Maranello's masterpiece

The 'SWB' (short-wheelbase) designation originated from a chassis 200mm shorter than the standard Ferrari 250 GT. Adorned with bodywork often hailed as Pininfarina's pinnacle, crafted by Scaglietti, the 250 GT SWB housed Ferrari's nimble Colombo-designed 3.0 litre V12 engine. Sporting three twin-choke Weber carburetors, this all-aluminium powerplant, with dual cams, churned out 280bhp in race trim, propelling the car to a top speed of 150mph, matched with impressive acceleration.

Customisation options allowed for tailored specifications catering to both road and track preferences. Models destined for competition flaunted lightweight alloy bodies. Notably, the special aluminium-bodied iteration of the 250 GT SWB laid the groundwork for the legendary GTO of 1962. Production of the SWB spanned early 1962, with a modest total of 165 units, including 91 steel-bodied Lusso road cars and 74 alloy-bodied racers.

This specific Ferrari 250 GT SWB represents a 'Lusso' variant, manufactured in 1962. Originally commissioned by Ferrari's U.S. importer, Luigi Chinetti, for his client Norman Blank of Pasadena, California, the car boasted a unique hue, 'Blu Tigullio,' paired with red Connolly leather upholstery and standard 'California' seats. Initially showcased on Pininfarina's stand at the New York International Auto Show in April 1962, the vehicle was intended for Blank but ended up in the possession of Dr. Anderson from Jacksonville, Florida, post-show, with whom it remained until 1979.

This spectacular 1962 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB is expected to fetch between €8.5m to €12m as part of Artcurial’s The W Collection sale held in Monaco on the 9th May 2024. Photos: © Artcurial.