The Ferrari 250 GT Brief Wheelbase (SWB) launched on the 1959 Paris Salon could be thought of the final Ferrari appropriate for street and observe. From that day onwards Ferraris could be purpose-built: the following racing 250 GTO and 250 LM, and the 250 GT Lusso street automobile.
Early Competizione Success
The primary batch of SWBs had been pure, alloy-bodied Competiziones. They had been rushed into service early in 1960, ending fourth, sixth and seventh total at Sebring, showcasing the prowess of the 250 GT SWB.
Earlier than the 250 GTO arrived, the Competizione SWB was the must-have automobile in GT racing because of its many wins. Even in 1962, with GTOs dominating, an SWB gained the Tour de France Auto. Veteran driver André Simon drove this automobile, chassis 2973GT, to that important victory.
Engineering Excellence and Racing Pedigree
The 250 GT SWB Lusso was a quick berlinetta, however the race-prepared Competizione was completely totally different. Tuned engines with light-weight pistons, bigger valves, particular cranks, and large Weber carburettors produced as much as 300bhp. Consequently, such engineering marvels solidified the 250 GT SWB’s standing.
The four-speed gearbox casing was finned and alloy, and the lighter chassis generally featured extra-thin alloy bodywork. Moreover, the Competizione vehicles’ exhausts often had one silencer per financial institution and ‘Snap’ extractors, with sumps solid in Elektron aluminium alloy.
The SEFAC ‘Hot Rod’: Ferrari’s Final GT
Alloy-bodied 250 GT SWB Competiziones are, undoubtedly, essentially the most fascinating GT Ferraris (outdoors a GTO) that may be pushed on the street. Moreover, essentially the most wanted are the ultimate, ‘Comp./61’ variations, with roughly 20 constructed and nicknamed SEFAC ‘Hot Rods’. These fashions signify the top of the 250 GT SWB collection.
Chassis 2973GT: A Championship-Profitable Icon
This automobile is the 18th super-light and highly effective SEFAC automobile, which I noticed and photoed on the Concours of Magnificence 2024. It was completed on the manufacturing unit in September 1961 and offered new to skilled French driver – and former Ferrari crew member – André Simon. Furthermore, the 250 GT SWB was instantly pressed into service for that 12 months’s Tour de France Car. Sadly, engine hassle resulted in retirement.
Raced, rallied and hillclimbed continuous over the subsequent 12 months, after work at Scaglietti and Maranello in the summertime to lighten and enhance Simon’s automobile but additional, it was entered within the September 15-23, 1962 Tour de France. The 42-year-old (with co-driver Maurice Dupeyron) gained total towards robust opposition from eight 250 GTOs.
A Legacy Preserved
After a few years in French possession, it was finally purchased by an Englishman in 2014. Now it resides in a world-class European assortment in its Tour de France-winning specification, retaining all its unique elements. This retains the legendary 250 GT SWB’s heritage alive.
Technical Specs
ENGINE – 2953cc/V12/naturally aspirated/SOHC
TRANSMISSION – 4-speed guide, RWD
POWER – 300bhp
TORQUE – N/A
TOP SPEED – 160mph
0-60MPH – 5.1secs
WEIGHT – 950kg
I’ve all the time cherished the look of the Ferrari 250 GT SWB. It’s in all probability my favorite automobile of all time. I might so like to personal and drive this automobile. What a wonderful work of automotive artwork. Tremendous cool. What do you consider this automobile? This automobile actually caught my consideration and made it into my high 10 vehicles on the 2024 Concours of Magnificence. Try that high 10 right here.
