The Ferrari 250 GT Short Wheelbase (SWB) introduced at the 1959 Paris Salon can be considered the very last Ferrari suitable for road and track. From that day onwards Ferraris would be purpose-built: the ensuing racing 250 GTO and 250 LM, and the 250 GT Lusso road car. 

Early Competizione Success

The first batch of SWBs were pure, alloy-bodied Competiziones. They were rushed into service early in 1960, finishing fourth, sixth and seventh overall at Sebring, showcasing the prowess of the 250 GT SWB.

Before the 250 GTO arrived, the Competizione SWB was the must-have car in GT racing due to its many wins. Even in 1962, with GTOs dominating, an SWB won the Tour de France Auto. Veteran driver André Simon drove this car, chassis 2973GT, to that significant victory.

Engineering Excellence and Racing Pedigree

The 250 GT SWB Lusso was a fast berlinetta, but the race-prepared Competizione was entirely different. Tuned engines with lightweight pistons, larger valves, special cranks, and big Weber carburettors produced up to 300bhp. Consequently, such engineering marvels solidified the 250 GT SWB’s status.

The four-speed gearbox casing was finned and alloy, and the lighter chassis sometimes featured extra-thin alloy bodywork. Additionally, the Competizione cars’ exhausts usually had one silencer per bank and ‘Snap’ extractors, with sumps cast in Elektron aluminium alloy.

The SEFAC ‘Hot Rod’: Ferrari’s Ultimate GT

Alloy-bodied 250 GT SWB Competiziones are, undoubtedly, the most desirable GT Ferraris (outside a GTO) that can be driven on the road. Furthermore, the most sought after are the final, ‘Comp./61’ versions, with approximately 20 built and nicknamed SEFAC ‘Hot Rods’. These models represent the pinnacle of the 250 GT SWB series.

Chassis 2973GT: A Championship-Winning Icon

This car is the 18th super-light and powerful SEFAC car, which I saw and photoed at the Concours of Elegance 2024. It was finished at the factory in September 1961 and sold new to experienced French driver – and former Ferrari team member – André Simon. Moreover, the 250 GT SWB was immediately pressed into service for that year’s Tour de France Automobile. Unfortunately, engine trouble resulted in retirement. 

Raced, rallied and hillclimbed non-stop over the next 12 months, after work at Scaglietti and Maranello in the summer to lighten and improve Simon’s car yet further, it was entered in the September 15-23, 1962 Tour de France. The 42-year-old (with co-driver Maurice Dupeyron) won overall against strong opposition from eight 250 GTOs. 

A Legacy Preserved

After many years in French ownership, it was eventually bought by an Englishman in 2014. Now it resides in a world-class European collection in its Tour de France-winning specification, retaining all its original components. This keeps the legendary 250 GT SWB’s heritage alive.

Technical Specifications

ENGINE – 2953cc/V12/naturally aspirated/SOHC 

TRANSMISSION – Four-speed manual, RWD

POWER – 300bhp

TORQUE – N/A

TOP SPEED – 160mph 

0-60MPH – 5.1secs

WEIGHT – 950kg 

I’ve always loved the look of the Ferrari 250 GT SWB. It is probably my favourite car of all time. I would so love to own and drive this car. What a beautiful work of automotive art. Super cool. What do you think of this car? This car really caught my attention and made it into my top 10 cars at the 2024 Concours of Elegance. Check out that top 10 here.

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