1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta

250 GT SWB Berlinetta image

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The Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta, produced by Ferrari from 1959 to 1962, was an essential evolution of the 250 Europa GT. The abbreviation SWB stands for short wheelbase since it has a reduced wheelbase length by about 200mm compared to its predecessor.

The Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta 1961 was a gorgeous and dynamic automobile that came fitted with a 3.0-liter Colombo V12 engine, capable of producing 280 hp at 7,200 rpm. The Colombo engine was a redesign from the Lampredi engine and was introduced in 1954, which became the backbone of the Ferrari brand for almost three decades. The engine has a single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder, and three Weber carburetors.

The Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta 1961 has some interesting technical details that made the car unique among its peers. Firstly, it features a fully independent suspension system with a double-wishbone setup at the front and a live axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs at the rear. It was a significant upgrade from the typewriter design of its predecessor. It has four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, which made it among the first Ferraris to feature a four-wheel disc brake system that was upgraded later. The car has a four-speed manual gearbox that delivers power to the rear wheels.

The Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta 1961 has a classic Pininfarina design with a simple and elegant look. It has a sleek and curvy body design that emphasized its performance characteristics. The car's aluminum bodywork helped to reduce the mass of the vehicle and enhance rigidity, making it possible for improved handling at high speeds.

The interior of the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta 1961 was just as splendidly crafted as the exterior. The inside features a classic and straightforward dashboard adorned with gauges for crucial information such as speed, fuel level, and water temperature. The seats were upholstered with high-quality leather, and the cabin had an overall luxurious feel that makes it stand out among other sportscars.

In conclusion, the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta 1961 was an outstanding vehicle that had both form and function. It's the perfect blend of aesthetics and engineering, featuring a classic Pininfarina design, an impressive Colombo V12 engine, fully independent suspension, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, and a luxurious interior. With its unique blend of aesthetics and performance, the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta 1961 remains one of the most desirable vehicles ever produced by Ferrari.

Milestones

- Introduced in 1960 at the Paris Auto Show as a successor to the Tour de France model - Featured a short wheelbase chassis for improved performance and handling - Designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti - Powered by a 3.0-liter Colombo V12 engine, delivering up to 280 horsepower and a top speed of 155 mph - Won the Tourist Trophy race in 1960 with Stirling Moss at the wheel - FIA GT World Champion in 1961 with Wolfgang von Trips driving for Ferrari - Dramatically styled with a sleek, aerodynamic body and signature egg-crate grille - Highly sought-after by collectors due to its racing provenance and limited production run of only 176 units - Value of a well-maintained Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta today can exceed $10 million.


Technical

- Engine: 3.0 L Colombo V12 - Power output: 280 hp at 7,200 rpm - Top speed: 152 mph - Transmission: 4-speed manual - Suspension: independent front and rear with coil springs and telescopic shock absorbers - Brakes: disc brakes on all four wheels - Body style: two-seater coupe - Weight: 1,070 kg (2,360 lb) - Wheelbase: 2,400 mm (94.5 in) - Length: 4,200 mm (165.4 in) - Width: 1,650 mm (65 in) - Height: 1,220 mm (48 in) - Production: 177 units between 1959 and 1963 - Rarity: considered one of the most valuable classic Ferrari models with prices reaching tens of millions of dollars at auctions.