Page 1 of 2 Next >> Between 1955 and 1959, Ferrari produced around 100 examples of the hugely successful 250 GT competition model, built on a 2,600 mm wheelbase. The very last of these offered a glimpse of the future as they boasted a Pinin Farina designed body, which would go on to be used on the all-new short wheelbase (2,400 mm) model due to be launched at the Paris Auto Salon late in 1959. In retrospect, aptly referred to as 'Interim Berlinettas', the seven examples built served to asses the new design on the track.
The new Pinin Farina body was a complete departure from the Scaglietti designs used for the Interim's predecessors. Tightly draped over the chassis it was more curvaceous and featured shorter front and rear overhangs. As a result the headlights mounted on the edge of the fender were much more pronounced than the recessed headlights previously used. Another distinct feature was the much rounder tail. The distinguishing cue compared to the later SWB models were the rear quarter lights, which were only found on the long wheelbase Interim.
Under the Interim's skin there were fewer changes as the chassis and drivetrain were but a subtle evolution of the existing 250 GT design. The chassis consisted a straightforward large-diameter oval tube frame with some additional reinforcements through smaller diameter tubing around the engine and at the rear spring pick-up points. Suspension was by double wishbones and coil springs at the front and a live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs. While some of Ferrari's customers had experimented with disc brakes, these had not been homologated, so the tried and trusted drum brakes were once again fitted.
Undoubtedly the heart of a Ferrari competition car, the V12 engine used in the Interim was very illustrative of the company's believe in gradual evolution. Its design harked back to the very first Ferrari engine, designed by Gioacchino Colombo. As before, the Interim's V12 displaced just under three-litre but further changes had been made compared to the Tipo 128 D used in the immediate predecessors. Dubbed the Tipo 128 F, the latest evolution saw the spark plugs move from inside the 'V' to the outside. Revised heads were also fitted with a 12-port induction system. Despite these changes, Ferrari still officially rated these engines at 240 hp. Page 1 of 2 Next >>