1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Coupe

The first 250 GT Berlinettas appeared in 1956 and were designed by Pinin Farina and built by Scaglietti. The 250 GT Berlinetta was built in four discreet body styles over the following years. In celebration of Spanish Marquis Alfonso de Portago's victory at the 1956 edition of the Tour de France Auto, Ferrari launched a small batch of Pinin Farina-designed 'Interim' Berlinettas wearing new aluminum bodywork and lightweight components for 1959. Making its debut at the 1959 Paris Salon, these dual-purpose, road-and-track capable grand touring cars were equipped with the 'Interim' V12 engine specification and race-bred refinements. They had a compact and shortened 2,400mm wheelbase, four-wheel disc brakes (a first on Ferrari road cars), and aggressive styling. Being 8 inches shorter than the LWB edition, they received the 'SWB' in reference to the short wheelbase.

The street versions were called 'Lusso' (luxury) and contained a Colombo V-12 producing as much as 280 BHP and propelled the vehicle to a top speed of about 150 mph. Modifications had been made to the engine to make it easier to work on during competition events. For example, the spark plugs were moved to make them more accessible. The competition models had their bodies entirely made of the weight-saving metal aluminum. Also, plastic side windows were used to help keep the weight to a minimum. By shortening the wheelbase, the chassis became more solid and the vehicle more agile.

The Berlinetta (little coupe) Lusso (luxury), more commonly known as the 250 GT/L was also designed by Pininfarina and debuted at the 1962 Paris show.

There were vents located under the front headlights used to cool the disc brakes. There were also vents behind each wheel which served the same purpose.

Many notable drivers of the era piloted the 250 GT SWB in competition, including Jean 'Beurlys' Blaton, Willy Mairesse, Olivier Gendebien, Stirling Moss, and Jo Schlesser. A 250 GT SWB Berlinetta repeated a GT class win and finished 3rd Overall the following year. Other victories included the Tour de France with victories in 1960, 1961, and 1962. Stirling Moss had back-to-back Goodwood Tourist Trophy wins in 1960 and 1961 for Rob Walker.

This 1962 Ferrari 250GT short wheelbase, is one of 164 produced. It is fitted with a Scaglietti body.

This Ferrari is powered by a 2953 cc (180 cubic inches) V-12 engine, developing 280-310 horsepower, and is coupled to a five-speed gearbox. it has a top speed of 174 mph.

This vehicle was sold new at Hollywood Sport Cars, Hollywood, CA, to Steve Earle of Santa Barbara who picked it up directly at the factory. After 12 years of ownership, it changed hands several times and was vintage-raced. The present owner purchased the car in 2001 and had it restored.