View source for Ferrari 250

{{Short description|Series of sports cars and grand tourers built by Ferrari from 1952 to 1964}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Ferrari 250
| image = 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE.jpg
| caption = 1962 Ferrari 250 GT/E
| manufacturer = [[Ferrari]]
| aka =
| production = 1952&ndash;1964
| assembly =
| designer = [[Giotto Bizzarrini]]<br />[[Scaglietti]]<br />[[Pinin Farina]]<br />[[Vignale]]<br />[[Ghia]]
| class = [[Grand Tourer]]
| body_style = [[Berlinetta]]<br />[[cabriolet]]<br />[[coupé]]
| platform =
| related =
| layout = [[Longitudinal engine|Longitudinally-mounted]], [[Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|front-engine, rear-wheel-drive]]
| engine = 3.0 L (2953.21 cc) ''[[Ferrari Colombo engine|Colombo]]'' [[V12 engine|V12]]<br />3.0 L (2963.45 cc) ''[[Ferrari Lampredi engine#V12|Lampredi]]'' [[V12 engine|V12]] (Europa)
| transmission = 4-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]<br />5-speed manual
| wheelbase = {{convert|2400|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (SWB)<br />{{convert|2600|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (LWB)<br />{{convert|2800|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} (Europa)
| length =
| width =
| height =
| weight =
| predecessor = [[Ferrari 212 Inter]]/[[Ferrari 225 S]]
| successor = [[Ferrari 275]]/[[Ferrari 330]]
}}
The '''Ferrari 250''' is a series of [[sports car]]s and [[grand tourer]]s built by [[Ferrari]] from 1952 to 1964. The company's most successful early line, the 250 series includes many variants designed for road use or [[sports car racing]]. 250 series cars are characterized by their use of a {{convert|2953|cc|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} [[Ferrari Colombo engine|Colombo V12 engine]] designed by [[Gioacchino Colombo]]. The 250 series designation refers to this engine's cylinder displacement of approximately 250 cc. They were replaced by the [[Ferrari 275|275]] and [[Ferrari 330|330]] series cars.
==Similarities==
Most 250 road cars share the same two wheelbases, {{convert|2400|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} for short wheelbase (SWB) and {{convert|2600|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} for long wheelbase (LWB). Most convertibles used the SWB type.
Nearly all 250s share the same [[Ferrari Colombo engine|Colombo]] ''Tipo 125'' [[V12 engine|V12]] engine. At {{convert|2953|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}}, it was notable for its light weight and impressive output of up to {{convert|300|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} in the Testa Rossa and GTO. The V12 weighed hundreds of pounds less than its chief competitors&nbsp;— for example, it was nearly half the weight of the [[Jaguar XK6 engine|Jaguar XK straight-6]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vintagehotrods.net/ford/ContentExpress20-30-38.html |title=Dave Williams' Engine Weight Chart |access-date=July 25, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041113090104/http://www.vintagehotrods.net/ford/ContentExpress20-30-38.html |archive-date=November 13, 2004 }}</ref>  Ferrari uses the displacement of a single cylinder as the model designation.
The V12 propelled the Ferrari 250 racing cars to numerous victories.
==Racing models==
Typical of Ferrari, the Colombo V12 made its debut on the race track, with the racing 250s preceding the street cars by three years.
===250 S===
[[File:Rétromobile 2016 - Ferrari 250 Sport - 1952 - 002.jpg|thumb|Ferrari 250 S]]
{{main|Ferrari 250 S}}
The first 250 was the experimental 250 S [[berlinetta]] prototype entered in the 1952 [[Mille Miglia]] for [[Giovanni Bracco]] and Alfonso Rolfo. The [[Mercedes-Benz]] [[Mercedes-Benz W194|W194 racers]] of [[Rudolf Caracciola]], [[Hermann Lang]], and [[Karl Kling]] were faster on the long straights but the {{convert|230|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} Ferrari made up sufficient ground in the hills and curves to win the race.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.racingsportscars.com/results/Mille_Miglia-1952-05-04.html|title=Mille Miglia 1952 Race Results|website=racingsportscars.com|access-date=22 May 2019}}</ref> The car was later entered at [[1952 24 Hours of Le Mans|Le Mans]] and in the [[Carrera Panamericana]].
The 250 S used a {{convert|2250|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} wheelbase with a "Tuboscocca" tubular trellis frame. Suspension was by double wishbones at the front, with double longitudinal semi-elliptic springs locating the live axle at the rear. The car had the drum brakes and worm-and-sector steering typical of the period. The dry-sump 3.0&nbsp;L ({{convert|2953|cc|cuin|0|abbr=on}}) engine used three [[Weber carburetor|Weber]] 36DCF carburettors and was mated directly to a five-speed manual transmission.
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===250 MM===
[[File:Ferrari 250 MM - Flickr - Alexandre Prévot (1) (cropped).jpg|thumb|Ferrari 250 MM]]
{{main|Ferrari 250 MM}}
Following the success of the 250 S in the Mille Miglia, Ferrari showed a more conventional chassis for the new 250 engine at the 1952 [[Paris Motor Show]]. [[Pinin Farina]] then created coupé bodywork which had a small grille, compact tail and panoramic rear window, and the new car was launched as the 250 MM (for Mille Miglia) at the [[Geneva Motor Show#1953|1953 Geneva Motor Show]]. [[Carrozzeria Vignale]]'s open [[barchetta]] version was also an innovative design whose recessed headlights and side vents became a Ferrari staple for the 1950s. 0334MM was the sole chassis with Vignale Berlinetta body, distinctive for its triple portholes on the bottom of front fenders, not on top.
The 250 MM's wheelbase was longer than the 250 S at {{convert|2400|mm|in|1|abbr=on}},<ref name="Ferrari 250 MM">{{Cite web|url=http://auto.ferrari.com/en_EN/sports-cars-models/past-models/250-mm/|title=Ferrari 250 MM|website=ferrari.com |access-date=2015-12-11}}</ref> with the coupé {{convert|50|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} heavier than the {{convert|850|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} barchetta. The V12 engine's dry sump was omitted from the production car, and the transmission was reduced by one gear. Power was increased to {{convert|240|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}. The four-cylinder [[Ferrari Monza|625 TF and 735 S]] replaced the V12-powered 250 MM later in 1953.
The 250 MM's race debut was at the 1953 Giro di Sicilia with privateer Paolo Marzotto. A [[Morelli (company)|Carrozzeria Morelli]]-bodied 250 MM barchetta driven by [[Clemente Biondetti]] came fourth in the 1954 Mille Miglia.
===250 Monza===
[[File:1955TriesteOpicina-1954Ferrari250Monza.jpg|thumb|right|250 Monza]]
:{{main|Ferrari 250 Monza}}
The 1954 250 Monza was an unusual hybrid of the light four-cylinder [[Ferrari Monza#500 Mondial|500 Mondial]] and the 250 line. The model used the 250 MM engine in the short-wheelbase chassis from the 500 Mondial. The first three used the Pinin Farina barchetta shape of the 750 Monza and 500 Mondial. One more 250 Monza was built by [[Carrozzeria Scaglietti]], an early use of the now-familiar coachbuilder. The 250 Monzas failed to gain much success and the union of the Monza chassis and 250 engine was not pursued for some time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.supercars.net/blog/1954-ferrari-250-monza/|title=1954 Ferrari 250 Monza|website=supercars.net|date=16 April 2016|access-date=17 December 2019}}</ref>
===250 Testa Rossa===
[[File:RL 1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa 34.JPG|thumb|1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa]]
:{{main|Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa}}
The racing 250 Testa Rossa was one of the most successful Ferrari racing cars in its history, with three wins at [[24 Hours of Le Mans|Le Mans]], four wins at [[12 Hours of Sebring|Sebring]], and two wins at [[1000 km Buenos Aires|Buenos Aires]]. One example sold at auction for a (then) record-breaking $16.39 million.
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===250 GTO===
[[File:Ferrari 1962 250 GTO on Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance 2011 -Moto@Club4AG.jpg|thumb|Ferrari 250 GTO]]
:{{main|Ferrari 250 GTO}}
The 250 GTO was produced from 1962 to 1964 for homologation into the FIA's Group 3 Grand Touring Car category. GTO stands for "Gran Turismo Omologato", Italian for "Homologated Grand Tourer". When new, the GTO sold for $18,500 in the United States, and buyers had to be personally approved by Enzo Ferrari and his dealer for North America, [[Luigi Chinetti]].
In May 2012, the 1963 [[Ferrari 250 GTO]] [[chassis number]] 3505GT sold by an [[auction]] for US$38,115,000.
In October 2013, the 1963 [[Ferrari 250 GTO]] [[chassis number]] 5111GT sold by [[Connecticut]]-based [[collecting|collector]] Paul Pappalardo to an unnamed buyer in a private transaction for US$52 [[million]].
In August 2018, the 1962 [[Ferrari 250 GTO]] [[chassis number]] 3413GT sold at auction for US$48,405,000.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.classic.com/veh/1962-ferrari-250-gto-by-scaglietti-3413-WbBo6PW/|title=1962 Ferrari 250 GTO VIN 3413|website=CLASSIC.COM}}</ref>
Thirty-three cars were made in 1962 and 1963. In 1964 the Series II was introduced, which had a different body. Three such cars were made, and four older Series I cars were given a Series II body. It brought the total number of GTOs produced to 36.
In 2004, Sports Car International placed the 250 GTO eighth on a list of Top Sports Cars of the 1960s, and nominated it the top sports car of all time. [[Motor Trend|''Motor Trend Classic'']] placed it first on a list of the "Greatest Ferraris of all time".
===250 P===
[[File:1963-05-05 Targa Florio Ferrari 250 P 0812 Mairesse Scarfiotti.jpg|thumb|Ferrari 250 P]]
{{main|Ferrari P#250 P}}
The 250 P was a prototype racer produced in 1963, winning that year's [[12 Hours of Sebring]], [[1000km Nürburgring|1000&nbsp;km Nürburgring]] and the [[1963 24 Hours of Le Mans|24 Hours of Le Mans]].
The 250 P used an engine derived from the 250 Testa Rossa, mounted in a [[Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout|rear mid-engine, rear wheel drive]] configuration.
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===250 LM===
[[File:Ferrari Berlinette 275 LM (1965), Paris Motor Show 2018, IMG 0331.jpg|thumb|right|1965 250 LM]]
{{main|Ferrari P#250 LM}}
The mid-engined 250 Le Mans looked very much the prototype racer but was intended for production as a road-going GT. Descended from the 250 P, the Le Mans also appeared in 1963 and sported Pininfarina bodywork. Ferrari was unable to persuade the FIA that he would build the 100 examples required to homologate the car for GT racing. Eventually, 32 LMs were built<ref name=UltimateLM>{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/136/Ferrari-250-LM.html |title=Ferrari 250 LM |publisher=UltimateCarPage.com |access-date=2011-09-28}}</ref> up to 1965. As a result, Ferrari withdrew from factory participation in the GT class of the 1965 [[World Sportscar Championship]], allowing the [[Shelby Cobra]] team to dominate. A 250LM, competing in the [[Sports prototype|Prototype]] category, won the [[1965 24 Hours of Le Mans]].
Only the very early LM's were true 250 models. All the others were made as 3.3-litre models, and as such should have been named 275 LM. The early cars were converted to the 3.3-litre engine.
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==GT cars==
The 250 design was successful both on the road and on the track.  A number of GT models were built in varying states of road or racing trim.
===250 Europa===
[[File:Ferrari 250-Europa Front-view.JPG|thumb|right|Ferrari 250 Europa Pinin Farina Coupé]]
[[File:1953 Ferrari 250 Europa Vignale Coupe (21669370749).jpg|thumb|Ferrari 250 Europa Vignale Coupé]]
The 250 Europa, introduced at the 1953 [[Paris Motor Show]], was the only one of the family to use a different engine, sporting the 2963&nbsp;cc ''[[Ferrari Lampredi engine#V12|Lampredi]]'' V12 based on a design for [[Formula One]] 3.3 L engine. It was a [[Stroke ratio#Square engine|square]] engine, with {{convert|68|mm|1|abbr=on}} of bore and stroke, developing {{convert|200|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} at 6,300 rpm, with three Weber 36DCF (or DCZ) carburettors, and mated to a 4-speed transmission.
With the long {{convert|2800|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} wheelbase and [[Ferrari America#375 America|Ferrari 375 America]]-style bodies, it was designed as a [[grand tourer]]. Three different rear axle ratios were offered to customers, providing an estimated top speed between {{Convert|180-217|kph|mph|abbr=}} depending on the ratio.<ref name=":0" /> Both 250 Europa and 375 America shared the same chassis, wheelbase and mechanicals apart for the engine.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://auto.ferrari.com/en_EN/sports-cars-models/past-models/250-europa/|title=Ferrari 250 Europa|website=ferrari.com|access-date=12 June 2019}}</ref> The majority of bodywork were designed by [[Pinin Farina]]. Some had bodies designed by [[Giovanni Michelotti]] and constructed by [[Vignale]]. Styling resembled the 375 America and [[Ferrari 340|340 Mexico]] coupes.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last=Prunet|first=Antoine|title=The Ferrari Legend: The Road Cars|publisher=Norton|year=1981|isbn=0-393-01475-4|edition=1st American|location=New York|oclc=7896863}}</ref> 22 were made, including 17 Pinin Farina-built coupes, 4 Vignale coupes, 1 Pinin Farina cabriolet and 1 Vignale cabriolet.<ref>{{Cite web|title=250 Europa - Register|url=http://www.barchetta.cc/All.Ferraris/by-serial-number/ferrari-by-serial-number/model-index-47-54/model-summary/250-europa-register/index.html|website=www.barchetta.cc|access-date=2020-05-19}}</ref> Two were later converted by the Ferrari factory to 375 America specification (chassis 0315AL and 0353EU).<ref>{{Cite web|title=375 America Pinin Farina Coupe s/n 0315EU|url=http://www.barchetta.cc/english/All.Ferraris/Detail/0315EU.375America.htm|website=www.barchetta.cc|access-date=2020-05-19}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=375 America Vignale Cabriolet s/n 0353EU|url=http://www.barchetta.cc/english/All.Ferraris/Detail/0353EU.375America.htm|website=www.barchetta.cc|access-date=2020-05-19}}</ref>
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===250 Europa GT===
[[File:Ferrari250Europa-MM2014.jpg|thumb|right|250 Europa GT]]
{{main|Ferrari 250 GT Coupé#250 Europa GT}}
The first road car to use Colombo's 250 V12 was the 250 Europa GT, introduced at the 1954 Paris Motor Show. It was also the first Ferrari to use the ''Gran Turismo'' moniker. Pinin Farina's sober Paris coupé was just one of many shapes for the 250 GT model line, with coachbuilt production extending through 1956 before the 250 line became more standardized. The original 250 Europa GT used a {{convert|2600|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} wheelbase on a conventional chassis, with 600-16 Stella Bianca tyres. The wet sump V12 was tuned to {{convert|220|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}, with three [[Weber carburetor|Weber]] 36DCZ3 carburettors. Echoing Vignale's 250 Europa, Pinin Farina added now-familiar vents to the front fenders, a standard styling cue for many of the 250 GTs that followed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://auto.ferrari.com/en_EN/sports-cars-models/past-models/250-gt-coupe/|title=Ferrari 250 GT Coupé|website=ferrari.com|access-date=9 July 2019}}</ref>
Chassis Nr. 0373 finished third at the [[Liège-Rome-Liège]] rally in 1956
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===250 GT Coupé Boano and Ellena===
[[File:1955 (1956) Ferrari 250 GT Boano, low-roof all-alloy Berlinetta.jpg|right|thumb|250 GT Boano, with an all-alloy body built in 1956]]
{{main|Ferrari 250 GT Coupé#Boano/Ellena}}
Pinin Farina introduced a 250-based prototype coupé at the [[Geneva Motor Show#1956|1956 Geneva Motor Show]] which came to be called the 250 GT Boano. Intended as a styling exercise and inspiration to 250 GT Europa customers, the car generated demand that soon called for a production series.
Unable to meet the demand without expansion, Pinin Farina asked [[Mario Boano]], formerly of [[Ghia]], to handle the construction. When [[Fiat]] later recruited Boano, he handed production duties to his son-in-law Ezio Ellena. With partner Luciano Pollo, Carrozzeria Ellena would produce the 250 GT for another few years. Ellena revised the car, raising the roof and removing the vent windows from the doors. These examples became known as the 250 GT Ellena.
Carrozzeria Boano built 74 250 GTs on the long-wheelbase chassis. Carrozzeria Ellena built another 50 Coupés.
All but one were coupés. The single convertible, 0461 GT, was sold to New York collector Bob Lee off the stand at the 1956 New York Auto Show. At the direction of Enzo Ferrari, Lee bought the car for $9,500, far below cost. He still owns it, making it one of the oldest Ferraris still in the hands of the original purchaser.
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===250 GT Pinin Farina Coupé Speciale===
Four examples of the 250 GT Coupé Speciale were made, on the type 513 chassis. (Although chassis numbers were in the middle of the Boano 250 GT Coupé run they did not share the same chassis type.). They had Series I 410 Superamerica-style bodies and type 128, 3.0 V12 engines.
===250 GT Berlinetta "Tour de France"===
[[File:Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta Scaglietti TdF - "PV 96" - 1997 GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED (15660232918).jpg|thumb|250 GT TdF "14 louvre" #0677GT, in [[Écurie Francorchamps]] colours, at the 1997 [[Goodwood Festival of Speed]]]]
The original 250 GT Berlinetta, nicknamed the "Long Wheelbase Berlinetta", was also called the "Tour de France" after competing in the 10-day [[Tour de France Automobile|Tour de France automobile race]]. Seventy-seven Tour de France cars were built,<ref>{{cite journal|last=Ahlgrim|first=Steve|title=1956 Ferrari 250 GT LWB TdF|journal=[[Sports Car Market]]|date=November 2012|volume=24|issue=11|pages=34–35}}</ref> of which a number were sold for GT races from 1956 through 1959. Construction was handled by [[Carrozzeria Scaglietti]] based on a [[Pinin Farina]] design. The engine began at {{convert|240|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} but eventually rose to {{convert|260|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}. [[Pirelli Cinturato]] 175R400 tyres (CA67) were standard.
At the [[Geneva Motor Show#1956|1956 Geneva Motor Show]], Scaglietti displayed their own 250 GT prototype, which became known as the limited-production, Series I, "no-louvre" 250 GT Berlinetta. The first customer car was built in May 1956, with production now the responsibility of Scaglietti in Modena. Fourteen "no-louvre" and nine "14-louvre" Series I and II Berlinettas were made.
There were four series of 250 GT Berlinettas. In mid-1957 the Series III cars were introduced, with three louvres and covered headlights. Eighteen were produced. The 36 Series IV cars;  retained the covered headlights and had a single vent louvre. Zagato also made five "no-louvre" superlight cars to Ugo Zagato's design.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rmauctions.com/CarDetails.cfm?SaleCode=LF11&CarID=r229|title=1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB 'Tour de France' Berlinetta|publisher=RM Auctions|access-date=2012-11-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513002906/http://www.rmauctions.com/CarDetails.cfm?SaleCode=LF11&CarID=r229|archive-date=2013-05-13|url-status=dead}}</ref>
A 250 GT Berlinetta won [[Tour de France Automobile]] three times in 1956, 1957 and 1958. Ferrari's winning streak in this race would be continued with later 'Interim' and SWB Berlinettas.
===250 GT Cabriolet Pinin Farina Series I===
[[Image:Hockenheimring Michael Schumacher.jpg|right|thumb|[[Michael Schumacher]] rides in a 250 GT Cabriolet.]]
{{main|Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Pinin Farina}}
Released at the [[Geneva Motor Show#1957|Geneva Motor Show]] in 1957, the original 250 GT Cabriolet Pinin Farina Series I used the {{convert|2600|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} wheelbase and the body was styled differently from the Berlinetta.  Cars left the factory on either 165R400 or 185VR16 [[Pirelli Cinturato]] tyres (CA67).
About 36 examples were produced before a second series was shown at Paris in 1959. These later cars had more in common with the production Berlinetta.
About 200 of the Series II cars were built.
''[[Motor Trend|Motor Trend Classic]]'' placed the 250 GT Series I Cabriolet and Coupé ninth on their list of the ten "Greatest Ferraris of all time".
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===250 GT California Spyder LWB===
{{Main|Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder}}
[[File:BAIN ferrari 03bf.jpg|right|thumb|1959 California Spyder LWB]]
Designed for export to North America, the 1957 [[Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder|250 GT California Spyder]] was Scaglietti's interpretation of an open-top 250 GT. Aluminium was used for the hood, doors, and trunk lid, with steel elsewhere for most models. Several aluminium-bodied racing versions were also built. The [[engine]] was the same as in the 250 [[Tour de France Automobile|Tour de France]] [[racing car]] with up to {{convert|240|PS|hp kW|0|abbr=on}} at 7000 [[Revolutions per minute|rpm]] and a maximum [[torque]] of {{convert|265|Nm|lbft kgm|0|abbr=on}} at 5000 rpm, from a {{convert|2953|cc|L cuin|1|abbr=on}} [[naturally aspirated]] [[Overhead camshaft#Single overhead camshaft|SOHC]] 2 valves per [[Cylinder (engine)|cylinder]] 60º [[Ferrari Colombo engine#250|Ferrari Colombo V12 engine]], equipped with 3 [[Weber carburetor]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimatecarpage.com/spec/126/Ferrari-250-GT-LWB-California-Spyder.html|title=Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder|website=ultimatecarpage.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-06-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1958/704975/ferrari_250_gt_spyder_california_scaglietti.html|title=1958 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder Scaglietti|website=automobile-catalog.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-06-09}}</ref> All used the long {{convert|2600|mm|in|1|abbr=on}} chassis, and [[Pirelli Cinturato]] 185VR16 tyres (CA67) were standard.
A total of fifty LWBs were made before the SWB version superseded them in 1960. One example sold at auction on August 18, 2007, in [[Monterey, California]], for $4.9 million.
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===250 GT Coupé Pinin Farina===
[[File:Ferrari 250 GT Coupe Pininfarina.JPG|thumb|250 GT Coupé Pinin Farina]]
{{main|Ferrari 250 GT Coupé#Pinin Farina Coupé}}
Needing series production to stabilize his company's finances, Enzo Ferrari asked [[Pinin Farina]] to design a simple and classic 250 GT coupé. After the 250 GT Coupé Boano/Ellena, Pinin Farina's Grugliasco plant expanded and now had the capacity to produce the new 250 GT Coupé Pinin Farina. It was introduced at Milan in 1958, and 335 near-identical examples were built by 1960. Buyers included [[Prince Bertil]] of Sweden. The GT Coupé eschewed the fender vents for simple, clean lines and a notchback look with panoramic rear window. The oval grille was replaced by a more traditional long narrow look with protruding headlights. [[Telescopic shock absorber]]s were also fitted instead of the [[Houdaille shock absorber|Houdailles]] on previous 250s, and disc brakes were added in 1960. The original 175R400 [[Pirelli Cinturato]] tyres (CA67) were later changed to 185VR16. The final 250 GT Coupé had a [[Ferrari America|Superfast]] tail and was shown at the 1961 London Motor Show.
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===250 GT Cabriolet Pinin Farina Series II===
[[File:Ferrari 250 PF cabrio SII front left.jpg|thumb|250 GT Cabriolet Pinin Farina, series II]]
{{main|Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Pinin Farina}}
In line with the high-volume coupé, Pinin Farina also designed a plainer 250 GT Cabriolet for series production. Introduced at the 1959 Paris Motor Show, the GT Cabriolet sported a look similar to the GT Coupé of the previous year, including the removal of the side vents. 185VR15 [[Pirelli Cinturato]] tyres (CA67) were standard. On the Coupé the headlights were uncovered. About 212 were produced.
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===250 GT Berlinetta "Interim"===
[[File:1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta Interim (Simeone) 04.png|thumb|Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Interim]]
In 1959, seven 250 GT "Interim" LWB Berlinettas were made. They utilized the old long-wheelbase chassis and had the new Pinin Farina bodywork of the upcoming SWB Berlinettas.  The bodies are all-aluminium.  Interim vehicles have an additional rear quarter window, absent from the succeeding "Passo Corto" Berlinettas.  The Interim vehicles are serial numbers 1377GT, 1461GT, 1465GT, 1509GT, 1519GT, 1521GT and 1523GT. 'Interim' Berlinetta won 1959 [[Tour de France Automobile]], thus continuing Ferrari's dominance.
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==={{anchor|GT SWB}} 250 GT Berlinetta SWB===
[[File:23NTBC 16 - Ferrari.jpg|thumb|Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB]]
[[File:1962 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta - yellow - fvl (4608953535).jpg|thumb|Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB 1962]]
One of the most notable GT racers of its time, the 1959 250 GT Berlinetta SWB used a short ({{convert|2400|mm|in|1|abbr=on}}) wheelbase for better handling. Of the 176 examples built, both steel and aluminium bodies were used in various road ("lusso") and racing trims. Engine output ranged from {{convert|240|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} to {{convert|280|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}. The "lusso" road car version was originally fitted with 185VR15 [[Pirelli Cinturato]] (CA67).[[File:Inetrior Ferrari 250 GTB Berlinetta SWB.jpg|thumb|left|250 GT Berlinetta SWB interior]]
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 [[Ferrari 250 GTO|250 GTO]]. [[Disc brake]]s 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 [[Sports Car International Top Sports Cars|Top Sports Cars of the 1960s]], and  ''[[Motor Trend|Motor Trend Classic]]'' placed it fifth on a list of the ten "Greatest Ferraris of all time".
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==={{anchor|California}} 250 GT California Spyder SWB===
{{Main|Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder}}
[[File:DSC03667 (2685033708).jpg|thumb|Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder SWB]]
In 1959, Ferrari gave the 250 GT Berlinetta sharper handling, reducing its wheelbase from 2,600&nbsp;mm to 2,400&nbsp;mm. In 1960, Scaglietti unveiled the 250 GT California Spyder SWB at the [[Geneva Motor Show#1960|Geneva Motor Show]], its body pulled more tautly over this updated chassis. Like the 250 GT Berlinetta SWB on which it was based, the revised Spyder also received disc brakes and a {{convert|280|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} version of the three-litre V12. It was fitted with 185VR15 [[Pirelli Cinturato]] tyres (CA67). About 55 were built.
The switch to the 2400mm chassis of the 250 GT Berlinetta SWB lowered the body by 30&nbsp;mm, but an easier way to tell the "passo lungo" (LWB) version from the "passo corto" (SWB) version of the California Spyder is to look at the hood scoop and the vents on sides of the front fenders. The hood scoop is much lower on the SWB version.<ref name="Ferrari 250 California">{{cite web|url=https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/auto/250-california|title=250 California (history)|publisher=Ferrari.com|access-date=2020-04-27}}</ref>
A custom-built fiberglass-bodied replica of a 1961–1963 250 GT California Spyder, was featured in the film ''[[Ferris Bueller's Day Off]]''. Three 1985 Modena Spyders (two running and one shell for destruction) were built on custom frames for the film by Modena Design & Development.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.historicvehicle.org/national-historic-vehicle-register/vehicles/1985-modena-spyder-ferris-bueller/ |title=1985 Modena Spyder (Ferris Bueller "Ferrari") |work=National Historic Vehicle Register |publisher=[[Historic Vehicle Association]] |year=2017}}</ref> One of the running models was sold back to Modena for restoration and in April 2018 became the 22nd vehicle added to the [[Historic Vehicle Association|National Historic Vehicle Register]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.historicvehicle.org/national-historic-vehicle-register/vehicles/ |title=Vehicles on the Register |work=National Historic Vehicle Register |publisher=[[Historic Vehicle Association]] |year=2018}}</ref>
A 1961 SWB that had been owned by [[James Coburn]] was sold for £5.5 million to radio DJ [[Chris Evans (presenter)|Chris Evans]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/News/Search-Results/Motor-show--events/Other-shows/Chris-Evans-buys-Ferrari-250-GT-California-for-5m/|title=Chris Evans buys Ferrari 250 GT California for £5m|author=Pollard, Tim|publisher=Car Magazine|date=2008-05-19|access-date=2008-05-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/1983459/Chris-Evans-pays-and1635m-for-vintage-Ferrari.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080531030049/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/1983459/Chris-Evans-pays-and1635m-for-vintage-Ferrari.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2008-05-31|title=Chris Evans pays £5m for vintage Ferrari|author=English, Andrew|publisher=The Telegraph|date=2008-05-19|access-date=2008-05-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Phillips |first=Drew |url=http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/19/1961-ferrari-california-spyder-sells-for-record-10-894-900/ |title="1961 Ferrari California Spyder sells for record $10,894,900" retrieved: 19 August 2008 |date=19 May 2008 |publisher=Autoblog.com |access-date=2011-09-28}}</ref>
A [[barn find|barn-find]] 1961 SWB owned by French actor [[Alain Delon]] while he was making the 1964 film ''[[Les Felins]]'' with [[Jane Fonda]] sold for US$15.9 million in February 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2015/02/06/barn-find-ferrari-sells-for-16-million/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207034238/http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2015/02/06/barn-find-ferrari-sells-for-16-million/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 7, 2015 |title=Barn find Ferrari sells for $16 million |website=[[Fox News]] |access-date=February 6, 2015}}</ref>
On March 11, 2016, at the Omni [[Amelia Island Plantation]], a 1961 SWB sold for US$17.16 million at auction.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ameliaislandliving.com/fernandinabeach/2016/03/15-17-million-anticipated-for-a-rare-ferrari-at-amelia-island-auction/ |title=Sold! Ferrari Fetches Over $17 Million at Amelia Island Auction |access-date=March 12, 2016}}</ref>
===250 GT/E===
{{anchor|2+2}} <!-- Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 redirects here-->
[[File:Paris - Bonhams 2015 - Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 Coupé - 1961 - 003.jpg|thumb|1961 250 GTE]]
The LWB 250 GT theme was expanded with the 2+2 model 250 GT/E,  the first large-production four-seat Ferrari (earlier four-seaters were made in very small numbers). Interior space was increased by moving the engine forward in the chassis. The rear seats were suitable for children but small for adults. [[Pirelli Cinturato]] 185VR15 tyres (CA67) were original equipment. The standard wheels used on series 1 were the Borrani RW3591 and the series 2 & 3 were fitted with the Borrani RW3690 as a standard.<ref>Borrani Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 Wheels https://www.borrani.com/ferrari-wheels/250-gte-2-2.html</ref>
Engine output was listed at {{convert|240|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}.
Almost 1,000 GT/Es were constructed by Pininfarina with prototypes starting in 1959 and continuing through three series until 1963. The model was followed by the visually similar [[Ferrari 330#330 America|330 America]], which shared the 250 GT/E's chassis but used the larger 4.0 L engine of the 330 series.
The large production run of the GT/E was a major contributor to Ferrari's financial well-being in the early 1960s. MSRP of the GT/E was $11,500.{{Clear}}
===250 GT Berlinetta Lusso===
[[File:1964 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso - maroon - fvl (4608954673).jpg|thumb|1964 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso]]
{{main|Ferrari 250 GT Lusso}}
Pininfarina updated the 250 GT with the GT Lusso or GTL. Introduced at the 1962 Paris show, the car had flowing lines and a [[fastback]] shape typical of the GT cars of the mid-1960s. The engine was the [[Ferrari 250 GTO|250 GTO]]'s Tipo 168 with {{convert|240|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} and three [[Weber carburetor|Weber]] 36DCS carburettors. 185VR15 [[Pirelli Cinturato]] tyres (CA67) were standard.
Built by Scaglietti, the Lusso continued through 1964 with few modifications.
Rock star [[Eric Clapton]] owned one, and an example that had been owned by [[Steve McQueen]] sold at auction for $2.3 million on 16 August 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6950915.stm |title="McQueen's Ferrari sells for $2.3 m" retrieved: 17 August 2007 |work=BBC News |date=2007-08-17 |access-date=2011-09-28}}</ref>
In 2004, ''[[Sports Car International]]'' placed the 250 GT Lusso tenth on a list of [[Sports Car International Top Sports Cars|Top Sports Cars of the 1960s]]. [[Steve Boone]], a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the group [[Lovin' Spoonful]] owned chassis number #4237, which was stolen from a repair shop in Queens, New York and never found.
{{Clear}}
==Place in Lamborghini history==
[[File:Ferruccio Lamborghini's own Ferrari 250 GTE in the Ferruccio Lamborghini Museum.jpg|thumb|Ferrari 250 GTE previously owned by Ferruccio Lamborghini in the [[Museo Ferruccio Lamborghini]]]]
Tractor manufacturer [[Ferruccio Lamborghini]] owned several Ferrari 250s. His frustration with [[Enzo Ferrari]]'s response to his complaints about frequent clutch problems was key to his decision to make his own cars.<ref name=Inetervu1>[https://web.archive.org/web/20030515173537/http://www.geocities.com/lamboguy/Intervu2.html Copy of Interview with Ferruccio Lamborghini, page 2]</ref>  He later hired ex-Ferrari engineers to design and develop them.<ref name="ModClass">{{cite web |url=http://www.valvoline.com/carcare/articleviewer.asp?pg=res20030901mc&cccid=5&scccid=1 |title=Modern Classic: Lamborghini 350 GT |publisher=Valvoline.com |access-date=2011-09-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080602205430/http://www.valvoline.com/carcare/articleviewer.asp?pg=res20030901mc&cccid=5&scccid=1 |archive-date=2008-06-02 }}</ref>
==See also==
* [[Ferrari 250 GT SWB Breadvan|Ferrari 250 GT Drogo]] - the "Breadvan", a 250 SWB modified by [[Giotto Bizzarrini]] and [[Piero Drogo]] for [[Giovanni Volpi]].
{{clear}}
== References ==
{{reflist}}
=== Bibliography ===
* {{cite book | author=Acerbi, Leonardo | title=Ferrari: All The Cars | publisher=Haynes Publishing| year=2012 | isbn=978-1-84425-581-8}}
* {{cite book |author1=Buckley, Martin  |author2=Rees, Chris| title=World Encyclopedia of Cars | location=London | publisher=Anness Publishing | year=1998 | isbn=1-84038-083-7 }}
==External links==
{{Commons category|Ferrari 250}}
* [http://www.christies.com/presscenter/pdf/04272007/9248.pdf Steve McQueen's Ferrari Races Into Christie's]
* [https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/history/garage/1953/250-europa Ferrari 250 Europa: Ferrari History]
* [https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/history/garage/1957/250-gt-cabriolet Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet: Ferrari History]
{{Early Ferrari vehicles}}
{{Ferrari}}
{{Scuderia Ferrari}}
[[Category:1950s cars]]
[[Category:1960s cars]]
[[Category:24 Hours of Le Mans race cars]]
[[Category:Ferrari vehicles|250]]
[[Category:Mille Miglia]]
[[Category:Pininfarina]]
[[gl:Ferrari 250 MM]]