The descriptions of the Classic Cars in the Directory were partly generated or supplemented with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). The content may occasionally not always be entirely accurate or factually correct despite careful checking.
The Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB 1960 is an iconic sports car that was produced by the Italian automaker between 1959 and 1963. As the name suggests, the car is powered by a 3.0-liter Tipo 168/61 Colombo V12 engine that could produce up to 276 horsepower at 7,200 rpm. This engine was mated to a four-speed manual gearbox that delivered power to the rear wheels.
The Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB 1960 was offered in two body styles: the steel-bodied Lusso and the lightweight aluminum-bodied Competizione. Both versions of the car featured a short wheelbase (hence the SWB in the name) that measured just 2,400 mm, which made the car incredibly nimble and agile.
The car's chassis was a tubular steel ladder frame that was designed by engineer Giotto Bizzarrini. The suspension setup consisted of double wishbones and coil springs at the front and a live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear. The car had disc brakes all around, which was a significant improvement over the drum brakes that were commonly used at the time.
The exterior of the Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB 1960 was designed by Pininfarina, and it was an evolution of the previous model, the 250 GT Berlinetta Tour de France. The car had a low, distinctively shaped nose that was almost devoid of ornamentation. The front grille was smaller than on earlier models, and the headlights were recessed into the bodywork. The car's profile was sleek and shark-like, with a prominent cove that ran along the side of the body.
Inside, the Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB 1960 was spartan but functional. The cabin featured a pair of bucket seats upholstered in leather, a wooden steering wheel, and a set of gauges that provided all the information the driver needed. The car also had roll-up windows, which was a new feature on a Ferrari at the time.
Overall, the Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB 1960 was a masterpiece of engineering and design. Its combination of lightweight construction, powerful engine, and agile handling made it one of the most desirable sports cars of its era, and it remains a sought-after collector's item today.
Milestones
- The Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB was first introduced in 1959 as a successor to the 250 GT "Tour de France" model. - In 1960, the lightweight alloy-bodied version of the 250 GT Berlinetta SWB was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, becoming one of the most desirable and iconic Ferraris of all time. - The car's 3.0-liter V12 engine produced around 276 horsepower and allowed it to reach a top speed of 150 mph. - The 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB won the Tour de France Automobile race in the hands of Lucien Bianchi and Georges Berger. - The car's racing success continued with a class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1961. - The 250 GT Berlinetta SWB was also featured in the 1961 movie "The Parent Trap," driven by character Mitch Evers. - The 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB has become one of the most sought after and valuable Ferraris of all time, with some examples selling for millions at auction.Technical
- Engine: 3.0-liter V12 - Horsepower: 280 hp - Torque: 240 lb-ft - Transmission: 4-speed manual - Top speed: 152 mph - 0-60 mph: 6.1 seconds - Wheelbase: 94.5 inches - Length: 168 inches - Width: 68 inches - Height: 49 inches - Weight: 2,600 lbs - Suspension: Independent front and rear - Brakes: Ventilated disc brakes - Steering: Worm and roller - Fuel capacity: 25.4 gallons - Tires: 6.00 x 16 front, 6.50 x 16 rear - Body style: 2-seater Berlinetta coupe - Production years: 1959-1963.CLASSIC CAR MATCHER