Ferrari
250 GT Berlinetta SWB
Make: Ferrari
Model: 250 GT Berlinetta SWB
Year of Manufacture: 1961
Exterior: Rosso, originally Grigio
Price: P.O.A.
Key Facts:
- Ferrari Classiche certified
- Matching numbers engine and differential
- Originally finished in the beautiful and elegant color of Grigio
- In the ownership of the same caretaker for the last 20 years
- Painstakingly maintained by specialist Tom Fischer in Germany since 2003
- Fully restored in the mid-90's and currently presents in beautiful condition
- Documented with Foglio Montaggio, Massini report and several invoices
HISTORY
Built as an evolution of their highly successful 250 GT Berlinetta Tour de France, the 250 GT Passo Corto Berlinetta, famously known as SWB for Short Wheel Base, was unveiled at the Paris Salon in October 1959. The newest 250 sported much more than its shorter wheelbase, as it was the first Ferrari to have disc brakes as standard equipment to all four wheels, while tubular Miletto or Koni shock absorbers were mounted at the front. From factory, you could order the SWB either as a Lusso or as a Competizione. Including both versions, only 165 Berlinetta SWB were ever made, of which around 89 were built for street use.
OUR 250 GT Berlinetta SWB
Accompanying the car is a folder full of invoices from the last two decades documenting the works and maintenance that have been carried out by the team at Tom Fischer, a Ferrari Classiche Certificate confirming that the engine and differential are matching numbers, the factory Foglio Montaggio documenting the car’s specification, the Massini report, and old FIA documents. Currently in exquisite condition inside and out, as well as mechanically up-to-date, this 250 GT SWB is ready to be enjoyed by its new owner, whether he or she decides to turn it back into its original Grigio colour or drive it as is in its beautiful red dress. The original interior colour being unconfirmed by the factory, the next owner has the rare luxury of specifying the interior in a colour he desires. One of Ferrari’s most coveted models, and unlike many from the 50’s and 60’s, which are stunning to look at but disappointing behind the wheel, the 250 GT SWB is one of the greatest driving machines ever made. The sound of the V12, the gear changes, the steering feel, the smell of gasoline, … everything works in perfect harmony, a joy for the senses and an experience unlike anything else. This represents a rare occasion to acquire a very original example that has been owned and cherished for the last two decades by the same caretaker, an example that has rarely ever been for sale given it only ever had long-term owners since its birth in 1961.
