- 10 million Euro in four wheels
- the epitome of the GT of the 1950s/1960s
- fantastic on the road, a winner on the track
Roughly speaking, any Ferrari is a cult object and pretends to be a work of art, but the Ferrari 250 GT SWB is one of those that already enjoy this status, due to its elegant and sensual lines and its results on the track, with a value of around 10 million euros. All motoring fans will have the chance to see one of these beautiful machines evolve on the track during Estoril Classics.
In 1959 Ferrari was only twelve years old as a car manufacturer, but the small Maranello manufacturer was beginning to leave an indelible mark on motorsport world, with four Formula 1 world titles and three triumphs at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Moreover, the GTs it produced in its factory were the object of desire of actors and royalty, but they were also ferocious weapons on the track in the hands of experienced and talented drivers, collecting triumphs in the most varied motorsport events of the 1950s.
It was against this backdrop that in 1959 Ferrari introduced a new interpretation of its successful 250 GT series - the 250 GT Passo Corto (SWB - Short Wheel Base).
The latest Grand Tourer from Maranello featured the venerable V12 Colombo engine, with a tubular chassis to the usual Enzo Ferrari specification. The big news was even the brake discs on all four wheels, a first on a Ferrari GT.
From the beginning, the Italian automaker had in its catalogue a racing version and a road version, but the only difference between the two was the fact that the first one had the whole aluminium bodywork - the second one had only the movable panels - and a more 'pulled' engine for performance, but there were many 'normal' customers who asked for the racing version just for their rides.
The Ferrari 250 GT SWB quickly showed its potential and in its first full season, in 1960, won its class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as well as triumphs at Monza, Brands Hatch and Spa-Francorchamps.
Throughout its racing career this model would again triumph in its class at the French classic in 1961, taking third place overall, an impressive result that showed the performance and reliability of the Maranello machine.
A number of names have been behind the wheel of the 250 GT SWB, the most notable being Graham Hill and Stirling Moss, the latter pointing out that the Passo Corto was the best GT ever. Eleven years ago, the car that the Englishman who was never Formula One World Champion drove to several triumphs was sold for eleven million euros.
During Estoril Classics, which will take place at the Autódromo do Estoril between 7 and 9 October, motoring fans will have the pleasure of seeing one of these magnificent Ferrari 250 GT SWBs evolving on track and fighting for positions, the desideratum behind its conception. Courtesy of Christian Dumolin. The Belgian driver brings his fantastic car to compete in the Greatest's Trophy races, which will delight all 'tifosi' with its magnificent V12 Colombo singing at the top of its lungs.
As usual, tickets may be purchased through the official Estoril Classics website, and also physically at FNAC, Worten, El Corte Inglês and CTT Correios, being that, as it is public knowledge, the number of tickets is limited to the physical space of the Autódromo do Estoril paddock.
