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1960 Ferrari 250 TRI60

Ferrari was keen to win the CSI’s World Sportcar Championships with special factory versions of his Ferrari Testa Rossa and, to stay competitive, the formula one rear suspension was adapted in 1961.

Before Le Mans and in the middle of the season, Carlo Chiti adapted the Formula One rear suspension to the Testa Rossa, but kept the outboard rear discs and front-mounted barrel-type gearbox. With double wishbones, the suspension was fully independent compared to the De Dion type used before. Also included was an upgraded 5-speed transmission, vented disc brakes and a slight weight reduction. The new car was called the TRI60 and looked outwardly identical to the TR59/60 it was built from and usually raced beside.

Like the 1959 season, the last race decided the 1960 Championship, and since Goodwood had dropped out of the schedule, this meant Le Mans would be the final showdown. For Ferrari, Le Mans had to be the saving grace. At the event were several customer Testa Rossas, TR58s, TR59s and the new TRI60s. Power in numbers was the strategy and the two works car that didn’t retire, won the race in a 1-2 fashion. The 1960 Championship was Ferrari’s.

Despite getting replaced by mid-engine alternatives like the 246SP in the tighter courses, the factory works Testa Rossas secured the 1960 Manufacturer’s Championship and motivated Ferrari to continue on one more year with the program.

1960 Ferrari 250 TRI60

Ferrari 250 TRI60 Specs & Performance

submitted by Richard Owen
type Racing Car
engine Aluminum, 60 Degree, Tipo 128LM V12
position Front Longitudinal
aspiration Natural
valvetrain Chain Driven SOHC, 2 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed 6 Twin-Throat 38 DCN Weber Carburetors
displacement 2953 cc / 180.2 in³
bore 73 mm / 2.87 in
stroke 58.8 mm / 2.31 in
compression 9.8:1
power 223.7 kw / 306 bhp @ 7400 rpm
specific output 103.62 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 446.72 bhp per tonne
torque 380.98 nm / 281 ft lbs @ 5500 rpm
redline 8800
body / frame Aluminum over Tipo 526D Steel Tube Frame
driven wheels RWD w/Limited-Slip Differential
front tires 5.5×16 Dunlop
rear tires 6.5×16 Dunlop
front brakes Dunlop Vented Discs
rear brakes Dunlop Vented Discs
front wheels F 40.6 x 14.0 cm / 16.0 x 5.5 in
rear wheels R 40.6 x 15.2 cm / 16 x 6 in
steering ZF Steering Box
f suspension Unequal A-Arms w/Coil Springs over Shock Absorbers, Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension Dual Wishbones w/Coil Springs over Shock Absorbers, Anti-Roll Bar
curb weight 685 kg / 1510 lbs
wheelbase 2250 mm / 88.6 in
front track 1308 mm / 51.5 in
rear track 1300 mm / 51.2 in
length 3959 mm / 155.9 in
width 1523 mm / 60.0 in
transmission 5-Speed Manual

Sources & Further Reading

Finn, Joel E. Testa Rossa V12, Newport Press: 1979.
Mallepelle, Paolo. ‘The Ferrari Sports Racer.’ Cavallino 42, Dec 1987.
Mangiamele, Guy. ‘250 Testa Rossa’. Cavallino 67, Feb 1992.
Pomeroy, Larence. ‘Succeeding a Champion.’ Motor, Apr 1958.
Prunet, Antione. Ferrari Sports Racing and Prototype Competition Cars, Haynes: 1983.