Photo: MrWalkr · CC BY-SA 4.0
Production1962–1964
EngineV12
Power300 PS
Units built36
The Ferrari 250 GTO, built from 1962 to 1964, is a homologation model for the GT class: GTO stands for "Gran Turismo Omologato". Strictly speaking, at least 100 units should have been built within 12 months, but Ferrari convinced the rulemakers to count the earlier 250 GT SWB alongside it, so only 36 cars were built. The three-liter V12 with six Weber carburetors produced 300 PS. Buyers had to be personally approved by Enzo Ferrari along with his North American distributor Luigi Chinetti. Today the GTO is among the most coveted collector cars; in 2018 an example changed hands for 70 million dollars.
Summarized from the sources cited below; every figure in the text was automatically verified against the sources.
Good to know
- New, the GTO cost 18,000 US dollars in the US, roughly 72,000 DM at the time.
- All 36 examples built survive to this day.
- In 2013, the GTO bearing chassis number 5111GT sold for 52 million US dollars; in 2014, a crash-damaged example (3851GT) brought 38.12 million.
- The car with chassis number 4153, which won the 1964 Tour de France, sold for 70 million US dollars in 2018.
Learn moreDevelopment · Engineering · Aerodynamics · Series and market values
Development
Chief engineer Giotto Bizzarrini led development, but he and most of the other engineers were dismissed in 1962 following a dispute with Enzo Ferrari. New engineer Mauro Forghieri carried the project forward alongside Scaglietti on the coachwork. The design was a collaborative effort and cannot be credited to any single individual. Competitors in Group 3 included the Shelby Cobra, Jaguar E-Type, and Aston Martin DP214.
Engineering
The mechanical specification was deliberately conservative for the era: the chassis was based on the 250 GT SWB, with minor frame alterations to save weight, increase rigidity, and lower the stance. It used a hand-welded oval tube frame, front wishbones, a live rear axle with a Watts linkage, disc brakes, and Borrani wire wheels. The engine was the proven Tipo 168/62 Comp. from the Le Mans-winning 250 Testa Rossa, cast entirely in light alloy and featuring dry-sump lubrication. The five-speed gearbox was new and utilized Porsche-type synchromesh.
Aerodynamics
Bizzarrini focused on aerodynamics to improve top speed and stability. The shape was honed in the University of Pisa wind tunnel and tested on road and track using several prototypes. The result was an aluminum body with a long, low nose, a small radiator intake, and distinctive air slots with removable covers; following early tests, a rear spoiler was added. The bodies were built by Scaglietti, with early prototypes fabricated at the factory or Pininfarina.
Series and market values
Of the 36 cars, 33 wore the 1962 and 1963 bodywork (Series I), while three carried the 1964 body (Series II), which bore a resemblance to the 250 LM; four earlier cars were retrofitted with Series II bodies in 1964. The most famous color is the vivid red "Rosso Cina". The 2018 car was a 1963 GTO and the most expensive Ferrari ever sold. Sports Car International named the GTO the top sports car of all time in 2004.
Summarized from the cited sources; every figure was automatically verified against the sources.
Frequently asked questions about the Ferrari 250 GTO
When was the Ferrari 250 GTO built?
The Ferrari 250 GTO was built from 1962 to 1964.
How much power does the Ferrari 250 GTO have?
Power of the Ferrari 250 GTO: 300 PS at 7500 rpm.
What engine does the Ferrari 250 GTO have?
Engine of the Ferrari 250 GTO: 2953 cm³; Tipo 168 Comp/62 60° V12; SOHC 2 valves per cylinder; 6 Weber 38 DCN carburetors; compression ratio 9.7:1. It is mounted at the front.
How fast is the Ferrari 250 GTO?
Top speed of the Ferrari 250 GTO: 208–283 km/h depending on final drive ratio.
How fast does the Ferrari 250 GTO accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h?
The Ferrari 250 GTO accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in approx. 6 s.
How many Ferrari 250 GTO were built?
36 units of the Ferrari 250 GTO were built.
Who designed the Ferrari 250 GTO?
Design of the Ferrari 250 GTO: Giotto Bizzarrini; Sergio Scaglietti.
What are the predecessor and successor of the Ferrari 250 GTO?
Predecessor: Ferrari 250 GT SWB. Successor: Ferrari 250 LM; Ferrari 288 GTO.
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1964