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[[Image:1962 Ferrari 250 GTE.jpg|right|thumb|300 px|1962 250 GTE]]

The '''Ferrari 250''' is a series of [[sports car]]s built by [[Ferrari]] from the 1950s and early 1960s. It was the company's most successful early line of vehicles, produced for over a decade from 1953 to 1964 and resulting in several variants. The 250 was replaced by the [[Ferrari 275|275]] and the [[Ferrari 330|330]]. 

==Similarities==
[[Image:Lusso.JPG|thumb|right|1963 250 GTL / Lusso]]
Most 250 road cars share the same two wheelbases, {{Auto mm|2400|1}} for short wheelbase (SWB) and {{Auto mm|2600|1}} for long wheelbase (LWB). Most convertibles used the SWB type.

Nearly all 250s share the same engine: The [[Ferrari Colombo engine|Colombo]] ''Tipo 125'' [[V12]]. At {{Auto cc|2953}}, it is not a large engine even for the time, but its light weight and impressive output (up to 280&nbsp;hp) made a big difference. The Ferrari V12 weighed hundreds of pounds less than its chief competitors&nbsp;— for example, it was nearly half the weight of the [[Jaguar XK6 engine|Jaguar XK straight-6]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vintagehotrods.net/ford/ContentExpress20-30-38.html|title=Dave Williams' Engine Weight Chart|dateformat=mdy |accessdate=July 25 2006}}</ref> 

The light V12 propelled the small Ferrari 250 racing cars to numerous victories.

==Racing models==
Typical of Ferrari, the Colombo V12 made its debut on the race track, with the racing 250s preceding the street cars by three years.

===225 S===
A predecessor to the 250 line was the '''225 S''' introduced at the 1952 [[Giro di Sicilia]]. Two of the two-seat sports prototypes were built, an open barchetta and closed coupe both by Vignale. Seven 225 S cars were entered at the Mille Miglia, but these were overshadowed by their larger-engined 250 S brother. Although not as heralded as the 250 line, the 225 did play one unique historical role: A 225 S tested at [[Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari|Imola]] was the first Ferrari to drive on that course.

===250 S===
The first of the 250 line was the experimental '''250 S''' [[berlinetta]] prototype entered in the 1952 [[Mille Miglia]]. The company's newest product was entrusted to [[Giovanni Bracco]] and [[Alfonso Rolfo]] and was severely tested by the [[Mercedes-Benz]] [[Mercedes-Benz 300SL|300SL racers]] run by [[Rudolf Caracciola]], [[Hermann Lang]], and [[Karl Kling]]. The little 230&nbsp;hp (171&nbsp;kW) Ferrari was outgunned in the long straights but fought back in the hills and curves and Bracco emerged victorious at the end. This same car was later entered at the [[24 Hours of Le Mans]] and the [[Carrera Panamericana]].

The little 250 S used a {{Auto mm|2250|1}} wheelbase with a "Tuboscocca" tubular trellis frame. Underneath were double wishbones at the front and a live axle located with double longitudinal semi-elliptic springs at the rear. Drum brakes and worm and sector steering were the norm. The dry-sump 3.0&nbsp;L (2953&nbsp;cc/180&nbsp;in³) engine used three Weber 36DCF carburettors and was mated directly to a five-speed manual transmission.

===250 MM===
Lauding the success of the 250 S at the Mille Miglia, Ferrari showed a more-conventional chassis for the new 250 engine at the 1952 [[Paris Motor Show]].  [[Pinin Farina]] clothed this chassis, with the celebratory '''250 MM''' coupe launched at the 1953 [[Geneva Motor Show]]. This car was almost plain by contemporary standards, but it possessed a certain purposefulness with its small grille and compact tail complete with a panoramic rear window.  [[Carrozzeria Vignale]]'s open [[barchetta]] also broke new styling ground, with recessed headlights and side vents becoming a staple of Ferrari design for the 1950s.

The 250 MM's wheelbase was longer than the 250 S at 2420&nbsp;mm (95&nbsp;in), with the saloon 50&nbsp;kg (110&nbsp;lb) heavier than the 850&nbsp;kg (1875&nbsp;lb) barchetta on a conventional tube frame. The V12 engine's dry sump was abandoned for the production car, and the transmission lost one cog as well, but power was up to 240&nbsp;hp (179&nbsp;kW).

Like the 250 S, the 250 MM was a racing car, debuting at the [[Giro di Sicilia]] with privateer [[Paulo Marzotto]]. A [[Carrozzeria Morelli]]-bodied 250 MM barchetta won the 1954 Mille Miglia with driver [[Clemente Biondetti]], living up to its name. The V12-powered 250 MM was replaced by the four-cylinder [[Ferrari Monza|625 TF and 735 S]] later in 1953.

===250 Monza===
An unusual hybrid between the light four-cylinder [[Ferrari Monza#750 Monza|750 Monza]] and the 250 line was the '''250 Monza''' of 1954. This model used the 250 engine in the short wheelbase chassis from the 750 Monza. The first two used the Pininfarina barchetta shape of the 750 Monza and a one-off [[Ferrari Monza#500 Mondial|500 Mondial]]. Two more 250 Monzas were built by [[Carrozzeria Scaglietti]], an early use of the now-familiar coachbuilder. Although a frequent entrant through 1956, the 250 Monzas failed to gain much success and the union of the Monza chassis and 250 engine was not pursued beyond this model.

===250 Testa Rossa===
:''See main article [[Ferrari TR]]''
The racing '''250 Testa Rossa''' was one of the most successful Ferrari racing cars in its history, with three wins at [[24 Hours of Le Mans|Le Mans]], four wins at [[12 Hours of Sebring|Sebring]], and two wins at [[1000 km Buenos Aires|Buenos Aires]].

===250 GTO===
{{main|Ferrari 250 GTO}}
Perhaps the most famous 250 of all was the '''250 GTO''', often called the first [[supercar]]. A radically-restyled GTO, properly the '''250 GTO/64''', was launched in 1964, but just 39 were built.

===250 P===
{{main|Ferrari P}}
The 250 engine from the Testa Rossa was mounted in the midships position for the '''250 P''' prototype racer of 1963.

===250 LM===
{{main|Ferrari P}}
The mid-engined '''250 Le Mans''' looked every bit the prototype racer but was intended to be produced as a road-going GT. Descended from the 250 P, the Le Mans also appeared in 1963 and sported Pininfarina bodywork. Ferrari were unable to persuade the FIA that he would build the 100 examples required to homologate the car for GT racing. Eventually, 32 LMs were built<ref name=UltimateLM>[http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/136/Ferrari-250-LM.html UltimateCarPage.com: Ferrari 250 LM]</ref> up to 1965. As a result, Ferrari withdrew from factory participation in the GT class of the 1965 [[World Sportscar Championship]], allowing the [[Shelby Cobra]] team to dominate the class.

==250 Export/Europa==
The 1953 '''250 Export''' and '''Europa''' were the only of the family to use a different engine. They shared the 2963&nbsp;cc ''[[Ferrari Lampredi engine|Lampredi]]'' V12 designed for [[Formula 1]] use.

===250 Export===
The Export model was similar to the 250 MM with its {{Auto mm|2400|1}} wheelbase. One exception was its 220&nbsp;hp (164&nbsp;kW) Lampredi engine. It was launched at the [[Paris Motor Show]] of 1953.

===250 Europa===
The 250 Europa, also introduced in Paris in 1953, looked entirely different. With the long {{Auto mm|2800|1}} wheelbase and [[Ferrari America]]-style bodies, it was designed as more of a [[GT car]] than any previous 250. Both [[Pininfarina]] and [[Vignale]] handled the coachwork, with 21 produced in total.

==GT cars==
The 250 design was extremely successful on the race course as well as the street. A number of GT models were built in varying states of road or racing trim.

===250 Europa GT===
The first street car to use Colombo's 250 V12 was the '''250 Europa GT''', introduced at the 1954 Paris Motor Show. Pinin Farina's sober Paris coupe was just one of many shapes for the 250 GT line, with coachbuilt production extending through 1956 before the 250 line became more of a standardized product. The original 250 Europa GT used a 2600&nbsp;mm (102&nbsp;in) wheelbase on a conventional chassis. The dry sump V12 was tuned to 220&nbsp;hp (164&nbsp;kW) with three Weber 36DCZ3 carburettors. Aping the Vignale's 250 Europa, Pinin Farina added now-familiar vents to the front fenders, a standard styling feature for many of the 250 GTs that followed.

===250 GT Boano and Ellena===
[[Image:SC06 Ferrari 195 Inter 250 GT California Spyder and 250 GT Boano.jpg|right|thumb|1959 GT Boano (front) and 1958 California Spider (centre)]]
Pinin Farina introduced a 250-based prototype at the 1956 Geneva Motor Show which came to be called the '''250 GT Boano'''. Intended as a styling exercise and inspiration to 250 GT Europa customers, demand soon called for construction of a series of the car. 

Unable to meet demand, Pinin Farina asked [[Mario Boano]], formerly of [[Ghia]], to handle the construction. When [[Fiat]] recruited Boano, he handed production duties of the Ferrari to his son-in-law [[Ezio Ellena]]. With partner [[Luciano Pollo]], [[Carrozzeria Ellena]] would produce the Ferrari for another few years. Ellena revised the car, raising the roof and removing the vent windows from the doors.

Carrozzeria Boano built 74 250 GTs on the long wheelbase chassis. 

All but one were coupes. The the single convertible, 0461 GT, was sold to New York collector, Bob Lee, off the stand at the 1956 New York Auto Show. At the direction of Enzo Ferrari, Lee bought the car for $9,500, far below cost. He still owns it, making it one of the oldest Ferraris still in the hands of the original purchaser.

===250 GT Berlinetta "Tour de France"===
Named for the 10-day [[Tour de France automobile]] race, not the famous [[Tour de France|bicycle race]] of the same name, a number of 250 GT "Tour de France" Berlinettas were sold for GT races from 1956 through 1959. There was actually 84 Tour de France's built. Construction was handled by [[Carrozzeria Scaglietti]] based on a [[Pinin Farina]] design. The engine began at 240&nbsp;hp (178&nbsp;kW) but rose to 260&nbsp;hp (193&nbsp;kW) by the end.

A one-off short wheelbase Tour de France was built for the 1959 [[24 Hours of Le Mans]]. This car, called the '''250 GT Interim''', would foreshadow the 2400&nbsp;mm (94&nbsp;in) SWB cars of 1959. The 250 GT Interim is currently owned by Lulu Wang.<ref name=LWang>[http://magazine.wsj.com/hunter/great-vintage/fast-money/ WSJ.com: Fast money - Lulu Wang’s driving passion is her racecar collection]</ref>

===250 GT Cabriolet Pininfarina Series I===
[[Image:Hockenheimring Michael Schumacher.jpg|right|thumb|[[Michael Schumacher]] rides in a 250 GT Cabriolet]]
Released at Geneva in 1957, the original [[Pininfarina]] [[Cabriolet (automobile)|cabriolet]] used the {{Auto mm|2600|1}} wheelbase and had distinct bodywork from the Berlinetta. 

About 36 examples were produced before a second series was shown at Paris in 1959. These later cars had much more in common with the production Berlinetta. 

About 200 of the series two cars were built.

''[[Motor Trend|Motor Trend Classic]]'' placed the 250 GT Series I Cabriolet and Coupe ninth on their list of the ten "Greatest Ferraris of all time".

===250 GT California Spider LWB===
[[Image:SC06 1958 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder.jpg|right|thumb|1958 California Spider LWB]]
Designed for export to America, the 1957 '''250 GT California Spider''' was Scaglietti's interpretation of an open-top 250 GT.

Aluminum was used in the hood, doors, and trunk lid, with steel specified elsewhere for most models, though a few aluminum-bodied racing versions were also built. 

The engine was the same as in the 250 Tour de France racing car with up to {{convert|240|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}. All used the long {{Auto mm|2600|1}} chassis. 

About 45 were made before it was replaced by the SWB version in 1960.

One was auctioned on [[August 18]], [[2007]] at Monterey, California, for 4.9 million dollars.<ref name=MotorTrendMonterey>[http://www.motortrend.com/features/auto_news/2007/112_0708_2007_monterey_weekend_auctions/california_spyder.html Motor Trend: Monterey Weekend Auction Highlights - Part 2]</ref><ref name=MSNMonterey>[http://motorshow.cars.uk.msn.com/motorshow/pebblebeach2007/Article.aspx?cp-documentid=5326405 MSN Cars: Monterey Auctions Set Records]</ref>

===250 GT Coupe Pininfarina===
Desiring to enter series production in order to stabilize the company's finances, Enzo Ferrari asked [[Pininfarina]] to design a simple and classic 250 GT coupe. The resulting car was introduced at Milan in 1958, and 335 nearly-identical examples were built by 1960. Buyers included [[Prince Bertil]] of Sweden. The GT Coupe eschewed the fender vents for simple and clean lines and a notchback look with a panoramic rear window. The oval grille was replaced by a more traditional long narrow look with protruding headlights. Traditional telescoping [[shock absorbers]] were also fitted instead of the [[Houdaille]]s found on previous 250s, and disc brakes were added in 1960. The final 250 GT Coupe had a [[Ferrari America|Superfast]] tail and was shown at the 1961 London Motor Show.

===250 GT Cabriolet Pininfarina Series II===
In line with the high-volume coupe, Pinin Farina also designed a plainer '''250 GT Cabriolet''' for series production. Introduced at the 1959 Paris Motor Show, the GT Spider sported a look similar to the GT Coupe of the previous year, including the removal of the side vents. About 212 were produced.

===250 GT Berlinetta SWB===
[[Image:Ferrari-250-GT-Berlinetta-1.jpg|right|thumb|1961 250 GT Berlinetta SWB]]
One of the most important GT racers of its time, the 1959 '''250 GT Berlinetta SWB''' used a short (2400&nbsp;mm) wheelbase for better handling. Of the 176 examples built, both steel and aluminum bodies were used in various road ("lusso") and racing trims. Engine output ranged from 240&nbsp;hp (178&nbsp;kW) to 280&nbsp;hp (208&nbsp;kW).

Development of the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta was handled by [[Giotto Bizzarrini]], [[Carlo Chiti]], and young [[Mauro Forghieri]], the same team that later produced the [[Ferrari 250 GTO|250 GTO]].  [[Disc brake]]s were a first in a Ferrari GT, and the combination of low weight, high power, and well-sorted suspension made it a competitive offering. It was unveiled at the [[Paris Motor Show]] in October and quickly began selling and racing. The SWB Berlinetta claimed GT class of the Constructor's Championship for Ferrari in 1961.

In 2004, ''[[Sports Car International]]'' placed the 250 GT SWB seventh on a list of [[Sports Car International Top Sports Cars|Top Sports Cars of the 1960s]].  ''[[Motor Trend|Motor Trend Classic]]'' placed the 250 SWB fifth on a list of the ten "Greatest Ferraris of all time".

===250 GT Spider California SWB===<!-- This section is linked from [[Ferris Bueller's Day Off]] -->
[[Image:1961-ferrari-rc.jpg|right|thumb|1961 250GT California Spider]]
Replacing their LWB California Spider with a SWB version, Scaglietti showed a new Spider California at Geneva in 1960. Based on the 250 GT SWB, it also introduced disc brakes and a {{convert|280|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} version of the 250 V12. About 55 were built. 

A fiberglass-bodied replica of a 1961 250 GT Spider California, based on an [[MG]], was featured in the 1986 hit film ''[[Ferris Bueller's Day Off]]''. <ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091042/trivia|title=Ferris Bueller's Day Off - Trivia|author=IMDB|accessdate=2009-1-29}}</ref> 

A record price for a 250 GT at auction was set on [[May 18]], [[2008]] when a black 1961 SWB example that had been owned by ''[[The Magnificent Seven]]'' star [[James Coburn]] was sold for 6.4 million [[Euro]]s/£5.5 million/$10,894,900 (€7,040,000 including fees). The buyer was [[Chris Evans (presenter)|Chris Evans]], a British radio DJ. <ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/News/Search-Results/Motor-show--events/Other-shows/Chris-Evans-buys-Ferrari-250-GT-California-for-5m/|title=Chris Evans buys Ferrari 250 GT California for £5m|author=Pollard, Tim|publisher=Car Magazine|date=2008-05-19|accessdate=2008-05-24}}</ref><ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/1983459/Chris-Evans-pays-and1635m-for-vintage-Ferrari.html|title=Chris Evans pays £5m for vintage Ferrari|author=English, Andrew|publisher=The Telegraph|date=2008-05-19|accessdate=2008-05-24}}</ref><ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-567146/King-road-Chris-Evans-splashes-5-5m-James-Coburns-1961-Ferrari.html|title=King of the road: Chris Evans splashes out £5.5m on James Coburn's 1961 Ferrari|publisher=Daily Mail|date=2008-05-19|accessdate=2008-05-21}}</ref><ref> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/19/1961-ferrari-california-spyder-sells-for-record-10-894-900/ "1961 Ferrari California Spyder sells for record $10,894,900" retrieved: 19 August 2008.</ref>

===250 GT/E===
[[Image:250gte.jpg|right|thumb|1963 250 GTE #4823 GT]]
The LWB 250 GT theme was expanded with the 2+2 model 250 GT/E. The first large production four-seat Ferrari (earlier four seaters were made in very small numbers). Interior space was increased by moving the engine forward in the chassis. The rear seats were ideal for children but rather tight for adults. 

Engine output was listed at 240 hp (178 kW).

Almost 1,000 GTEs were constructed by Pininfarina with prototypes starting in 1959 and continuing through three series until 1963. The model was followed by the visually similar 330 Americas. 

The large production run of the GT/E was a major contributor to the financial well being of Ferrari in the early 1960s. MSRP of the GT/E was $11,500.

A 250 GTE can be seen in [[The Wrong Arm of the Law]], a film starring [[Peter Sellers]].

===250 GT Lusso===
[[Image:SC06 1964 Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Berlinetta.jpg|rightt|thumb|1964 250 GT Lusso Berlinetta]]
Pinin Farina updated the 250 GT with the '''GT Lusso''' or '''GTL'''. Introduced at the 1962 Paris show, the car sported flowing lines and a fastback shape typical of the GT cars of the mid-1960s. Under the hood was the [[Ferrari 250 GTO|250 GTO]]'s Tipo 168 engine with 250&nbsp;hp (186&nbsp;kW) and three Weber 36DCS carburettors. 

Scaglietti handled construction of the Lusso which lasted through 1964 with few modifications.

Rock star [[Eric Clapton]] owned one, and an example that had been owned by [[Steve McQueen]] was sold at auction for $2.3 million on [[16 August]], [[2007]]. <ref> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6950915.stm BBC News "McQueen's Ferrari sells for $2.3 m" retrieved: 17 August 2007.</ref>

In 2004, ''[[Sports Car International]]'' placed the 250 GT Lusso tenth on a list of [[Sports Car International Top Sports Cars|Top Sports Cars of the 1960s]].

===330 America===
A 250 in all but name, the 1963 '''330 America''' shared the outgoing model's chassis if not its engine. Powered by the new 4.0&nbsp;L engine of the later [[Ferrari 330|330]] cars, 50 330 Americas were built. Likely the most famous 330 America is that belonging to California socialite Sandra Ilene West. Mrs. West was buried at the wheel of her car following a 1977 drug overdose. Her instructions specified that she be clad in her lace nightgown with the driver’s seat "slanted at a comfortable angle". The car (and driver) is interred at the Alamo Masonic Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas.
In the early 1990s (as reported in '''''Classic Car''''' magazine), a green-metallic 330 coupe was regularly abandoned, claimed and then re-abandoned in Melbourne over the course of 4 years. Its ultimate fate is not known.

==The Ferrari 250's place in Lamborghini history==
Tractor manufacturer [[Ferruccio Lamborghini]] owned at least three Ferrari 250s: a 250GT coupe by Pininfarina, one or two 250 SWB Berlinettas by Scaglietti, and a 250GT 2+2 by Pininfarina. He was frustrated by frequent clutch problems and complained to [[Enzo Ferrari]].<ref name=Inetervu1>[http://www.geocities.com/lamboguy/Intervu2.html Copy of Interview with Ferruccio Lamborghini, page 2]</ref>  Ferrari insulted Lamborghini, who then resolved to build better GTs and sports cars than Ferrari. Lamborghini hired ex-Ferrari engineers to design and develop his [[Lamborghini]] cars.<ref name="ModClass">[http://www.valvoline.com/carcare/articleviewer.asp?pg=res20030901mc&cccid=5&scccid=1 Modern Classic: Lamborghini 350 GT]</ref>

==See also==
[[Ferrari 250 GT Drogo]] - the "Breadvan", a 250 SWB modified by [[Giotto Bizzarrini]] and [[Piero Drogo]] for [[Giovanni Volpi]]

==References==
* {{cite book | author=Ascerbi, Leonardo | title=Ferrari: A Complete Guide to All Models | publisher=Motorbooks | year=2006 | isbn=0-7603-2550-2}}
* {{cite book | author=Buckley, Martin & Rees, Chris| title=World Encyclopedia of Cars | location=London | publisher=Anness Publishing | year=1998 | isbn=1-84038-083-7 }}
* Steve McQueen's Ferrari Races Into Christie's http://www.christies.com/presscenter/pdf/04272007/9248.pdf

==Sources==
{{reflist}}

{{Early Ferrari vehicles}}

[[Category:Pininfarina]]
[[Category:Ferrari vehicles|250]]
[[Category:1950s automobiles]]
[[Category:1960s automobiles]]
[[Category:Ferris Bueller's Day Off|Ferrari_250#250_GT_Spider_California_SWB]]