Description
The Ferrari 250 GTE, officially known as the Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2, was Ferrari’s first true production four-seater and marked a major milestone for the company. Introduced at the 1960 24 Hours of Le Mans as a pace car and formally debuted at the Paris Motor Show later that year, the 250 GTE expanded Ferrari’s model range beyond pure sports cars and into the world of high-performance grand touring vehicles with everyday usability.
The GTE was based on the same fundamental mechanical underpinnings as the other 250 series models. It was powered by the well-proven 3.0-litre Colombo V12 engine, producing approximately 240 horsepower. This engine, shared with cars like the 250 GT SWB, provided the GTE with ample performance, allowing it to reach top speeds of around 140 mph and accelerate with the kind of liveliness expected from a Ferrari. It was paired with a four-speed manual gearbox and a live rear axle, making it both fast and mechanically simple.
One of the most notable features of the 250 GTE was its interior layout. The car’s 2+2 configuration allowed for two proper front seats and a pair of rear seats suitable for occasional use. This was achieved by extending the wheelbase to 2,600 mm and slightly adjusting the chassis layout. The result was a Ferrari that could accommodate more passengers or luggage without sacrificing the core character of the brand. It was a practical Ferrari, but still carried the elegance and performance buyers expected.
The body was styled by Pininfarina and built with understated refinement. The GTE featured clean lines, a balanced profile, and tasteful detailing. Its design was less aggressive than its racing siblings, yet still conveyed a strong sense of purpose and sophistication. It had the long hood and short rear deck proportions that defined grand touring cars of the era.
Production of the 250 GTE ran from 1960 to 1963, across three series with minor updates to trim and mechanical details. In total, around 950 examples were built, making it Ferrari’s highest-volume model up to that time. Its commercial success helped fund Ferrari’s racing programs and paved the way for future 2+2 models like the 330 GT and 365 GT 2+2.
Today, the 250 GTE is appreciated as a gateway to classic Ferrari ownership, offering vintage V12 power, elegant design, and a degree of usability rarely found in its siblings. It holds an important place in Ferrari history as the car that proved performance and practicality could coexist under the Prancing Horse badge.