This 1963 Ferrari 250GT SWB Berlinetta is a numbers-matching, late production example. It is one of 165 built and is equipped with competition features such as flared wheel arches, a wrinkle finish dash and a cold air box.
Replacing the successful 250GT Tour de France Berlinetta, the 250GT SWB Berlinetta debuted at the Paris Auto Show, in October 1959. Besides its stunning design and upgraded engine, the car features other competition refinements, including a wheelbase that was about 9´shorter for sharper handling and increased cornering speed. Four-wheel disc brakes, a first for a Ferrari road car, were fitted to the production cars.
Effective in competition, the SWB Berlinetta's high-profile results included a win and sweep of the first four places in the GT category at Le Mans in 1960. The next year at Le Mans, a SWB Berlinetta repeated a GT class win and finished 3rd Overall. Other victories included the Tour de France Automobile from 1960 to 1962. Blending competition prowess with style and versatility, the 250 GT SWB is one of the finest dual-purpose GT cars from Ferrari.
Design and Features
- Manufacturer: Ferrari, an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer renowned for its racing heritage and performance vehicles.
- Body Style: The Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta is a two-seater coupe, characterized by its elegant and aerodynamic body design, crafted for both racing and road use.
- Chassis: Built on a shortened wheelbase version of Ferrari's 250 platform, designed to enhance agility and handling dynamics.
- Coachwork: The bodywork was designed by Pininfarina, Ferrari's longtime design partner, and built by Scaglietti, known for their craftsmanship in aluminum body construction.
- Interior: The cockpit of the 250 GT SWB featured a minimalist yet luxurious interior, with leather upholstery, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and instrumentation focused on the driver's needs.
Performance
- Engine: Powered by Ferrari’s renowned Tipo 168/61 Colombo V12 engine, a 3.0-liter (2953 cc) naturally aspirated engine.
- Power Output: The engine produced approximately 280 horsepower at 7,000 rpm, providing exhilarating performance for its time.
- Transmission: Equipped with a 4-speed manual gearbox, offering precise gear shifts and optimal power delivery to the rear wheels.
- Driving Dynamics: The Ferrari 250 GT SWB was celebrated for its exceptional balance and handling, thanks to its short wheelbase, advanced suspension design, and responsive steering.
- Brakes and Suspension: Featured disc brakes on all four wheels, a relatively advanced feature for the era, along with independent front suspension and a live axle at the rear.
Racing Pedigree and Legacy
- Competition Success: The 250 GT SWB Berlinetta achieved significant success in motorsport, winning prestigious events such as the Tour de France Automobile and various GT races worldwide.
- Technical Innovation: Introduced advanced engineering features for its time, including a lightweight aluminum body, aerodynamic enhancements, and high-performance engine components.
- Cultural Impact: The 250 GT SWB remains an icon of automotive design and performance, revered by enthusiasts and collectors for its racing pedigree and classic Ferrari styling.
Notable Features
- Styling: Pininfarina's design for the 250 GT SWB combined aerodynamic efficiency with aesthetic elegance, featuring a sleek roofline, integrated bumpers, and distinctive rear fender bulges.
- Handling: The short wheelbase configuration enhanced agility and responsiveness, making it a favorite among racing drivers and enthusiasts.
- Collector's Item: Due to its racing success and limited production numbers (only around 165 units built), the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta is highly sought after by collectors, with values appreciating significantly over the years.
You may purchase a print of the 1963 Ferrari 250GT SWB Berlinetta in our dElegance 2019 online gallery.
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