1957 Ferrari 250 GT

Vignale was the most popular carrozzeria among Maranello's customers until the arrival of the 250 Europa when Pinin Farina (later Pininfarina) became the preferred coachbuilder. They created bodies for no fewer than 48 out of the 53 Europa/Europa GTs built, and their experimentations eventually crystalized in a new Ferrari 250 GT road-car that was first displayed to the public in March of 1956 at the Geneva Salon. The workload increased to levels beyond the Turin carrozeria's ability, and after a handful of prototypes were built, production was entrusted to Carrozzeria Boano.

Carrozzeria Boano was founded in 1954 by ex-Farina and Ghia designer Mario Felice Boano along with his son Gian Paolo and partner Luciano Pollo. When father and son went to work for FIAT, Pollo was joined by Boano's son-in-law, Ezio Ellena, and the name of the company was changed to Carrozzeria Ellena. Approximately 130 examples of the Boano and Boano/Ellena 250GTs (all left-hand drive) were built between 1956 and 1958. Of those Boano created approximately 80 and Ellena built around 50 examples. The later production Boano vehicles and the Ellena cars received a higher roofline and were devoid of quarter lights in the side windows. The interiors were luxurious with broad seats and less exterior road noise. The steering had become easier, the suspension softer, and synchromesh in the gearbox. This trend toward luxury and comfort was inspired by the all-important North American market.

The 250 Series would become Ferrari's most successful early model, with production lasting over a decade, from 1952 to 1964. The majority of the Model 250 road-going vehicles rested on either a short 94.5-inch wheelbase or a longer 102.4-inch platform. Most of the convertible bodies used the short wheelbase and nearly all of the 250s were equipped with the same Colombo Tipo 125 V12 engine that displaced 2,953cc (180 cubic inches). The 250 Europa was the only model of the '250' family to use the 2963cc Lampredi V12 engine. The 250 Europa GT was the first road car equipped with Colombo's 250 V12. The wet-sump V12 was fitted with three Weber 36DCZ3 carburetors and produced 220 horsepower. Distinguishable styling cues included vents to the front fenders, a styling trend that would continue for many of the forthcoming 250 GTs.

Carrozzeria Boano was the first coachbuilder to design a convertible body for Ferrari's new 250 GT chassis, signaling a new era for Ferrari. Pinin Farina designed a prototype 250 GT Cabriolet in 1957, shown at the Geneva Motor Show, and over the next twelve months, an additional 35 Series I Cabriolets were built prior to the introduction of Pinin Farina's 250 GT Series II at the Paris Auto Show in 1959. The Series I cars rested on a 102.4-inch wheelbase and wore styling that was different from the Berlinetta. Series II cars had more in common with the production Berlinetta and built in higher quantities, with approximately 200 examples constructed.

The Ferrari 250 GT Coupe with coachwork by Pinin Farina was introduced in Milan in 1958 and approximately 335 examples (with nearly identical styling) were built by 1960. Instead of fender vents, the GT Coupe had clean lines and a notchback rear, complete with a panoramic rear window. In the front, the previous oval grille was replaced with a more traditional long narrow appearance resting above a full-width chrome bumper and below protruding headlights. Mechanical modifications included the replacement of the Houdaille shock absorbers for Telescopic units. Disc brakes were added in 1960, and the original 165R400 Pirelli Cinturato tires (CA67) were later changed to 185VR16. The engine would receive larger Weber carburetors, spark plugs mounted on the outside of the head, twin distributors, and coil valve springs.

Production of the 250 GT would continue through the early 1960s, with variants that included the 250 GT Berlinetta 'Tour de France', the 250 GT California Spyder and Short and Long Wheelbase configuration, the 250 GT/E, Berlinetta Lusso, and Berlinetta 'Interim.' Racing variants included the 250 S, 250 MM, 250 Monza, 250 Testa Rossa, 250 P, 250 LM, and 250 GTO.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2021