1961 Ferrari 250 GT California

Luigi Chinetti and John von Neumann were Ferrari dealers in the United States and the inspiration behind the Ferrari 250 California Spider. Neumann was the West Coast Ferrari and Porsche distributor who had chopped down a Gmünd-built Porsche Coupe in the late 1940s to create a lightweight competition car. In the early 1950s, Porsche dealer Max Hoffman of New York convinced the German company to build a lightweight, low-cost, minimalistic, and competitive version of the 356. It was called the Speedster and it was both a sales and competition success. Neumann once said 'Guys want to go, on a Saturday night in June, down Sunset Boulevard with their elbow over the door and the girls can see them in the car.'

In a similar fashion, Chinetti and Neumann convinced Enzo Ferrari to give the popular 250 GT a similar treatment. At the time, Ferrari's model lineup included the 250 GT Cabriolet by Pinin Farina derived from the GT Coupe. Just like the Porsche Speedster, the concept envisioned by Chinetti and Neumann was a dual-purpose car that could be driven on the street and track. While the 250 GT Cabriolet was birthed from the road-going coupe, the new 'California Spyer' was spawned from the competition berlinettas. Scaglietti, who built the competition cars for Ferrari, was tasked with its creation using a design penned by Pinin Farina.

Depending on the intended use, the Type 128D V-12 SOHC engine offered between 240 and 280 horsepower. In standard trim, it had a 2,953cc displacement, 3 Weber DCZ/3 carburetors, and a block and head formed from lightweight alloy. There were drum brakes, a four-speed manual gearbox, and a suspension comprised of double wishbones, and coil springs or anti-roll bars.

The California Spider was built specifically for the affluent American clientele who were seeking a stylish, thoroughbred sports car. Just like the Porsche and other European sports cars built for the American market, the California Spider had a swept-back windscreen, a lightweight folding top, competition-inspired bucket seats, and minimal interior amenities or appointments. The first fifty examples were built on the long-wheelbase (LWB) chassis of the 250 GT Tour de France Berlinetta. Many were often put to use as a GT racing car, and several examples were equipped from the factory with competition features, such as lightweight aluminum coachwork, long-range fuel tanks with outside fillers, and high-lift camshafts. In this guise, the California Spiders earned 5th at LeMans, a class win at Sebring, and many SCCA B-production victories. By 1959, the performance was further improved with modern Dunlop disc brakes and tubular shock absorbers.

The California Spider was thoroughly redesigned to complement the short-wheelbase (SWB) Berlinetta of 1960. It was given a more sophisticated chassis, and its Scaglietti coachwork was more aggressive and sporting in appearance. The engine was a Type 168 V12 unit displacing 2,953cc and developing nearly 280 horsepower. Just like the LWB version, several SWB California Spiders competed at major European events including the 24 Hours of LeMans and the Targa Florio.

A total of 106 250 GT SWB California Spiders were built including 50 of the early LWB version and 56 of the final SWB variant.

by Dan Vaughan

SWB Spyder
Chassis number: 2467GT
Engine number: 168

Ferrari 250 GT SWB (Short Wheelbase) California Spyder with chassis number 2467GT was constructed by April 24th of 1961. It is the 15th constructed and is a left hand vehicle. It is constructed of steel with covered headlights and has a 9.3:1 compressions ratio. It was first owned (sold) by Chinetti Motors of the US. It has been shown at the 2002 Ferrari Car Club of America Concours at Lake Lanier Island where it was awarded a Third in Class. It is currently owned by Richard Vento of California who has show it at the 2004 FCA International Concours in Monterey and the Cavallino Concours.

by Dan Vaughan

SWB Spyder
Chassis number: 2871 GT
Engine number: 2871

The high-performance 250 GT California Spider wore coachwork by Carrozzeria Scaglietti and was aimed at a very specific segment of Ferrari's American clientele: young, well-heeled enthusiasts who wanted a stylish, thoroughbred sports car that was suitable for both road and track. It featured a racy, swept-back windscreen, a lightweight folding top, competition-inspired bucket seats, and minimal interior appointments.

Ferrari used a long-wheelbase chassis (LWB) for the earliest examples, which it shared with the 250 GT Tour de France Berlinetta and Series I Cabriolet. It was not until late 1959 that the California Spider was given disc brakes and tubular shock absorbers. Several examples were factory-equipped with competition features such as aluminum coachwork, high-lift camshafts, and long-range fuel tanks with outside fillers. In this guise, several California Spiders were able to achieve success in racing, including a 5th Place finish at Le Mans, a class win at Sebring, and many victories in SCCA B-production events.

In 1960, with the introduction of short-wheelbase (SWB) Berlinetta, Ferrari thoroughly redesigned the California Spider. It was given a more sophisticated chassis, with standard four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes, a more refined suspension, and new outside-plug Tipo 168 and 168/61 engines. Scaglietti redesigned the California's coachwork, giving it a more aggressive and sporty persona, with curvaceous front fenders and muscular rear haunches. The interior was luxuriously trimmed with stitched leather, wool carpeting, and redesigned seats.

Several SWB examples were raced at major European events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Targa Florio.

Ferrari built 50 examples of the LWB version and 56 of the SWB variant. Production lasted from 1957 through 1963 with a total of 106 examples of the 250 GT California Spider produced.

This particular example, chassis number 2871 GT, is a SWB California Spider. It has covered headlights which Scaglietti applied to just 37 examples. Originally finished in the classic color scheme of Rosso Cina (China Red) with black leather upholstery, this late-production SWB model was given a Tipo 168/61 engine with three Weber 40 DCL 6 carburetors, Abarth exhaust system, Veglia instruments, Miletto shock absorbers, and Borrani RW3591 wire wheels wearing Pirelli Cinturato tires.

This car was completed on September 2, 1961, and was the 22nd SWB California Spider built. It was delivered new to Gianfranco Frattini, who paid Lire 5,500,000 for the new Ferrari. It remained in his care until June 1978, when it was sold to Terzo Dalia, a resident of Casalgrande in Emilia-Romagna. Sig. Dalia retained the car for seven years. During his ownership, it participated in two historic events hosted by the Automobile Club d'Italia in Modena – the Raid Ferrari d'Epoca in 1981 and Ferrari Days in 1983.

In December of 1985, it entered the care of its current owner.

The car is currently finished in red with black leather upholstery and equipped with desirable features such as a carburetor intake cold air box, SNAP exhaust extractors, and Borrani RW3801 wheels. It has not been fully restored from the ground up - instead, it has been maintained in good working order. It retains its original engine and rear end. It has an original tool roll (partially complete), the original steering wheel, shift knob, and front and rear bumpers.

by Dan Vaughan

SWB Spyder
Chassis number: 2561 GT

This short-wheelbase California Spyder, chassis number 2561 is the 19th of 55 built. The car was originally sold in Paris at Franco-Brittannic Autos. This car was ordered with many desirable options by Nano Da Silva Ramos, which included covered headlights and the competition option package which was a competition engine, lightweight 'ribbed' gearbox and an 8x32 rear axle ratio with limited slip. The car was delivered with a special order Alfa Romeo color called Blue Inverno Giulietta Sprint and red leather. The car also came with a radio, hardtop and seat belts. This car spent its life in Europe until 2002.

Restoration was completed in 2003, and the current owner has put 14,556 km on it since.

The 250 GT passo corto (short wheelbase, or SWB, of 2400 mm) Spyder California debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1960, and a total of 55 of them were built before production ended in February 1963. A rare factory original hardtop came with this SWB Spyder California when new. The car (serial number 2561 GT) went through an extensive restoration in 2004 and 2005 and won several major Concours awards, including the prestigious Louis Vuitton Classic Concours Award in 2006.

The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder with chassis number 2561GT is a left-hand drive vehicle constructed of steel and features covered headlights and a competition engine. It was also given a limited-slip differential, hardtop, seat belts, and a radio. It has chassis tipo 539, engine tipo 168, and gearbox tipo 539.

In 1961 it was purchased by Jo Setton. In 1963 it was owned by Jean-Pierre Chabert. In 1966 it was sold to Jean Redelle. In 1972 it was purchased by Charles Robert who later sold it to Jacques Bajol. Bajol entered the vehicle into the Ferrari Days at Modena bearing number 106.

In 1988 the car was sold to Henri Chambon. In 2002 it attended the Cavallino Classic under its latest owner, Peter S. Kalikow of New York.

by Dan Vaughan

SWB Spyder
Chassis number: 2903 GT

What does a farmer's daughter dream about to enjoy her last summer? Certainly, a Ferrari 250 GT California Spider packing all of the right stuff.

The moment the Ferrari 250 GT California Spider made its first appearance, the evocative lines and the gorgeous soundtrack from its three-liter V-12 made it coveted by some of the biggest names. It was more than a status symbol for the elite of society and Hollywood. It was an indulgence that was not to be passed-up.

Chassis 2903 GT would be completed in September of 1961 and would be among a rare breed in and of itself. Sporting the short-wheelbase chassis of the Berlinetta, the Scaglietti-clad California Spider would be aggressive in its proportions and every bit the exclusive sportscar.

When completed, 2903 GT would become one of the most desirable of the California Spiders. Being one of just 56 SWB examples, the car is certainly in rare company to begin with, however, it goes even further than that.

Among the 56 examples that would sport the Scaglietti body on the shorter wheelbase there would be just 37 that would be fitted with covered headlights. Chassis 2903 GT is just such an example. Furthermore, it was one of an even smaller number to have been fitted with an optional hardtop.

Given the car's elite status, even among other California Spiders, it would find its way to the 48th Salon de l'Automobile held in Paris in 1961. Finished in a striking black livery with natural leather interior, the car was certainly the stuff of dreams. Not surprisingly, the first recorded owner would not come along until the late 1960s.

After having been sold to Geneva's Garage de Montchoisy following its debut in Paris, the car would make its way into the hands of Alain Cheuvrie, a resident of Geneva. The car would remain with Cheuvrie until 1970 when the car made its way to the United States and the very state for which it had been inspired.

Arriving in California in 1970, 2903 GT would make its way to its next recorded owner, none other than a young Barbara Hershey. Hershey had gotten her acting career rolling with appearances on The Farmer's Daughter, Gidget and The Monroes television series. Her roles in movies like Heaven with a Gun and Last Summer meant she was a star on the rise and certainly in need of a ride truly befitting her growing fame. The exceedingly rare California Spider was the ideal choice.

Throughout the two years in which Hershey owned the 250 GT it would be a part of many adventures and a few legends. This would include of period of about a month when the Ferrari went missing. How such a car could disappear for a month, especially with the plates that read 'HUNNY', is a little beyond belief. Not long after being recovered the car was sold.

Following a period with Hollywood Sports Cars in Beverly Hills, the California Spider would make its way into the hands of Spencer Stillman. The car would remain with Stillman for more than a decade before it would begin to change hands with great regularity.

Upon being sold in 1992, 2903 GT would be owned by such people as Bob Biase, Charles Wegner and Gary Schaevitz. While with Wegner, the car would undergo restoration and would make appearances at the Monterey Vintage Ferrari Concours and the Cavallino Classic. Being acquired by Schaevitz, the car would join an impressive collection of sports and racing cars and would, by no means, lead a quiet life. Three consecutive years Schaevitz would drive the 250 GT in the Colorado Grand Rally.

Such a rare breed of prancing horse, 2903 GT would remain a highly coveted example of the California Spider and the current owner would not pass up on the opportunity to own it. It would be purchased in 2000 and would continue to be a presence in concours events throughout the east coast. The car would achieve a number of prestigious awards and would also take part in the Copperstate 1000 and Nova Scotia 1000. Then, in 2014, the owner applied for certification with Ferrari Classiche. The certification was subsequently approved though the 'Red Book' Certification is still pending.

This 250 GT California Spider has it all. It has the breeding. It has the rare blood lines flowing through its veins. It also has the awards and the achievements to back up its value. But then, it also has the legends; the legends that make any great collector car much more than a car, but a piece of history.

by Jeremy McMullen

SWB Spyder
Chassis number: 3099 GT
Engine number: 168/61

The 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder with chassis number 3099GT is a left hand drive vehicle. It is constructed of steel with covered headlights and a competition engine.

It is just 32 of just 55 Short Wheelbase California Spyders built. It was shipped by Ferrari to Luigi Chinetti Motors for the Ferrari display stand at the 1962 New York Auto Show. After the show, it was shipped to Ferrari Representatives of California and sold to the original owner. The car remained in California and was purchased by Charles Betz in 1973, who kept the car in storage until commencing a meticulous restoration in 2002. This particular California Spyder came from the factory with the desirable covered headlights and leather on nearly every interior surface, most likely due to its New York Show car status. The current owner purchased the car from Charles Betz in 2008.

In 2004 it was entered into the FCA International Concours in Monterey where it was entered by Charles Betz and Fred Peters. It was awarded a Silver award.

by Dan Vaughan

SWB Spyder
Chassis number: 3059GT

Ferrari began building the 250 GT SWB California Spyder in 1960 and would continue until early 1963, with production totaling 54 units. The design was by Scaglietti and was close to the long wheelbase 'TdF' Berlinetta but on a shorter wheelbase. These were available in a street version in steel or as a competition version in alloy. Movie stars who owned the 250 GT SWB Spyder included James Coburn, Brigitte Bardot, Roger Vadim and Barbara Hershey. The majority were the covered headlight version and all were bodied by Scaglietti.

This example, chassis number 3059GT, was completed in November 1961. It has the covered headlights and steel body. It was once owned by Sir Anthony Bamford in the United Kingdom.

SWB Spyder
Chassis number: 2935GT

This unrestored Ferrari 250 GT Spyder California was shown by the Ferrari importer Franco-Britannic Autos at the Paris Motor Show in 1961. During the second week of the show the Ferrari was bought by the actor Gerard Blain and then just six days after the Motor Show closed, he sold it to fellow thespian and French heart-throb Alain Delon who quickly took it to his home in Monaco. After many adventures with the car including a trip to California, Delon sold the car in 1965 and it passed through several owners until it was acquired by the now famous collector Jacques Baillon in November 1971. Baillon drove the Ferrari very little and like the majority of his cars, it was stored away, protected from the elements and bad weather.

SWB Spyder
Chassis number: 3095 GT
Engine number: 3095 GT

Lord Laidlaw is one of Scotland's premier car enthusiasts boasting of a collection that is both rare and exceptional, a collection that would be the envy of just about anyone. In 2015, he would make one of the rarest pieces of his collection go free, and it couldn't be a more iconic offering.

There really isn't a more exotic and rare example of Ferrari's coveted 250 GT California Spider. Just a total of 37 examples of the short-wheelbase spider with the covered headlights would ever be produced. Each California Spider is a highly sought-after entity. The passion, the desire for this particular example, however, is beyond description.

Regarded as the most beautiful car in the world, the simple lines of the California Spider are without question. But the beauty wouldn't end just with the aesthetic look of the Scaglietti-bodied spider. No, the beautiful melody of the pitch of the 3.0-liter Tipo 168 V-12 engine was what completed the love affair.

Producing around 240hp through its triple Weber carburetors and 4-speed manual gearbox, the California Spider was the rare mixture of automobile that inspired ripping through tree-lined bends on some back road, but also, slow cruises through a city's streets. A driver wanted to go fast, and slow, at the same time, and this car more than made that possible.

3095 GT would be one of those 37 examples finished with the covered headlights. Completed in 1961, the car's early history is somewhat blurry. There are a number of suggestions and legends surrounding the car's early years, including the fact that it may have been owned by Gunther Sachs, the German who married Brigitte Bardot. This is one of those stories that cannot be varified. What does seem more certain is the fact the car was finished in a metallic blue and was first sold to a couple of Swiss gentlemen, one potentially coming to own the car through the gentleman racer and Baron Toulo de Graffenried. It seems then the car traded time between Europe and the United States over the next few decades.

Then came Lord Laidlaw. One of Scotland's wealthiest citizens and a passionate automobile collector, he would purchased the car and would make it a centerpiece of his extensive collection.

Though continually changing hands through private sales the car has not remained hidden in a private collection. Though it has not made many, if any, appearances in concours and other such events, the car hasn't exactly been hidden away. In fact, in 2014, the car would be front and center at Spa for the Belgian Grand Prix. At the race, the car would serve as the official parade car carrying Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen.

Finished now in the iconic red, this would be about the only update and change the car has undergone in more than a few decades. Because it has not undergone restoration efforts the car remains highly original, and, therefore, highly desirable.

Highly original, exceedingly rare and perhaps the ultimate expression of the California Spider, 3095 GT set the collector world abuzz when it was announced it would be made available for public auction for the very first time.

Consigned through Gooding & Company's 2015 Pebble Beach auction, 3095 GT could not have been part of a better event and would actually provide one of the biggest highlights of the record-breaking weekend.

Boasting of Ferrari Classiche certification and well documented by Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, 3095 GT would set off furious bidding. Initial estimates had the car selling somewhere between $16,000,000 and $18,000,000. Sure enough, the car would garner a sale price of $16,830,000.

by Jeremy McMullen

SWB Spyder
Chassis number: 2955GT

The Ferrari 250 GT SWB Scaglietti Spyder, also known as the California, was built specifically - as its nickname would suggest - to meet the demands of discerning customers for West Coast touring. It is based on the 250 GT Berlinetta Tour de France, but with a convertible top and a shortened wheelbase of 240 cm (94.5 inches) to enhance handling. The 226 horsepower 3.0-liter V-12 engine is encased in a superb sporting body crafted by the Italian favorite, Scaglietti. Only 56 of the California were produced, and this car is a special covered headlight example. In September 1961, this California was displayed at the Frankfurt Motor Show and then delivered to the customer. It eventually made its way to the United States and Luigi Chinetti, being acquired by the current owner in 2019. Its provenance is well documented and it remains exceptionally original.

Production of the 250 Series began in 1954 and continued on through the early part of the 1960's. There were numerous variations of the 250 and would ultimately become Ferrari's most successful line of vehicles to date. The 250 is also recognized as the first Ferrari to ever receive disc brakes. This did not take place until the end of the 1950's. Also, the 250 was the first four-seater.

Ferrari's were custom-built cars built in exclusive quantities. Ferrari provided the engine and chassis while Italian coachbuilders provided the body. This meant the specifications varied. Engines also varied in horsepower rating, torque, and displacement. This was no different for the 250 GT which saw many different variations in body style and body types.

Ferrari built the road-going Ferrari's to fuel his passion for racing. Many of the vehicles he built for the road had a competition model. That is, a modified version of the road-going model. An example of this was the 1959 short-wheelbase (SWB) Berlinetta (Berlinetta which means coupe) and given an aluminum body. It was debuted in October 1959 at the Paris Salon. GT cars were road-legal vehicles that could also be taken to the track and compete without the need for modifications. Although this was their purpose, Ferrari realized that many customers would not race their vehicle, but rather wanted the power and performance that sports cars offered. To comply, Ferrari built these cars to be powerful and luxurious. The vehicles could still be run on the track, mostly requiring the adoption of stickers and complying with any safety requirements.

The 250 road-going vehicles mostly shared two-wheelbase sizes, a 2400 mm and 2600 mm. The 2400 wheelbase were referred to as the SWB (Short wheelbase) while the other was the LWB (long wheelbase).

The base engine was a Colombo 60-degree, single-over-head cam, 'vee' type 12-cylinder, with aluminum alloy block and heads, and cast-iron cylinder liners. The displacement was 180 cubic inches (2953 cc). Horsepower production was around 220-260. The front suspension was independent with double wishbones and coil springs. The rear suspension was a live axle.

The first 250 introduced was the 250S and available in either Berlinetta or spider configuration. Introduced in 1952, they were powered by a 3-liter Colombo engine producing about 230 horsepower.

At the 1953 Paris Motor Show, Ferrari introduced the 250 Europa and Export. These were the only models in the series that were powered by a Lampredi v-12 engine also seen in Formula 1. The 250 Export had a 2400 MM wheelbase, similar to the 250 MM. The 250 Europa had a larger, 2800 mm wheelbase which allowed more interior room. During their short production lifespan, only 18 examples were produced. Pininfarina and Vignale were tasked with creating the coachwork.

In 1954 four specialty-built 250 Monza were built for racing. They shared many similarities with the 750 Monza's, but were equipped with the 3-liter Colombo engine.

At the 1957 Geneva auto show, Ferrari displayed their 250 GT Cabriolet. Coachwork was courtesy of Pininfarina; the wheelbase was 2600 mm in size. In 1959 the second in the 250 GT Cabriolet series production began after only 36 examples being produced.

From 1957 through 1959 Ferrari produced the 250 GT Berlinetta 'Tour de France' (TdF). The name had been given for the 10-day automobile race. Originally the engine produced 240 horsepower but was later modified to 260 horsepower. Carrozzeria Scaglietti was responsible for creating the bodies based on Pinin Farina's design.

Scaglietti was responsible for constructing the 1957 250 GT California Spyder. These sat atop a long, 2600 mm chassis, and aluminum was used throughout the body in an effort to reduce the overall weight. In total, around 45 examples were created before they were replaced by the SWB version in 1960.

There were 250 examples of the 250 GT Berlinetta SWB produced. Production began in 1959 and used the shortened, sportier wheelbase. Giotto Bizzarrini, Carlo Chiti, and Mauro Forghieri were responsible for the development. Some were built for racing while others were meant for daily transportation. Horsepower ranged from 240 to 280. Steel or aluminum bodies were used. The steel bodies were suited for the road-going vehicles, also known as Lusso. The racing trim vehicles were powerful and had low weight. They were very competitive and are regarded as the most important GT racers of their time. In 1961 the SWB Berlinetta captured the GT class of the Constructor's Championship.

In 1960 a Scaglietti 250 GT Spyder California SWB was shown at the Geneva Motor Show. Built as a replacement for the LWB and based on the 250 GT SWB, around 55 examples were produced.

The Ferrari 250TR was produced from 1957 through 1958 during which only 19 examples were created. The 'pontoon' fender body was designed by Scaglietti and the power was supplied through a Colombo 12-cylinder engine mounted at a sixty-degree angle and outfitted with six Weber 38 DCN carburetors. Power was sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox. With 300 horsepower, the 800 kg vehicle was able to achieve a 168 mph top speed. From 1958 through 1961, the 250 TR was entered in 19 championship races where they emerged victorious ten times.

The 250 in 250 TR represented the unitary displacement while the TR was an acronym meaning Testa Rossa. Testa Rossa translates to 'red head' which referred to the color of the engine's cylinder head.

The 250 TR series was built to capture the world championship which was experiencing questionable times. During the 1955 24 Hours of LeMans a fatal accident occurred and the Commissione Sportiva Internazionale (CSI) began investigating ways to make the sport safer for the drivers and the spectators. Their efforts were escalated in 1967 when another fatal accident occurred at the 1957 Mille Miglia. The committee decided upon a displacement limit but they were in disagreement on the size; the proposed figures ranged from 3 to around 3.5 liters.

1958 was the introductory year for the new regulations, which had been announced during the latter part of 1957. Ferrari had been building, testing, and racing the 250 GT which had performed well during the 1957 Mille Miglia. The Colombo V12 260 horsepower engine received a larger bore, camshaft, and other improvements resulting in a 3.1-liter displacement and 320 horsepower. Testing continued throughout the 1957 season in both body configuration and mechanical components.

Ferrari had anticipated the new engine size regulations and thus had been sufficiently prepared to capture the world championship. Due to the potential of negative publicity caused by the fatal accidents, other manufacturers, such as Aston Martin, Lotus, Cooper and Jaguar, were hesitant to continue racing. Ferrari believed their closest competitor would be the powerful and technologically advanced Maserati 450 S which featured a quad-cam eight-cylinder engine.

Ferrari quickly began capturing victories during the 1958 season. The 250 TR was a solid vehicle thanks to the preparation and testing. The steel tubular ladder frame was of traditional Ferrari construction; a DeDion rear axle was used on the works racers. Customer cars were outfitted with a live axle. Drum brakes were placed on all four corners of the car. The engine had been modified to comply with regulations and to fit in the engine bay. In reality, the vehicle was an outdated car having only the benefit of proper planning and proven technology. Most cars featured disc brakes which provided superior stopping power. The Colombo engine dated back to the beginning of Ferrari and was antiquated in comparison to the modern power plants.

Nearing the close of the 1958 season, the competition began to rise. Aston Martin had a lethal combination, a 3 liter DBR1 racer and Stirling Moss as the driver. Even though the Aston Martins did score a victory at Nurburgring 1000 KM, Ferrari was able to capture the World Championship. The legendary Phil Hill and Olivier Gendebien easily capture a third victory for Ferrari at the grueling 24 Hours of Lemans. The 250 TR works cars were referred to as TR58, to distinguish them from the customer TRs.

For the 1959 season, the vehicles received slight modifications which made the vehicle lighter and more powerful. The big news was the use of Dunlop disc brakes. The engine received coil valve springs and the horsepower increased slightly to 306. A Colotti-designed five-speed gearbox replaced the four-speed unit. Pininfarina was tasked with designing a new body and the construction was handled by Fantuzzi. As a result of the improvements, the name was changed to TR59. At their inaugural race, the TR59 finished first and second. This streak did not last and at the end of the season, it was Aston Martin who emerged as the world champion. The TR59 was plagued with reliability issues mostly due to the gearbox. The vehicles were forced to retire early from races, including Le Mans.

For the 1960 season, the TR was modified slightly to comply with new regulations and to rectify transmission issues. These vehicles are commonly referred to as the TR59/60. Aston Martin had withdrawn from the championship which left no factory opposition for Ferrari. Porsche and Maserati provided competition, especially at Targa Florio and the Nurburgring 1000 km where they scored victories. At Le Mans, Ferrari finished first and second and captured the world championship, beating Porsche by only four points.

For the 1961 season, Ferrari introduced the mid-engined 246 SP. The TRI61 was given a new spaceframe chassis and was able to capture victories at Sebring 12 Hours and Le Mans. With victories between the 246 SP and the TRI61, Ferrari once again captured the world championship.

The CSI implemented stricter rules for the 1962 season which meant the TR was unable to score points for the factory. It was still allowed to race for the overall victory.

by Dan Vaughan