Description
The Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB (Short Wheelbase), unveiled at the 1959 Paris Motor Show, represents a turning point in Ferrari’s evolution as a builder of both competition and luxury grand touring cars. It stands as one of the most celebrated Ferraris of all time, not just for its competition success, but for its beautiful design, engineering purity, and lasting influence on the marque’s philosophy.
The “SWB” designation refers to the car’s shortened wheelbase of 2,400 mm (94.5 inches), compared to the standard 2,600 mm (102.4 inches) wheelbase used in earlier 250 GT models. This reduction in wheelbase was a key engineering decision, resulting in sharper handling, better weight distribution, and greater agility. It made the SWB more competitive on tight and technical racing circuits, where it quickly established itself as a formidable force.
The car’s bodywork was crafted under the direction of Carrozzeria Pininfarina, with actual construction by Scaglietti. It showcased a clean and muscular silhouette, combining elegance and aggression in perfect proportion. Its design featured simple, flowing lines, a rounded nose with prominent grille, and a compact cabin set well back on the chassis. It is considered by many enthusiasts and historians to be one of the most visually balanced Ferraris ever made.
Under the bonnet lay Ferrari’s iconic 3.0-litre Colombo V12 engine, a jewel of mechanical design that delivered between 240 and 280 horsepower, depending on whether it was the street-oriented “Lusso” version or the lighter and more potent “Competizione” racing version. This engine was mated to a four-speed manual gearbox, and the SWB was one of the first Ferraris to be fitted with four-wheel disc brakes, giving it stopping power to match its performance.
The car’s performance was exceptional for its era. Weighing approximately 950–1,000 kg, depending on configuration, the SWB was capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h (0–62 mph) in around 6 seconds and achieving top speeds in excess of 150 mph (240 km/h). Its precise steering and responsive chassis made it a driver’s car in every sense, praised by professionals and gentleman racers alike for its predictability and composure at high speed.
Racing was where the SWB cemented its legacy. It won the GT class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, secured multiple victories in the Tour de France Automobile, and triumphed at the Goodwood Tourist Trophy, often with legendary drivers like Stirling Moss, Wolfgang von Trips, and Phil Hill behind the wheel. The car’s dual-purpose nature allowed owners to drive it to the circuit, race competitively, and drive it home—an increasingly rare concept in the world of motorsport.
Ferrari produced approximately 165 units of the Competizione versions, along with a similar number of Lusso variants. Each was slightly different, as was typical of hand-built cars of the era, with variations in details like dashboard layout, trim, and mechanical setup.
Today, the Ferrari 250 GT SWB is among the most coveted classic cars in the world. It combines historical importance, rarity, aesthetic beauty, and pure driving enjoyment in a single package. Prices for well-documented examples have surpassed $10 million USD at auction, and ownership is often seen as the pinnacle of classic Ferrari collecting.
In summary, the Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB embodies the very essence of Ferrari in the late 1950s and early 1960s—a perfect synthesis of race-bred engineering, Italian craftsmanship, and timeless design. It marked the transition between the earlier, more raw Ferrari sports cars and the more refined, luxurious models that would follow. For many, it remains the greatest Ferrari ever built.