FERRARI

The Ferrari 250 Europa is a touring version of the Ferrari 250 MM, initially powered by a Lampredi V12, later replaced by the Colombo V12 common to all Ferrari 250 models, and renamed the Ferrari 250 Europa GT. 20 Ferrari 250 Europa and 44 Ferrari 250 Europa GT were produced. The differences were essentially mechanical: the 250 Europa was built on a 2,800 mm chassis and powered by a V12 Lampredi engine – the only Ferrari 250 not powered by the Colombo engine – while the Europa GT was based on a 2,600 mm wheelbase and powered by the Colombo engine.

The Ferrari 410 Super america succeeded the 375 america in the V12 front-engined GT range. Largely inspired by the 375 but intended more for competition, the 410 Super america was presented for the first time in bare chassis form at the 1955 Paris Motor Show. Produced in only 34 examples, the 410 was produced in 3 different series with power ratings ranging from 340 bhp to 360 bhp, and was mainly aimed at a wealthy American clientele.

The Ferrari 250 GT Boano/Ellena was produced from 1956, becoming Ferrari’s second touring car after the 250 GT Europa. It symbolised Enzo Ferrari’s desire to produce a ‘civilised’ version of the ‘Tour de France’ Berlinetta. It was initially bodied by Carrozzeria Boano and then by Carrozzeria Ellena. These various revivals were accompanied by a few minor modifications, mainly cosmetic, which led to some confusion between the models in this series. Only 143 examples were produced in all.

The 250 GT Cabriolet Series I is considered today to be one of the most beautiful cabriolets made by the Ferrari/Pinin-Farina team, although many more were to follow. The bodywork was produced in a dedicated factory, offering customers a wide range of exterior and interior variants. Production began in mid-1957 and ended in 1959 with the replacement of the vehicle by a new, even more luxurious cabriolet, the ‘Series II Cabriolet’. During these two years, 40 vehicles were produced. So it’s a very small series!

At the end of the 1950s, Ferrari realised that it needed to increase production in order to continue its expensive motorsport programme. Seeking to broaden its customer base, Ferrari entrusted its privileged partners with the creation of a 4-seater GT based on the long version of the 250 chassis. Pininfarina created a superb design and the cars were assembled at Scaglietti. The Ferrari 250 GT/E was secretly presented at the 1960 Le Mans 24 Hours. To support its GT ambitions, the car was not entered in the race, but the prototype was used as a race management vehicle. The GT/E was officially presented at the Paris Motor Show that same year.

The Ferrari 250 GT California, whose name was a nod to its future Californian clientele, was quickly appreciated by the American market for its supercar performance, limited production run and model-specific specifications, among other reasons. Initially presented as a prototype in 1957, series production began in the second quarter of 1958. Designed by Pinin Farina and bodied by Carrozzeria Scaglietti, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful Ferraris and one of the most beautiful convertibles in the history of motoring.

The first short-chassis 250 GT California Spyder was presented at the 1960 Geneva Motor Show. In many respects, this model followed in the footsteps of the Berlinetta that had appeared at the 1959 Paris Motor Show. The Spyder, in turn, was based on the shorter, more dynamic chassis, reduced from 2.60 m to 2.40 m. By opting for the Tipo 539 chassis, the California definitively marked its difference from the 250 GT Cabriolet. The twenty-centimetre reduction in wheelbase gave the California more compact proportions and a more muscular silhouette.

The Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB appeared in 1959, replacing the 250 GT LWB Tour de France. It became the first car known internationally for its Grand Touring victories. At a time when the Ferrari name was already synonymous with performance, the reduction of the chassis of the Ferrari 250s to 2,600 mm (LWB) gave them ideal proportions, while the term SWB, for Short Wheel Base (2,400 mm), gained cult status in the GT category. Considered to be one of the most beautiful cars ever built, the Ferrari 250 GT SWB is regarded as remarkable for its perfect blend of ‘aesthetics’ and ‘utility’.

The Ferrari America or Superamerica (SA) family was born of Enzo Ferrari’s desire in the early 1950s to develop a specific model adapted to the American taste for luxury and power. These Ferraris, initially called America, then Superamerica, were to receive special treatment in terms of styling, interior layout, engine capacity and power output. Each of these prestigious coupés was produced individually to order, and each one differed in many details.