The Ferrari 250 LM was built from 1963 as the Berlinetta version of the 250 P prototype; to many experts, it was simply a 250 P with a roof. Ferrari attempted to homologate it for the GT class as an offshoot of the 250 series to avoid having to build 100 production cars, but the FIA rejected the request. It was thus confined to the prototype class, and the engine was enlarged to 3.3 liters. Pininfarina designed the body, and 32 examples were built. At the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans, a 250 LM entered by NART took overall victory—Ferrari's last Le Mans win until 2023.
Summarized from the sources cited below; every figure in the text was automatically verified against the sources.
Learn moreThe failed homologation bid · Bodywork and production numbers · Le Mans 1965
The failed homologation bid
After Ferrari succeeded in homologating the 250 GTO as a variant of the production 250 for Group 3, they attempted the same with the distinctly different mid-engine LM. That would have eliminated the need for 100 production examples. The FIA refused, as the required mark of 100 cars had not been met. The LM remained restricted to the prototype class, where Ferrari already had more powerful cars. For production, the engine grew from 3 to 3.3 liters.
Bodywork and production numbers
Pininfarina designed the bodywork. The roof ended directly behind the seats, with a vertical rear window separating the interior from the rear. The first prototype still featured a 3-liter V12, while all customer-delivered cars had the 3.3-liter from the 275 GTB. From 1965 onwards, the doors were integrated into the roof in such a way that large cutouts were created when opened. Depending on the source, 32 or 33 units were built.
Le Mans 1965
In the 1965 24-hour race, the factory fielded the 330 P2, while several 250 LMs were entered by privateer teams. Every 330 P2 retired, and a 250 LM run by the North American Racing Team claimed victory. It stood as Ferrari's final outright victory at Le Mans until 2023.
Summarized from the cited sources; every figure was automatically verified against the sources.
Frequently asked questions about the Ferrari 250 LM
When was the Ferrari 250 LM raced?
The Ferrari 250 LM was raced from 1963 to 1966.
How much power does the Ferrari 250 LM have?
Power of the Ferrari 250 LM: 320CV at 7500 rpm; specific output: 97.4 PS/liter ….
What engine does the Ferrari 250 LM have?
Engine of the Ferrari 250 LM: 3.3 l (3286 cm³) V12.
How fast is the Ferrari 250 LM?
Top speed of the Ferrari 250 LM: 287 km/h.
