1960 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB
1960 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB
Brand
Ferrari
Year
1960
Country
Italy
Generation
250
1960 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB
Brand
Ferrari
Year
1960
Country
Italy
Generation
250
About this car
Discover the history
The 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB (Short Wheelbase) is one of Ferrari’s most iconic and revered models, playing a crucial role in both the brand’s road car success and its racing legacy. Introduced as part of Ferrari’s 250 series, the SWB featured a balance between the luxury of a grand tourer and the high-performance capabilities of a race car. Designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti, the SWB’s lightweight construction, aerodynamic lines, and its reduced wheelbase compared to earlier models gave it superior handling, making it well-suited for both road and competition use.
From a technical perspective, the 250 GT SWB utilized a V12 engine derived from Ferrari’s long line of Colombo-designed powerplants. The engine produced substantial horsepower, making the car a force in races, while its chassis configuration and weight distribution allowed for remarkable agility. Ferrari offered both a steel-bodied “Lusso” variant for road use and an aluminum-bodied Competizione version for racing. The SWB was among the last Ferraris to be dual-purposed, suitable for both racing and everyday driving.
The racing pedigree of the 250 GT SWB is impressive, particularly in the Competizione variants, which competed in some of the most prestigious races of the era. It achieved notable success in endurance racing, including multiple victories in the Tour de France Automobile and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The SWB dominated in its class, offering Ferrari numerous podium finishes. In 1961, the SWB helped Ferrari win the International Championship for GT Manufacturers. Drivers like Stirling Moss and Bob Grossman piloted the SWB to victories, adding to its legend as a dominant force in motorsports. Grossman, for example, took part in the Nassau Speed Week, achieving several top finishes and class wins with the SWB.
The car’s rarity, racing success, and blend of beauty and performance have made the 250 GT SWB one of the most desirable collector cars in the world, with some models fetching over $10 million at auctions. Its role in shaping Ferrari’s motorsport legacy and its desirability among collectors are testaments to its significance in automotive history.
