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At the 1960 Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari introduced a touring version of their potent SWB race car and many owners could then buy near-copies of the cars they saw on the tracks for weekend drives. Ferrari underlined performance potential of these cars by giving them all odd-numbered chassis numbers which were typically reserved for competition cars.

The SWB was the first Berlinetta body that was suitable for production on the 2400mm short-wheel-base chassis. Sergio Pininfarina called it “the first of our three quantum leaps in design with Ferrari.”

Ferrari offered the SWB in distinct specification which would be suited for for the demands of the racetrack, highway or sometimes both. Cars varied to suit individual customers’ requirements. Some of the very fastest models were called competitzione and used lightweight aluminum-alloy bodies, while the lusso road-going version had a fully trimmed interior, softer springing and steel body.

The engine was a version of the Ferrari V12 used on earlier 250 GTs, but for 1959 it used the 'outside plug' cylinder head with 12 intake ports. Generally this produced 250 to 280 bhp depending on state of tune.

Early versions had drum brakes while Dunlop discs were used to the model in 1960.

Like these early 250 GTs, the SWB enjoyed a string of success on the track which led to continual development that culminated with the 250 GTO. Right before the GTO was released, Ferrari was preparing SWBs with very light-gauge aluminum and near 300-horsepower engines for exclusive factory use. Known as the SEFAC hotrods, these were the ultimate derivative of the SWB before being replaced by the much more aerodynamically efficient GTO.

Sources & Further Reading

1. Anselmi, Angelo et. al. Making a Difference, Le Edizioni Dell Opificio: 2006.

Chassis & Sales

1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta 3401GT - sold for €2,632,000 The 135th of 165 250 GT SWB Berlinettas built, 3401 GT was sold new on 21st April 1962 to an Italian gentleman, Sig. Molgara, and registered on Milan plates numbered “MI 651485.” One of just 36 examples completed in 1962, its original colours were green with a black Lusso (luxury) interior. Molgara did not keep the car for very long as he sold it to Distillerie Lombarde di Catania of Milan, which in turn sold the car in 1965 to third owner ... more
Gallery: 2010 RM Auctions Sporting Classics of Monaco

1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta 3087GT - sold for $4,510,000 The spectacular 250 GT SWB Berlinetta presented here, chassis 3087 GT, is the 117th of the total 165 units built. A left-hand drive example, it was assembled as a “Lusso” street version and was sold new to its first owner Otello Feretti of Bologna, Italy before eventually being exported from Italy to the United States. In 1974, it is known to have been owned by G. Cole before being acquired the same year by Bill Rudd, a resident of Los Angeles... more
Gallery: 2008 Monterey Preview

1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta 3409GT - did not sell for $3,200,000 Formerly the Property of Peter LeSaffre. Late-Production 250 GT SWB Berlinetta. Well-Appointed “Lusso” Specifications. Sensational Presentation and Color Scheme. Campaigned with Success at Laguna Seca and Moroso. Beautifully Maintained Paul Russell and Company Restoration. $350,000 Concours Preparation by Bob Smith Coachworks. FCA Platinum Award and La Bella Macchina Winner at Cavallino. Offered with Tool Roll and Restoration Invoices. Documen... more
Gallery: 2011 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company

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