Description
The Ferrari 250 GT is one of the most important and influential model series in Ferrari’s history. Produced from the early 1950s through the early 1960s, the 250 GT line served as the foundation for Ferrari’s dominance in both road and racing cars. It introduced many of the features that would define the brand’s identity, including the use of the Colombo-designed 3.0-liter V12 engine, elegant styling from Italy’s leading coachbuilders, and a perfect blend of luxury, performance, and drivability.
At the heart of every 250 GT was the 2953 cc Colombo V12 engine. This powerplant was compact, high-revving, and extremely versatile, capable of producing anywhere from 220 to over 300 horsepower depending on configuration. It was paired with a four-speed manual gearbox in early models, later upgraded to five-speed in racing variants. The engine’s reliability and performance made it a favorite for both private customers and professional racers.
The earliest 250 GTs were built as one-off or low-production models, often with custom bodywork by Pinin Farina, Vignale, and Boano. These included the 250 GT Europa, the first Ferrari to wear the 250 GT name, which debuted in 1954. It was followed by the 250 GT Boano and Ellena models, transitional designs that helped Ferrari expand production while still offering coachbuilt exclusivity.
In 1956, the 250 GT Berlinetta “Tour de France” was introduced, aimed at clients who wanted a car they could drive to the track, race competitively, and drive home. It won the Tour de France Automobile multiple times and became the first of several 250 GT competition models. In parallel, Ferrari offered more luxurious touring variants, including the 250 GT Coupé by Pinin Farina, which marked Ferrari’s move toward standardized, yet still hand-built, production.
One of the most iconic iterations of the 250 GT was the 250 GT California Spider, launched in both long-wheelbase and short-wheelbase versions. Designed primarily for the American market, it combined race-bred performance with open-air driving pleasure. The 250 GT Cabriolet Series I and II, also by Pinin Farina, offered a more refined alternative to the sportier California.
The 250 GT SWB (Short Wheelbase), introduced in 1959, was a major step forward. With its compact 2400 mm chassis, powerful engine, and disc brakes, it was both a successful race car and a refined road car. It set the stage for the 250 GTO, which would crown the 250 series in 1962 with unmatched racing dominance.
Throughout its life, the Ferrari 250 GT series evolved constantly, with overlapping variants and custom builds. Yet all shared a common DNA—lightweight construction, a responsive and powerful V12 engine, and styling that balanced elegance with aggression. Whether in coupé, cabriolet, spider, or berlinetta form, the 250 GT defined the idea of the grand touring Ferrari.
Today, the 250 GT remains one of the most revered names in classic car history. Its variants are among the most collectible Ferraris ever made, not only for their beauty and performance but for their role in shaping the brand’s identity at a time when Ferrari was emerging as the dominant force in both road cars and motorsport.