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Breadvan have?
Power of the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Breadvan: NNN hp.
What engine does the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Breadvan have?
Engine of the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Breadvan: 3 litre V12 NA Ferrari 250 Tipo 168 Comp./61. It is mounted at the front.
How many Ferrari 250 GT SWB Breadvan were built?
The Ferrari 250 GT SWB Breadvan is a one-off.
Who engineered the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Breadvan?
Engineering of the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Breadvan: Giotto Bizzarrini and Giovanni Volpi.
Who drove the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Breadvan?
Drivers of the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Breadvan: Belgium Olivier Gendebien, Belgium Lucien Bianchi, Maurice Trintignant, Nino Vaccarella, Carlo Maria Abate, UK Colin Davis, Ludovico Scarfiotti ….
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