The Ferrari 250 GT SWB was presented at the Paris Motor Show in 1959. Its production began in 1960 when four SWB Berlinetta were brought to the 24 Hours of Le Mans to compete in the legendary endurance race. The total production of this Ferrari reached 20 units until 1961.
The Ferrari 250 is considered one of the best designs that Pininfarina has made for Ferrari. The SWB was just another step in the evolution of the 250 series, which appeared in 1952. The first specimen was the model 250 S from 1952 and the last was the 250 P from 1963.
Ferrari's main goal for the 250 GT SWB was the Le Mans 24 Hours competition, where Aston Martin and Chevrolet became increasingly competitive and dangerous rivals. The 250 GT SWB model was equipped with a lower wheelbase chassis than its predecessor, four-wheel disc brakes and an optimized V12 engine.
To ensure reliability and high performance, Ferrari upgraded the V12 Type 168 engine of 2.953 cm3. Three Weber 46 DCF3 carburetors and a four-speed manual gearbox were used. The V12 delivered a power of 290 hp at 7,000 rpm that drove at 250 at a top speed of 270 km/h. The street versions were approximately 50 hp less, as the racing car used special elements from the Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa prototype of 1959.
The result of the development was excellent. Ferrari dominated the GT category at Le Mans, where he took the first four places of the race. The Ferrari 250 GT SWB was virtually unbeatable, winning another five races and the Gran Turismo championship.
The domain would not end, as a renewed version of this car was introduced in 1961. With more than 300 horsepower, the 250 GT SWB won the GT Championship again in 1961, triumphing in races in Europe and America. By 1962 the 250 GT SWB would be replaced by the famous Ferrari 250 GTO, which conquered amazing achievements.
Rear wheel drive
Power: 290 hp at 7,000 rpm
Top speed: 270 km/h
Disc brakes on 4 wheels
© Adrián Blanco 2006 — Prohibited the total or partial reproduction of text and/or images without explicit written consent of the author. —
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