Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta
Except otherwise stated, all results below include the premium.
See also : Cars 1956-57 Cars 1958-59 Cars 1960-61 Cars 1962-63
See also : Cars 1956-57 Cars 1958-59 Cars 1960-61 Cars 1962-63
TdF
Intro
By bringing the FIA to revise the competition regulations, the terrible accident at Le Mans in 1955 paves the way for the greatest period of Ferrari. The Ferrari 250 GT Europa, released in the previous year, is perfectly matching the new requirements. Ferrari manages its overwhelming dominance in the category Grand Touring by enhancing this product line.
Ferrari is ready. They equip the 250 GT chassis in berlinetta and later name this model Tour de France (TdF). This wording highlights the intention of the brand to respect the spirit of the new rules that favor dual-purpose cars for road and race.
The bodies of the TdF were designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti in successive series whose most visible distinct feature is the number of ventilation slots or louvers on both rear lateral walls of the cockpit. The first variant had no slot. To improve the venting, the second variant includes fourteen oblique louvers on the rear of each side panel. The third series, in 1957, has three louvers. The prestigious option of the covered headlamps is first available for that series. In fact one louver was enough, as offered in 1958 as the ultimate version.
Ferrari is ready. They equip the 250 GT chassis in berlinetta and later name this model Tour de France (TdF). This wording highlights the intention of the brand to respect the spirit of the new rules that favor dual-purpose cars for road and race.
The bodies of the TdF were designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti in successive series whose most visible distinct feature is the number of ventilation slots or louvers on both rear lateral walls of the cockpit. The first variant had no slot. To improve the venting, the second variant includes fourteen oblique louvers on the rear of each side panel. The third series, in 1957, has three louvers. The prestigious option of the covered headlamps is first available for that series. In fact one louver was enough, as offered in 1958 as the ultimate version.
1
1956 ex de Portago
2015 SOLD for $ 13.2M by RM Sotheby's
The first series of the new 250 GT berlinetta in 1956 is primarily devoted to competition. Seven cars are bodied by Scaglietti on a design by Pinin Farina. After a few more units, this model will also receive significant improvements including the signature vents called louvers on the sides of the bodywork.
The ninth 250 GT LWB (a designation made after the development of the SWB chassis in 1959) is one of the most glorious cars in all the history of Ferrari.
It was sold by Ferrari on 23 April 1956 to the Marquis de Portago who led it to victory in all competitions in which it participated. Its most spectacular achievement is the Tour de France in 1956 where, driven by Portago with navigator Nelson, it won five of the six circuits of the event. In the following year, the victory of Gendebien with another 250 GT LWB consolidated the moniker Tour de France (TdF) now attributed to these berlinettas.
This undefeated car survived without any damage to Portago, the most extreme driver in the history of motor racing, killed with Nelson in the Mille Miglia in 1957 by the explosion of a tire of their Ferrari 335 S. When they recruited Portago in early 1956 among the official pilots of the brand, Ferrari had taken the challenge to demonstrate the exceptional strength of their new cars.
The TdF was sold by RM Sotheby's for $ 13.2M on August 15, 2015, lot 332. Please watch the video shared by the auction house. It was sold post auction by the same auction house on January 28, 2026, lot 166.
2026 X post :
This isn’t a Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France, this is THE Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France. The winner of the 1956 Tour de France Auto and the very chassis that established the “Tour de France/TdF” name for the entire model line. Its victory didn’t just define an era, it defined the car itself—this exact chassis remains the only known automobile to have single-handedly renamed its own model range in period, a title earned purely through results.
Raced and owned by the Marquis Alfonso de Portago and the only Ferrari known to win every historic race it entered, it also stands as the sole Ferrari competition chassis to have later achieved 1st-in-class honors at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Without question, one of the most legendary and historically significant Ferraris ever built.
Don’t miss your chance to acquire one of the true Ferrari competition icons when it crosses the block in RM Sotheby’s Paris auction on 28 January 2026.
Grok thought on that post :
The 1956 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta, chassis 0557 GT, is one of the most iconic and historically significant competition cars in Ferrari's lineage, primarily because it is the very vehicle that earned the "Tour de France" (TdF) designation for the entire 250 GT model series through its triumphant racing performance—making it the only known automobile to single-handedly rename its model range based on on-track success.
This achievement stemmed from its dominant victory in the grueling 1956 Tour de France Auto rally, a 2,800-kilometer event that included hillclimbs, a drag race, and circuit races at venues like Le Mans and Reims, where it outperformed rivals such as Stirling Moss's Mercedes-Benz 300 SL.
Driven by the Marquis Alfonso de Portago and navigator Ed Nelson, it secured wins at five of the six circuits in that event, clinching 1st overall and solidifying Ferrari's dominance in 1950s GT racing.
Beyond that landmark win, this chassis remained undefeated in every period race it entered, including outright victories at the Coupes du Salon at Montlhéry (just weeks after the Tour de France), the Rome Grand Prix (class win), and the Coupes USA in 1957—establishing it as the only Ferrari known to achieve a perfect racing record in its era.
It was the ninth of 14 first-series 250 GT competition berlinettas and the seventh bodied by Scaglietti, embodying Ferrari's philosophy of blending road-going refinement with ferocious track capability during a golden age of sports car competition.
The TdF name not only became synonymous with this model's racing prowess but also influenced later Ferrari heritage models, such as the F12 TdF, underscoring its enduring legacy in the marque's evolution from a racing-focused upstart to a global icon of performance and luxury.
Its post-racing history further cements its status: owned initially by de Portago until his tragic death in the 1957 Mille Miglia (though in a different car), it passed through just five caretakers over nearly 70 years, including British magnate C. Keith Schellenberg (who held it for over two decades) and Mexican industrialist Lorenzo Zambrano, who oversaw a ground-up restoration in the 1990s.
The car earned Ferrari Classiche certification in January 2026, confirming its matching-numbers originality (engine, gearbox, rear axle, and bodywork), and it has excelled in concours events, notably winning 1st in class at the 1994 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance—the only Ferrari competition chassis to do so after its racing career—along with awards at events like the International Ferrari Concours and Meadow Brook.
Visually, this TdF exemplifies the elegant yet aggressive styling of mid-1950s Ferraris, with its long-wheelbase chassis, Scaglietti coachwork, and competition-tuned 3.0-liter V-12 engine producing around 240 horsepower.
The ninth 250 GT LWB (a designation made after the development of the SWB chassis in 1959) is one of the most glorious cars in all the history of Ferrari.
It was sold by Ferrari on 23 April 1956 to the Marquis de Portago who led it to victory in all competitions in which it participated. Its most spectacular achievement is the Tour de France in 1956 where, driven by Portago with navigator Nelson, it won five of the six circuits of the event. In the following year, the victory of Gendebien with another 250 GT LWB consolidated the moniker Tour de France (TdF) now attributed to these berlinettas.
This undefeated car survived without any damage to Portago, the most extreme driver in the history of motor racing, killed with Nelson in the Mille Miglia in 1957 by the explosion of a tire of their Ferrari 335 S. When they recruited Portago in early 1956 among the official pilots of the brand, Ferrari had taken the challenge to demonstrate the exceptional strength of their new cars.
The TdF was sold by RM Sotheby's for $ 13.2M on August 15, 2015, lot 332. Please watch the video shared by the auction house. It was sold post auction by the same auction house on January 28, 2026, lot 166.
2026 X post :
This isn’t a Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France, this is THE Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France. The winner of the 1956 Tour de France Auto and the very chassis that established the “Tour de France/TdF” name for the entire model line. Its victory didn’t just define an era, it defined the car itself—this exact chassis remains the only known automobile to have single-handedly renamed its own model range in period, a title earned purely through results.
Raced and owned by the Marquis Alfonso de Portago and the only Ferrari known to win every historic race it entered, it also stands as the sole Ferrari competition chassis to have later achieved 1st-in-class honors at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Without question, one of the most legendary and historically significant Ferraris ever built.
Don’t miss your chance to acquire one of the true Ferrari competition icons when it crosses the block in RM Sotheby’s Paris auction on 28 January 2026.
Grok thought on that post :
- RM Sotheby's post promotes the auction of chassis 0557 GT, the 1956 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta that won the Tour de France Auto rally under Marquis Alfonso de Portago, earning the model its enduring "TdF" designation as the only Ferrari to rename its line through racing success.
- This undefeated period racer, with victories at Montlhéry, Rome Grand Prix, and Coupes USA, later secured first-in-class at 1994 Pebble Beach and Ferrari Classiche certification in 2026, underscoring its preserved originality and short provenance of five owners over 70 years.
The 1956 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta, chassis 0557 GT, is one of the most iconic and historically significant competition cars in Ferrari's lineage, primarily because it is the very vehicle that earned the "Tour de France" (TdF) designation for the entire 250 GT model series through its triumphant racing performance—making it the only known automobile to single-handedly rename its model range based on on-track success.
This achievement stemmed from its dominant victory in the grueling 1956 Tour de France Auto rally, a 2,800-kilometer event that included hillclimbs, a drag race, and circuit races at venues like Le Mans and Reims, where it outperformed rivals such as Stirling Moss's Mercedes-Benz 300 SL.
Driven by the Marquis Alfonso de Portago and navigator Ed Nelson, it secured wins at five of the six circuits in that event, clinching 1st overall and solidifying Ferrari's dominance in 1950s GT racing.
Beyond that landmark win, this chassis remained undefeated in every period race it entered, including outright victories at the Coupes du Salon at Montlhéry (just weeks after the Tour de France), the Rome Grand Prix (class win), and the Coupes USA in 1957—establishing it as the only Ferrari known to achieve a perfect racing record in its era.
It was the ninth of 14 first-series 250 GT competition berlinettas and the seventh bodied by Scaglietti, embodying Ferrari's philosophy of blending road-going refinement with ferocious track capability during a golden age of sports car competition.
The TdF name not only became synonymous with this model's racing prowess but also influenced later Ferrari heritage models, such as the F12 TdF, underscoring its enduring legacy in the marque's evolution from a racing-focused upstart to a global icon of performance and luxury.
Its post-racing history further cements its status: owned initially by de Portago until his tragic death in the 1957 Mille Miglia (though in a different car), it passed through just five caretakers over nearly 70 years, including British magnate C. Keith Schellenberg (who held it for over two decades) and Mexican industrialist Lorenzo Zambrano, who oversaw a ground-up restoration in the 1990s.
The car earned Ferrari Classiche certification in January 2026, confirming its matching-numbers originality (engine, gearbox, rear axle, and bodywork), and it has excelled in concours events, notably winning 1st in class at the 1994 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance—the only Ferrari competition chassis to do so after its racing career—along with awards at events like the International Ferrari Concours and Meadow Brook.
Visually, this TdF exemplifies the elegant yet aggressive styling of mid-1950s Ferraris, with its long-wheelbase chassis, Scaglietti coachwork, and competition-tuned 3.0-liter V-12 engine producing around 240 horsepower.
2
1957 14-louver
2013 SOLD for $ 9.5M by Gooding
Nine cars of the 14 louver variant were produced, bodied by Scaglietti. Made in 1957, the penultimate was sold for $ 9.5M by Gooding on August 17, 2013.
This car retains its original engine and got a professional restoration. It keeps its original Scaglietti bodywork.
1957 was a key year for the high-end product lines of Ferrari. The California Spider was released on the same chassis as the TdF, to be a posteriori identified as LWB chassis. It was also the development year of the 250 TR.
This car retains its original engine and got a professional restoration. It keeps its original Scaglietti bodywork.
1957 was a key year for the high-end product lines of Ferrari. The California Spider was released on the same chassis as the TdF, to be a posteriori identified as LWB chassis. It was also the development year of the 250 TR.
1959 Interim Berlinetta
2015 SOLD for $ 8.5M by Bonhams
The closed berlinetta body is a great achievement for Ferrari, highly effective in the Tour de France to the point that the 250 GT LWB receives the nickname TdF. In 1959, the decisive improvement is the SWB chassis. Ferrari will equip it like its predecessor as berlinettas or convertibles with a few cars in the Competizione configuration.
The new Berlinetta SWB is revealed to the public at the Paris Motor Show in October 1959. Its body designed by Pinin Farina was defined for several months, but the Italian brand could not wait ! Between April and September 1959, seven LWB chassis were fitted with a bodywork based on the new SWB design.
The most visible difference in the interim berlinetta compared to the TdF is the shortening of the rear part of the side window. The adjustments of dimensions were made by Scaglietti.
The fifth interim berlinetta is coachworked by Scaglietti in alloy in the Competizione configuration. It finished third in the 1959 Tour de France. Its restoration was completed in 2014 to the highest current standards of quality approved by Ferrari Classiche and it started a new career as a star in the Concours d'Elegance.
This transitional Ferrari was sold for $ 8.5M by Bonhams on August 14, 2015, lot 56. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
The new Berlinetta SWB is revealed to the public at the Paris Motor Show in October 1959. Its body designed by Pinin Farina was defined for several months, but the Italian brand could not wait ! Between April and September 1959, seven LWB chassis were fitted with a bodywork based on the new SWB design.
The most visible difference in the interim berlinetta compared to the TdF is the shortening of the rear part of the side window. The adjustments of dimensions were made by Scaglietti.
The fifth interim berlinetta is coachworked by Scaglietti in alloy in the Competizione configuration. It finished third in the 1959 Tour de France. Its restoration was completed in 2014 to the highest current standards of quality approved by Ferrari Classiche and it started a new career as a star in the Concours d'Elegance.
This transitional Ferrari was sold for $ 8.5M by Bonhams on August 14, 2015, lot 56. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
1960 SWB Competizione
Intro
The 250 GT berlinetta matches the usual strategy of Ferrari to offer to their customers increasingly powerful and stable sports cars in closed bodies. For this reason, this model is much less rare than the California Spider built on the same subsequent chassis, LWB (long wheel base or passo lungo with 260 cm wheelbase) and later SWB (short wheel base or passo corto with 240 cm wheelbase). The LWB denomination appeared after the transition.
Developed in 1959 under the care of Bizzarrini, Chiti and Forghieri, the transition to SWB is a significant improvement for stability and therefore for the ratio of speed and power of the model. The SWB berlinetta was the first Ferrari production road car to be fitted with disc brakes as standard equipment.
The LWB berlinetta, of which 84 units had been built, was nicknamed TdF after three consecutive victories in the Tour de France, 1957 to 1959.
Despite its effectiveness, the SWB berlinetta did not receive a nickname. It won the same competitions as its predecessor including three consecutive Tours de France, 1960-1962, and pleased its owners by its driving comfort and its compact look which is a masterpiece of balance by Pinin Farina.
Much effort has also been made for its industrialization : 165 units of the 250 GT SWB were produced between 1960 and 1963, including 45 Competizione examples built in 1960 with a lightweight aluminum coachwork, which may be referred as Comp/60.
The most prestigious Ferrari, the 250 GTO, released in 1962, is the association of the 250 SWB chassis with the engine of the 250 TR.
Developed in 1959 under the care of Bizzarrini, Chiti and Forghieri, the transition to SWB is a significant improvement for stability and therefore for the ratio of speed and power of the model. The SWB berlinetta was the first Ferrari production road car to be fitted with disc brakes as standard equipment.
The LWB berlinetta, of which 84 units had been built, was nicknamed TdF after three consecutive victories in the Tour de France, 1957 to 1959.
Despite its effectiveness, the SWB berlinetta did not receive a nickname. It won the same competitions as its predecessor including three consecutive Tours de France, 1960-1962, and pleased its owners by its driving comfort and its compact look which is a masterpiece of balance by Pinin Farina.
Much effort has also been made for its industrialization : 165 units of the 250 GT SWB were produced between 1960 and 1963, including 45 Competizione examples built in 1960 with a lightweight aluminum coachwork, which may be referred as Comp/60.
The most prestigious Ferrari, the 250 GTO, released in 1962, is the association of the 250 SWB chassis with the engine of the 250 TR.
1
2024 SOLD for € 10.2M by RM Sotheby's
RM Sotheby's dispersed on August 13, 2015 a single owner collection of sports cars and supercars. identified as The Pinnacle Portfolio. The "pinnacle" in this group was a Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta from 1960, lot 125.
This early SWB Competizione alloy example was completed in March 1960, fitted from new with the high end powerful engine Tipo 168 B. Released intentionally for the use of Chinetti's NART team in the 1960 edition of the 12 Hours of Sebring which was the SWB’s competition debut, it finished 7th overall and 5th in the 3 litre class.
Despite a very good history in competition, it never had a major incident or a clumsy restoration and could be a great candidate to be restored according to the latest and best available know how.
A market survey conducted by the Pinnacle Portfolio owner led in 2014 to entrust this painstaking work to Wayne Obry and his Motion Products Inc company in Neenah WI. Obry shares his secret on the website of his company : with an experience of more than thirty years on Ferraris, he turns rust into millions.
The customer was demanding : the restoration must bring the car back to its exact delivery configuration. Previously the fans were essentially seeking the compliance to the original specifications with an authentic equipment. They now require that the adjustment of mechanical parts offers the same quality of driving and road holding as at the first release from Maranello half a century earlier.
The present car was ideal for such an ambitious purpose. Obry confirmed all mechanical components were original and in very good condition. The restoration which costed nearly $ 700K was completed by Motion Products Inc just in time to include the car in the RM auction list.
Retaining its chassis, engine and rear axle in matching numbers and the original body, it was granted in 2023 the full Red Book certification by Ferrari Classiche. It was sold for € 10.2M by RM Sotheby's on January 31, 2024, lot 161. Please watch the video shared by same auction house before it passed in 2015 with a final unsuccessful bid at $ 13.25M.
This early SWB Competizione alloy example was completed in March 1960, fitted from new with the high end powerful engine Tipo 168 B. Released intentionally for the use of Chinetti's NART team in the 1960 edition of the 12 Hours of Sebring which was the SWB’s competition debut, it finished 7th overall and 5th in the 3 litre class.
Despite a very good history in competition, it never had a major incident or a clumsy restoration and could be a great candidate to be restored according to the latest and best available know how.
A market survey conducted by the Pinnacle Portfolio owner led in 2014 to entrust this painstaking work to Wayne Obry and his Motion Products Inc company in Neenah WI. Obry shares his secret on the website of his company : with an experience of more than thirty years on Ferraris, he turns rust into millions.
The customer was demanding : the restoration must bring the car back to its exact delivery configuration. Previously the fans were essentially seeking the compliance to the original specifications with an authentic equipment. They now require that the adjustment of mechanical parts offers the same quality of driving and road holding as at the first release from Maranello half a century earlier.
The present car was ideal for such an ambitious purpose. Obry confirmed all mechanical components were original and in very good condition. The restoration which costed nearly $ 700K was completed by Motion Products Inc just in time to include the car in the RM auction list.
Retaining its chassis, engine and rear axle in matching numbers and the original body, it was granted in 2023 the full Red Book certification by Ferrari Classiche. It was sold for € 10.2M by RM Sotheby's on January 31, 2024, lot 161. Please watch the video shared by same auction house before it passed in 2015 with a final unsuccessful bid at $ 13.25M.
2
2022 SOLD for £ 7.8M by Gooding
A Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione made in 1960 was sold for £ 7.8M by Gooding on September 3, 2022, lot 18. It is illustrated in a pre sale press release.
The chassis had been renumbered by the factory after the car scored 5th at Le Mans. The car is currently fitted with the engine of another alloy berlinetta of the same model. Its recent restoration involving the fitting of period correct 250 GT components has been stamped by Ferrari Classiche.
The chassis had been renumbered by the factory after the car scored 5th at Le Mans. The car is currently fitted with the engine of another alloy berlinetta of the same model. Its recent restoration involving the fitting of period correct 250 GT components has been stamped by Ferrari Classiche.
3
2013 SOLD for $ 8.1M by RM Auctions
A 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione built in 1960 was sold for $ 8.1M on January 18, 2013 by RM Auctions. It has the rare quality for this model of having been well maintained with no accident. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
On August 20, 2011, RM Auctions sold for $ 5.3M another example from the same year, which had a complicated history of transformations.
On August 20, 2011, RM Auctions sold for $ 5.3M another example from the same year, which had a complicated history of transformations.
1960 SWB Semi Competition
2015 SOLD for £ 7.4M by H and H
Two early 250 GT SWB berlinettas had been commissioned in 1960 to start the Maranello Concessionaires Ltd in England. Both are bespoke semi-competition right hand drive units, built on a steel chassis but fitted with competition engine, cams, gearbox, tank, seats and carburetors. Their weight is about 60 kg heavier than the Competizione variant. The RHD had not been made available on the LWB.
One of them which had been the first to be acquired by a private customer was sold for £ 7.4M by H and H on October 14, 2015, lot 146. The 99,999 miles limit of the odometer had been reached in 2008.
The car has its engine, gearbox and rear axle in matching numbers and its red-red exterior-interior combination is in line with the ex factory colors. The engine had been rebuilt and many minor pieces of equipment were replaced at various times by the careful eighth British owner, a Maranello Concessionaires staff member who maintained it in road going condition from 1976 and never departed from it until his passing nearly 40 years later.
Its sister car had served as a demonstration car for Maranello Concessionaires until 1961 and had an extensive use in historic competitions from 2003 to 2010.
One of them which had been the first to be acquired by a private customer was sold for £ 7.4M by H and H on October 14, 2015, lot 146. The 99,999 miles limit of the odometer had been reached in 2008.
The car has its engine, gearbox and rear axle in matching numbers and its red-red exterior-interior combination is in line with the ex factory colors. The engine had been rebuilt and many minor pieces of equipment were replaced at various times by the careful eighth British owner, a Maranello Concessionaires staff member who maintained it in road going condition from 1976 and never departed from it until his passing nearly 40 years later.
Its sister car had served as a demonstration car for Maranello Concessionaires until 1961 and had an extensive use in historic competitions from 2003 to 2010.
1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Semi Competition : Compare chassis 1995 GT (sold by H & H on October 14, 2015, lot 146) and 2177 GT (passed at Gooding Christie's on January 29, 2026, lot 61)
Comparison of Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Semi-Competition Chassis 1995 GT and 2177 GT
The 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta is widely regarded as one of the most iconic dual-purpose grand tourers, blending road usability with competition capability. Both chassis 1995 GT (sold by H&H Classics on October 14, 2015, as lot 146) and 2177 GT (offered by Gooding & Company at Rétromobile Paris on January 29, 2026) are early-production examples with steel bodies and semi-competition specifications, including enhanced engines, ribbed gearboxes, and features like larger fuel tanks and lightweight elements. However, they differ in drivetrain configuration, ownership paths, racing involvement, and current market positioning. Below is a detailed comparison based on historical records, factory specifications, and auction details.
AspectChassis 1995 GT (H&H 2015 Sale)Chassis 2177 GT (Gooding 2026 Sale)
Production Date
H&H : September 3, 1960
Gooding : October 29, 1960
Body Type & Configuration
H&H : Steel Berlinetta with aluminum opening panels (hood, doors, trunk); right-hand drive (RHD); flared rear wheel arches; competition-style features like quick jack brackets and SNAP exhaust extractors added over time .
Gooding : Steel Berlinetta with lightweight aluminum doors, hood, and trunk; single-thickness alloy floors; left-hand drive (LHD); competition-style quick jack brackets, external rear-deck fuel filler, and SNAP exhaust extractors .
Original Color & Interior
H&H : Racing Red exterior with red leather interior and red carpets .
Gooding : Rosso Rubino Chiaro (Light Ruby Red) exterior with Nero (black) leather interior; instruments in kilometers .
Engine & Powertrain
H&H : 2,953 cc Colombo SOHC V12 (Tipo 168 Comp/61, internal no. 510 F); semi-competition spec with 9.5:1 compression, high-lift cams (later adjusted to 9.5 mm for road use), triple Weber 40 DCL6 carburetors, Abarth competition exhaust; ~252 bhp; 4-speed synchromesh ribbed gearbox; 3.77:1 limited-slip rear axle (original 9x34 gearing); 100-liter fuel tank .
Gooding : 2,953 cc SOHC Tipo 128F V12 (internal no. 612 F); semi-competition spec with 9.4:1 compression, three Weber 40 DCL6 carburetors, Abarth competition exhaust; 240-243 bhp (up to 280 bhp in full comp tune); 4-speed manual ribbed-case alloy competition gearbox (8x32 final drive); 100-liter fuel tank .
Suspension, Brakes & Wheels
H&H : Independent front coil springs/wishbones; rear live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs; Dunlop disc brakes (upgraded to AP Racing 4-pot calipers with braided hoses); 15" x 6.5" Borrani RW 3801 wire wheels (modified from original 16" x 5.5" RW 3526); Michelin 185 HR15 XVS tires
Gooding : Independent front coil springs/wishbones (Miletto shocks); rear live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs; unassisted Dunlop disc brakes; Borrani RW 3598 wire wheels .
Ownership History
H&H : Primarily UK-based: Imported by Col. Ronnie Hoare for Maranello Concessionaires; initial owner E.R.W. Eyre (1960); various UK owners including K. Wilson, G. Sinclair, Brian Classic, John Broad, David Mulvaney, David Brook; long-term owner Richard Colton (1976-2015, ~50,000 miles added); sold from Colton's estate in 2015; later with DK Engineering and a UK collector .
Gooding : International focus: Delivered via Italauto SA (Switzerland) to Zimmerman (1960); Armand Boller (1962); Walter Ringgenberg (1963); Bob Grossman (USA, 1966); Dudley Cunningham (1967); Jim Riff (1975); Tom Byrnes (1986); Philippe Brecht, Martin van Doorne (1996); Dr. Peter Baumberger (1998); Jean-Robert Grellet (2000); Juan Ball (2007-2022); current UK collection .
Racing & Event History
H&H : Limited competitive use: Served as a course car at Sandtoft sprints (1960s); under Colton, participated in club events like Oldtimer GP Nürburgring (1978), Silverstone Historic Festival (1992), Goodwood Festival of Speed (1994), and numerous Ferrari Owners' Club (FOC) concours and track days (1970s-2000s); no major international racing wins but extensive road rallies and European tours .
Gooding : More extensive period racing: Hillclimbs with Boller (5th IC Ollon-Villars, 1962) and Ringgenberg (3rd IC Mitholz-Kandersteg, 2nd IC Sierre-Crans-Montana, 1964); US events with Grossman (Mount Equinox, 1966) and Cunningham (SCCA at Lime Rock, 1967-1968); later historics like Monterey Historics (1987/1989), Ennstal-Classic (2002/2004), Giro di Sicilia/Targa Florio Revival (2005), GP Montreux (2002/2006), Tour Auto (2022); Ferrari anniversary events (50th in 1997, 70th in 2017) .
Restorations & Maintenance
H&H : No full body-off restoration; engine rebuilds (Graypaul 1976 at 49,000 miles; DK Engineering 1978 at 69,000 miles with new liners/pistons/valves); rear axle rebuild (1997); front suspension/ Konis/clutch (1996); re-trimmed interior (1997); stainless exhaust (1978); modern upgrades like AP brakes (1990) and immobilizer; maintained "as needed" with over 101,805 total miles .
Gooding : Multiple full restorations: By Jim Riff (1975-1976, including Skip McCabe work); by Tom Byrnes (1991-1995, race-sorted); refinished in yellow under Grellet, then back to original red recently; rally equipment added (roll cage, etc.); well-documented with spares .
Current Condition
H&H : Good driver-quality: Reasonable paint with some blemishes/cracks; clean interior; underside oiled (prevents rust but dirty); minor leaks and wiring issues; not concours but authentic and mechanically sound post-safety checks; Ferrari Classiche certified (matching numbers) .
Gooding : Superb presentation: Recently refinished in original color; excellent authenticity with matching-numbers components; ready for shows or events; accompanied by history file, Massini report, and factory build sheets .
Sale Details & Value
H&H : Sold October 14, 2015, at H&H Classics (Duxford) for £7,425,000 (incl. premium; hammer £6,600,000); from Richard Colton's estate, benefiting charity; registration "RU 20" (original) .
Gooding : Offered January 29, 2026, at Gooding & Company (Rétromobile Paris), Lot 61; estimate €8,000,000 - €9,000,000; current registration "668 XVT" .
In summary, chassis 1995 GT represents a quintessential British-market example with strong ties to Maranello Concessionaires and long-term road-focused ownership, making it a preserved "survivor" car. Chassis 2177 GT, by contrast, highlights the model's international appeal with a richer competition pedigree, multiple restorations, and higher estimated value, reflecting its documented racing successes and celebrity associations (e.g., Jo Siffert connections). Both retain original matching-numbers components and embody the SWB's legendary balance of performance and elegance, but 2177 GT's semi-competition tuning and hillclimb history give it a slight edge for enthusiasts seeking period authenticity in events.
Comparison of Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Semi-Competition Chassis 1995 GT and 2177 GT
The 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta is widely regarded as one of the most iconic dual-purpose grand tourers, blending road usability with competition capability. Both chassis 1995 GT (sold by H&H Classics on October 14, 2015, as lot 146) and 2177 GT (offered by Gooding & Company at Rétromobile Paris on January 29, 2026) are early-production examples with steel bodies and semi-competition specifications, including enhanced engines, ribbed gearboxes, and features like larger fuel tanks and lightweight elements. However, they differ in drivetrain configuration, ownership paths, racing involvement, and current market positioning. Below is a detailed comparison based on historical records, factory specifications, and auction details.
AspectChassis 1995 GT (H&H 2015 Sale)Chassis 2177 GT (Gooding 2026 Sale)
Production Date
H&H : September 3, 1960
Gooding : October 29, 1960
Body Type & Configuration
H&H : Steel Berlinetta with aluminum opening panels (hood, doors, trunk); right-hand drive (RHD); flared rear wheel arches; competition-style features like quick jack brackets and SNAP exhaust extractors added over time .
Gooding : Steel Berlinetta with lightweight aluminum doors, hood, and trunk; single-thickness alloy floors; left-hand drive (LHD); competition-style quick jack brackets, external rear-deck fuel filler, and SNAP exhaust extractors .
Original Color & Interior
H&H : Racing Red exterior with red leather interior and red carpets .
Gooding : Rosso Rubino Chiaro (Light Ruby Red) exterior with Nero (black) leather interior; instruments in kilometers .
Engine & Powertrain
H&H : 2,953 cc Colombo SOHC V12 (Tipo 168 Comp/61, internal no. 510 F); semi-competition spec with 9.5:1 compression, high-lift cams (later adjusted to 9.5 mm for road use), triple Weber 40 DCL6 carburetors, Abarth competition exhaust; ~252 bhp; 4-speed synchromesh ribbed gearbox; 3.77:1 limited-slip rear axle (original 9x34 gearing); 100-liter fuel tank .
Gooding : 2,953 cc SOHC Tipo 128F V12 (internal no. 612 F); semi-competition spec with 9.4:1 compression, three Weber 40 DCL6 carburetors, Abarth competition exhaust; 240-243 bhp (up to 280 bhp in full comp tune); 4-speed manual ribbed-case alloy competition gearbox (8x32 final drive); 100-liter fuel tank .
Suspension, Brakes & Wheels
H&H : Independent front coil springs/wishbones; rear live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs; Dunlop disc brakes (upgraded to AP Racing 4-pot calipers with braided hoses); 15" x 6.5" Borrani RW 3801 wire wheels (modified from original 16" x 5.5" RW 3526); Michelin 185 HR15 XVS tires
Gooding : Independent front coil springs/wishbones (Miletto shocks); rear live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs; unassisted Dunlop disc brakes; Borrani RW 3598 wire wheels .
Ownership History
H&H : Primarily UK-based: Imported by Col. Ronnie Hoare for Maranello Concessionaires; initial owner E.R.W. Eyre (1960); various UK owners including K. Wilson, G. Sinclair, Brian Classic, John Broad, David Mulvaney, David Brook; long-term owner Richard Colton (1976-2015, ~50,000 miles added); sold from Colton's estate in 2015; later with DK Engineering and a UK collector .
Gooding : International focus: Delivered via Italauto SA (Switzerland) to Zimmerman (1960); Armand Boller (1962); Walter Ringgenberg (1963); Bob Grossman (USA, 1966); Dudley Cunningham (1967); Jim Riff (1975); Tom Byrnes (1986); Philippe Brecht, Martin van Doorne (1996); Dr. Peter Baumberger (1998); Jean-Robert Grellet (2000); Juan Ball (2007-2022); current UK collection .
Racing & Event History
H&H : Limited competitive use: Served as a course car at Sandtoft sprints (1960s); under Colton, participated in club events like Oldtimer GP Nürburgring (1978), Silverstone Historic Festival (1992), Goodwood Festival of Speed (1994), and numerous Ferrari Owners' Club (FOC) concours and track days (1970s-2000s); no major international racing wins but extensive road rallies and European tours .
Gooding : More extensive period racing: Hillclimbs with Boller (5th IC Ollon-Villars, 1962) and Ringgenberg (3rd IC Mitholz-Kandersteg, 2nd IC Sierre-Crans-Montana, 1964); US events with Grossman (Mount Equinox, 1966) and Cunningham (SCCA at Lime Rock, 1967-1968); later historics like Monterey Historics (1987/1989), Ennstal-Classic (2002/2004), Giro di Sicilia/Targa Florio Revival (2005), GP Montreux (2002/2006), Tour Auto (2022); Ferrari anniversary events (50th in 1997, 70th in 2017) .
Restorations & Maintenance
H&H : No full body-off restoration; engine rebuilds (Graypaul 1976 at 49,000 miles; DK Engineering 1978 at 69,000 miles with new liners/pistons/valves); rear axle rebuild (1997); front suspension/ Konis/clutch (1996); re-trimmed interior (1997); stainless exhaust (1978); modern upgrades like AP brakes (1990) and immobilizer; maintained "as needed" with over 101,805 total miles .
Gooding : Multiple full restorations: By Jim Riff (1975-1976, including Skip McCabe work); by Tom Byrnes (1991-1995, race-sorted); refinished in yellow under Grellet, then back to original red recently; rally equipment added (roll cage, etc.); well-documented with spares .
Current Condition
H&H : Good driver-quality: Reasonable paint with some blemishes/cracks; clean interior; underside oiled (prevents rust but dirty); minor leaks and wiring issues; not concours but authentic and mechanically sound post-safety checks; Ferrari Classiche certified (matching numbers) .
Gooding : Superb presentation: Recently refinished in original color; excellent authenticity with matching-numbers components; ready for shows or events; accompanied by history file, Massini report, and factory build sheets .
Sale Details & Value
H&H : Sold October 14, 2015, at H&H Classics (Duxford) for £7,425,000 (incl. premium; hammer £6,600,000); from Richard Colton's estate, benefiting charity; registration "RU 20" (original) .
Gooding : Offered January 29, 2026, at Gooding & Company (Rétromobile Paris), Lot 61; estimate €8,000,000 - €9,000,000; current registration "668 XVT" .
In summary, chassis 1995 GT represents a quintessential British-market example with strong ties to Maranello Concessionaires and long-term road-focused ownership, making it a preserved "survivor" car. Chassis 2177 GT, by contrast, highlights the model's international appeal with a richer competition pedigree, multiple restorations, and higher estimated value, reflecting its documented racing successes and celebrity associations (e.g., Jo Siffert connections). Both retain original matching-numbers components and embody the SWB's legendary balance of performance and elegance, but 2177 GT's semi-competition tuning and hillclimb history give it a slight edge for enthusiasts seeking period authenticity in events.
SWB
1
1962
2014 SOLD for $ 9.7M by Rick Cole
Made in 1962, one of the final Ferrari 250 GT SWB berlinettas was listed as lot 800 by Rick Cole in August, 2014 in an unconventional auction process that authorized a further phase of arrangements with successful bidders. Originally delivered to the USA, it was 49,000 miles from new when cataloguing.
At the provisional Monterey closure, it was reported as not yet sold, with a highest bid before fees at $ 9.65M, already exceeding its higher estimate. On September 8 it was included as sold for $ 9.7M in a post Monterey list of four lots reported by ClassicCars.
Still retaining its original chassis, engine, gearbox and rear axle, it was Ferrari Classiche certified in 2015. It was offered by RM Sotheby's through the sealed bid process in 2024, in its original colors Rosso China Chiaro over Nero leather interior.
At the provisional Monterey closure, it was reported as not yet sold, with a highest bid before fees at $ 9.65M, already exceeding its higher estimate. On September 8 it was included as sold for $ 9.7M in a post Monterey list of four lots reported by ClassicCars.
Still retaining its original chassis, engine, gearbox and rear axle, it was Ferrari Classiche certified in 2015. It was offered by RM Sotheby's through the sealed bid process in 2024, in its original colors Rosso China Chiaro over Nero leather interior.
2
1962
2023 SOLD for $ 9.5M by Gooding
Beside the Competizione variety, the Lusso berlinetta is the basic model of the Ferrari 250 GT SWB.
One of them was finished in 1962 in grigio metallizzatto. In a superb never-restored original condition and maintained in good working order after 53,000 km from new, it retains its beige leather original upholstery with the patina of its age. The glass, seat belts and Borrani wire wheels are original and the grease pencil markings bearing the chassis number are intact underneath the trunk lid.
It was sold for $ 9.5M by Gooding on August 18, 2023, lot 40. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
One of them was finished in 1962 in grigio metallizzatto. In a superb never-restored original condition and maintained in good working order after 53,000 km from new, it retains its beige leather original upholstery with the patina of its age. The glass, seat belts and Borrani wire wheels are original and the grease pencil markings bearing the chassis number are intact underneath the trunk lid.
It was sold for $ 9.5M by Gooding on August 18, 2023, lot 40. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
1962 250 GT SWB by Bertone
2015 SOLD for $ 16.5M by Gooding
Enzo Ferrari would never cooperate with Carrozzeria Bertone. The reason is simple: this workshop in Turin had contributed to the success of the Giulietta range of Ferrari's arch-rival Alfa Romeo.
Enzo Ferrari had also friends. When he developed the chassis 250 GT SWB in 1959, he accepted that one of the first units should be reserved to Dr. Wax. This Italian industrialist loved the spectacular coachworks. Rather than going to regular contributors of Ferrari, Pinin Farina and Scaglietti, he selected Bertone for creating a one-off berlinetta.
The choice was significant. Nuccio Bertone was one of the visionaries of the Italian design. The Wax Ferrari was conceived by Giorgetto Giugiaro, hired in the same year by Bertone at the age of 21, who was to become one of the most famous designers.
This first SWB by Bertone and Giugiaro already displays their vision to create berlinettas with the aggressive shapes of a Grand Prix car. This car was sold for $ 7M by RM Auctions on November 21, 2013.
In 1962 Nuccio Bertone purchases a 250 GT SWB chassis with the target to demonstrate to Enzo Ferrari that he is able to create a product competing through its modernity with Pinin Farina's classic design.
In the previous year in Grand Prix, the Ferrari 156 F1 had inaugurated a new angular shape with a shark nose front side. From drawings by Giugiaro, Bertone built a berlinetta inspired by the 156 F1. It may be considered in its daring as a precursor of the road supercars.
Bertone exhibits his car extensively throughout 1962 but fails to be entrusted with additional chassis by Enzo Ferrari. Each one of the two Berlinetta Speciale bodied by Bertone will remain unique. Both have been certified by Ferrari Classiche in 2009.
The 1962 Speciale was sold for $ 16.5M by Gooding on August 15, 2015, lot 039. Here is the link to the press release.
Enzo Ferrari had also friends. When he developed the chassis 250 GT SWB in 1959, he accepted that one of the first units should be reserved to Dr. Wax. This Italian industrialist loved the spectacular coachworks. Rather than going to regular contributors of Ferrari, Pinin Farina and Scaglietti, he selected Bertone for creating a one-off berlinetta.
The choice was significant. Nuccio Bertone was one of the visionaries of the Italian design. The Wax Ferrari was conceived by Giorgetto Giugiaro, hired in the same year by Bertone at the age of 21, who was to become one of the most famous designers.
This first SWB by Bertone and Giugiaro already displays their vision to create berlinettas with the aggressive shapes of a Grand Prix car. This car was sold for $ 7M by RM Auctions on November 21, 2013.
In 1962 Nuccio Bertone purchases a 250 GT SWB chassis with the target to demonstrate to Enzo Ferrari that he is able to create a product competing through its modernity with Pinin Farina's classic design.
In the previous year in Grand Prix, the Ferrari 156 F1 had inaugurated a new angular shape with a shark nose front side. From drawings by Giugiaro, Bertone built a berlinetta inspired by the 156 F1. It may be considered in its daring as a precursor of the road supercars.
Bertone exhibits his car extensively throughout 1962 but fails to be entrusted with additional chassis by Enzo Ferrari. Each one of the two Berlinetta Speciale bodied by Bertone will remain unique. Both have been certified by Ferrari Classiche in 2009.
The 1962 Speciale was sold for $ 16.5M by Gooding on August 15, 2015, lot 039. Here is the link to the press release.
