Ferrari 250 GT
Having produced a variety of predominently racing models designated ‘250’ from 1952 – 250cc being almost the capacity of each cylinder in their 2,953cc ‘Colombo’ V12 engines – the first Ferrari 250 GT appeared in 1954.
These early 250 GTs were produced in low numbers, and potentially confusing is the distinction between ‘type’ and ‘model name’, eg. the 250 Boano and Ellena GTs were early coachbuilt 250 models, while the 250 GT Tour de France was a later ‘type’.
The 2-seater 250 GT Berlinetta Tour de France (1955-1959) was the first example of the ‘type’ 250 GT and it’s now highly prized by serious, affluent collectors, not least because fewer than 80 were built and it’s considered to be the forerunner of the mighty 250 GTO.
Series 1 250 GTs were produced from 1957-59, with Series 2s from 1959-62. Outputs generally ranged from 220-250bhp and over this five-year period Ferrari made a variety of 2-seater convertible 250 GTs in addition to the hardtop Berlinettas, the most prized of which these days is the California Spider. Built from 1957, a short-wheelbase 280bhp version was introduced in 1960 and a total of 104 California Spiders left the factory up to 1963.
By 1962 Ferrari was turning out at least five different versions of the 250 GT, a notable example being the SWB Berlinetta. This handsome 240bhp 2-seater coupe could be ordered in road or race spec with either a steel or an aluminium body, and 93 were built from 1960-63.
Those seeking a more spacious grand turismo could opt for the beautiful 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso. Although also 2-seater, the Lusso had considerably more stowage space behind the seats and it filled the gap in Ferrari’s range between the racy SWB Berlinetta and the larger and more luxurious but less elegant 250 GTE 2+2 (1960-63, 950 built).
With some 350 built from 1962-64, the Lusso was the last of Ferrari’s illustrious 250 GTs. Its replacement, the 3,285cc 280bhp 275 GTB, arrived in 1964.
