Description
The Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta, introduced in 1959, is one of the most revered grand touring cars in Ferrari’s history. The “SWB” stands for “Short Wheelbase”, referring to its reduced chassis length of 2,400 mm. This design evolution was intended to improve cornering agility and overall handling—a critical advantage in both road and racing applications. As part of the broader 250 series, the SWB Berlinetta served as a bridge between Ferrari’s earlier competition cars and its later luxury GTs, blending performance, drivability, and elegance in a single, focused package.
The car was designed by Pininfarina, with coachwork built by Scaglietti. Its body was offered in both steel and aluminium versions, with the former aimed at road use and the latter designed for competition. The overall aesthetic of the car was striking yet restrained, with smooth lines, a compact fastback profile, and a front grille that became a signature of Ferrari’s GT lineage.
Powering the SWB Berlinetta was Ferrari’s proven 3.0-litre Colombo V12 engine. In road-going form, the engine delivered around 240 horsepower, while competition models produced closer to 280 horsepower, depending on individual tuning. It featured a four-speed manual gearbox, independent front suspension, and, significantly for the time, four-wheel disc brakes—a rare feature on road cars in the late 1950s. This mechanical setup enabled the car to reach speeds of over 150 mph, with acceleration and handling that rivalled the best sports cars of the day.
The SWB Berlinetta was remarkably successful in motorsport. It won its class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, triumphed in the Tour de France Automobile multiple times, and earned victories at prestigious events like Goodwood and Spa. It became a favourite of both privateer racers and factory-backed drivers, including Stirling Moss, who praised it for its predictability, balance, and competitive edge.
Between 1959 and 1962, Ferrari built just over 160 examples of the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta, including both street and race variants. Today, it is one of the most sought-after classic Ferraris, valued not only for its rarity and competition success but also for its timeless design and mechanical purity. It stands as a definitive example of the golden age of Ferrari’s GT production, representing the ideal harmony between engineering excellence and stylistic refinement.