Model history: Form and function can be combined very well in automotive design, the Ferrari 250 GT SWB underlines this like few others do. Considered by many as Ferrari's and Pininfarina's best looking car, the SWB took the first four places in its class at the 1960 Le Mans 24 hours race, completely blowing competition from Aston Martin and Chevrolet away.
Introduced at the 1959 Paris Motorshow, the SWB used a body very similar to those of the 250 GT LWB Interim Berlinetta campaigned throughout the 1960 season. The largest visual difference between the two is the lack of the Interim's fixed rear quarter windows on the SWB. The new chassis was similar in design to the 250 GTs raced in the 1950s but the wheelbase was shortened by 20 mm to 2400 mm, hence Short Wheelbase (SWB). A wheelbase of 2400 mm is considered as the ideal length, to allow for good cornering characteristics (the shorter, the better) and straight-line stability (the longer, the better). It is not a coincidence that the most successful racer ever, the Bugatti Type 35, has a 2400 mm wheelbase. Another major improvement was the replacement of drum brakes by discs, all around. This was the first time the factory equipped discs appeared on a 250 GT.
Under the bonnet a revised V12 engine (Type 168) was installed. Although its displacement and bore and stroke were exactly the same as the first of the 250 GT engines, it was a completely different engine, a result of 6 years of development. The Type 168 engine was closely related to the Type 128DF engines used in the Interim Berlinettas of 1959. The sump, oil pump, timing chain casings and oil filters were updated or replaced by new parts compared to the 128DF engine. Larger Weber Carburetors were also fitted, breathing was further assisted by the installation of 250 TR derived intake and exhaust ports. Competition engines were good for around 260 - 275 bhp (referred to as the 280bhp engine) and the street engines good for 220 - 240 bhp (240 bhp engine).
Ferrari's stronghold on international GT racing continued in 1960; the new SWB Berlinettas being nearly unbeatable. The Tour de France was a complete whitewash, with SWBs filling the first three places at the end of the 5500 km marathon. At Le Mans the domination was even more complete; four SWBs were on the top of the GT-class leaderboard. Overall or class victories were further scored at Monza, Spa, the Nürburgring, Monthlery and in the Tourist Trophy. Determined to continue the dominance, Ferrari refined the SWB for the 1961 season.
Cars produced after 1960 can be easily identified by the removal of the 'kink' in the top edge of the side windows. Other modifications mainly seen from late 1960 cars onward are the relocated fuel filler cap, fatter wheel arches and the ventilation vent in the roof instead of the rear window. Some competition cars used a lighter tubing for the chassis and were equipped with a very powerful engine. These cars are commonly referred to as 'Comp/61' or 'SEFAC Hot Rod'. Fitted with larger valves and rather oversized Carburetors, the Comp/61 engine produces well up to 300 bhp.
Ferrari's dominance in GT-racing was complete in 1961, with GT-class victories all over the world and a clean sweep of the first four places at the Tour de France. Although extremely successful, there was a big drawback of the SWB's design; it shared its aerodynamic characteristics with a rock. After just two years of racing, the SWB was already up for replacement. After a winter's worth of testing the result was the 250 GTO. It was equipped with a more aerodynamic body and a full blown 250 TR engine.
Chassis: 1739GT
The third SWB off 'production line', the featured s/n 1739GT was sent to Bertone to receive a special body for Enrico Wax; a very loyal Ferrari customer. Despite not intended to do any racing, the rolling chassis came complete with the 'hot' 280 bhp engine. At Bertone a very young Giorgietto Giugiaro was put in charge of the one-off design. It was one of his very first designs for the Turinese coachbuilder, and formed the basis for many of his future designs.
The nose is dominated by a broad mouth and the largest Ferrari badge we have ever seen. Unusually thin pillars give the greenhouse a very airy look. Most panels of the body are constructed from alloy with the exception of the stainless steel sills and roof. It was also the first Ferrari ever fitted with Campagnolo alloy wheels. The single most striking feature is the fully tilting nose revealing not only the V12 engine, but also large parts of the tubular chassis, which remain hidden on regular SWBs. Bertone also completely modified the interior, highlighted by a stylish new gearlever.
Painted pale green, the 'EW Prototype' made its official debut on the Bertone stand at the 1960 Geneva Motorshow. Mr. Wax held on to his custom Ferrari for almost fifteen years before selling it to a fellow Italian. Soon after it was sold to an American collector who had it completely restored and painted red, which really brought out the stainless steel parts. Since then it exchanged owners several times and it received a fresh silver paint in the process. After a long term ownership, the current owner will offer the unique Ferrari at the upcoming Leggenda e Passione auction held by RM Auctions in Maranello.
It's hard to say without seeing the car in the flesh, but from these pictures I think this might be my favorite non Pinninfarina designed Ferrari of all time. Love that gearshift.
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250 GT SWB Bertone Coupe Speciale
Form and function can be combined very well in automotive design, the Ferrari 250 GT SWB underlines this like few others do. Considered by many as Ferrari's and Pininfarina's best looking car, the SWB took the first four places in its class at the 1960 Le Mans 24 hours race, completely blowing competition from Aston Martin and Chevrolet away.
