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A year before the 250 GTO would make its seminal mark, Ferrari gave the SWB its last breath. In 1961, a few of the unbeatable 250 SWB Competiziones got a mechanical makeover. These became known internally as the Comp/61, or SEFAC Hot Rod, and were the ultimate SWB.

Although Ferrari was way ahead of the 1960 pace, and faster than anything Aston Martin or Jaguar could produce, they still upgraded the SWB for specific clients and the factory team. Since Ferrari was known as SEFAC in 1961, these cars naturally took on the team’s name. While specification varied slightly from car to car, most SEFAC Hot Rods featured the lighter Tipo 539/61 chassis and more powerful Testa Rossa-spec engine.

The Tipo 539/61 chassis was similar to the regular SWB unit, but featured revised rear suspension pickup points. Furthermore, it had smaller diameter tubing and extra bracing points for rigidity. This lighter chassis supported a body which was made of exceptionally thin 1.1mm aluminum. Sometimes, light gauge aluminum bumpers were fitted.

Based on the Testa Rossa, the SEFAC Hot Rods exclusively received the Tipo 168B/61 engine with Testa Rossa cylinder heads, high lift tipo 130 camshafts, larger intake tracts and two-piece large diameter exhaust headers. With six twin-choke Weber 46 DCF/3 carburettors, nearly 300 bhp was realized. Some of the engine castings including the sump, valve covers and timing case were casted from Magnesium. Even with the standard 4-Speed mandated by homologation, the Hot Rods could reach 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds and had a top speed of 160 mph down the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans.

Inside, these cars were naturally stripped of all amendments and sound deadening. Plexiglas side windows were fitted and only operated manually by pulling up on a strap. Bare aluminum was visible on the floorboards, front firewall and rear parcel shelf. Some of the cars featured hood-mounted bug deflectors, competition fuel-filler cap and left side muffler protectors as per the Le Mans regulations.

It has been reported that anywhere from eight to twenty SEFAC Hotrods were produced. It is generally thought that around 20 of the cars received the potent Tipo 168B, but were missing some of the other important competition features.

On the track, these cars racked up considerable wins including a first in class at the 1961 LeMans as well as outright victories in the 1961 Targa Florio and RAC Tourist Trouphy. The latter of these was achieved by Stirling Moss, driving 2735GT with a fitted radio antenna for entertainment on the track.

Chassis

2701GT – Used by factory at Le Mans practice in April but crashed heavily. Was later sold and licensed MI 928367. The car was restored in the mid-eighties, and the car was offered at RM's 2002 Monterey Sportscar auction.

2439GT - Described as “the second of only 20 'SEFAC Hot Rods' built”, 2439GT “was ordered by first owner Gunnar Andersson, a successful Swedish gentleman driver, with the intention of competing in the 1961 Targa Florio in Sicily.” It arrived in Bianco Avorio red with red seats, a 130 liter fuel tank and 286 bhp engine. By 1989, the car was restored, and in 1996, the original engine was refurbished Bob Wallace. At Bonham's 2004 Gstaad Ferrari sale this car was offered but did not sell. It was later offered as a private treaty for €2.5 million.

2689GT-Painted silver with a blue stripe, 2689GT was driven to 3rd overall and first in class at the 1961 24 Hours of LeMans by Pierre Noblet and Jean Guichet. They continued to race the car and racked up probably the most desirable record of all the SWBs. In 1984 a nine-year restoration was complete and it appeared at the 1984 Pebble Beach Concours. Since then, it has made prestigious showings at Coys Historic Fesitval, Ferrari’s 50th Anniversary and the 1999 Goodwood Festival of Speed..

2735GT-Painted Dark Blue with a distinctive white front band, 2735GT was delivered new to Rob Walker and heavily campaigned in the UK by Stirling Moss. Moss fitted a radio antenna to keep the longer drives more spirited. He would make 2735GT an embarrassment to British pride beating everything Aston Martin and Jaguar could throw at it on local tracks. Moss failed to finish at Le Mans, but took first overall at events like the the British Empire Trophy at Silverstone, Peco Trophy at Brands Hatch and Tourist Trophy at Goodwood. After Campaigning extensively in Britain, the car was rebodied by Carrozzeria Drogo for Chris Kerrison. This remained on the car until 1980 when a replica body by Grand Prix Metalcraft was fitted. Recently it has been raced in the UK, and reunited with Stirling Moss to do parade laps at the 2008 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Story by Richard Owen