The Essence of Ferrari’s Philosophy and Heritage
1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta
STORY | Stein Broeder
Photography | Gooding & Co., Brian Henniker
The Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta passo corto is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and successful Ferraris ever produced. Combining a stunning design by Pinin Farina and Scaglietti, a powerful and lightweight V12 engine, and a versatile chassis that could excel on both road and track, the passo corto, meaning short-wheelbase (SWB) in Italian, was the epitome of the Ferrari grand tourer in the early 1960s.
The SWB was born out of Enzo Ferrari’s desire to create a car that could compete in the prestigious GT racing category, while also satisfying the demands of his wealthy and discerning customers. The SWB was based on the previous 250 GT ‘Tour de France’ berlinetta, but featured a shorter wheelbase of 94.5 inches, which improved the handling and agility of the car. The SWB also benefited from the introduction of disc brakes on all four wheels, which gave it an edge over its rivals.
The heart of the SWB was the Colombo-designed 3.0-liter V12 engine, which was derived from Ferrari’s racing experience. The engine produced between 260 and 280 horsepower in the road-going versions, and up to 296 horsepower in the competition-spec models. The engine was mated to a four-speed manual gearbox, and could propel the SWB from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 6.5 seconds, and to a top speed of around 150 mph.
The SWB was offered with two different body styles: steel or aluminum. The steel-bodied cars were more luxurious and comfortable, with leather interiors and sound insulation. The aluminum-bodied cars were lighter and more spartan, with stripped-down interiors and Plexiglas windows. The aluminum cars were also more suitable for racing, as they weighed about 300 pounds less than the steel ones. However, both versions shared the same elegant and aerodynamic shape, which was penned by Pinin Farina and executed by Scaglietti. The SWB’s fastback profi le, long hood, and short tail created a harmonious and balanced silhouette, which was enhanced by the subtle details such as the egg-crate grille, the covered headlights, and the wire-spoke wheels.
The SWB proved to be a formidable competitor on the racetrack, winning numerous races and championships in the hands of legendary drivers such as Stirling Moss, Phil Hill, and Olivier Gendebien. The SWB also won the hearts of many celebrities and enthusiasts, who appreciated its performance, style, and exclusivity. Some of the most famous owners of the SWB included Steve McQueen, James Coburn, Ralph Lauren, and Eric Clapton.
The SWB was produced in a limited run of 165 units between 1959 and 1962, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after Ferraris in the world. The SWB also marked a turning point in the history of Ferrari road cars, as it was the last model that could be used for both road and racing purposes, before the emergence of the specialized 250 GTO. The SWB also established a lineage of front-engined V12-powered Ferrari road cars that continues to this day.
This example is chassis number 3507 GT. It is particularly noteworthy for its remarkably original condition. Unlike most 250-series Ferraris, this SWB Berlinetta has never been restored; instead, it has been regularly exercised and maintained in good working order. As a result, it retains a refreshingly authentic character, providing an insight into what these cars were like when they were new.
Even today, this Ferrari retains its original beige leather upholstery, which possesses a fantastic, irreplaceable patina. The beautiful upholstery perfectly suits the car’s mottled gray paintwork, which has been touched up over the years, as needed. Furthermore, the SWB Berlinetta possesses wonderful, original details throughout – original glass, period Irvin seat belts, and proper Borrani RW3690 wire wheels. Significantly, there is no record of 3507 GT having its original mechanical components exchanged or of it being involved in an accident – a rarity among SWB Berlinettas.
Not only is this a significant Ferrari of unrivaled rarity and beauty, its remarkable history and known provenance are also significant. Since 1962, it has had just four owners, with all but the present custodian located in Northern Italy, just a few hundred km from where 3507 GT was delivered new.
The 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta is a masterpiece of design and performance, a car that embodies the essence of Ferrari’s philosophy and heritage. It is a car that can thrill and delight the driver, whether on a winding road or on a challenging circuit. It is a car that can enchant and impress the observer, with its graceful and timeless beauty. It is a car that can inspire and captivate the collector, with its rarity and value.
While any 250 GT Berlinetta ought to be regarded as a top-tier collector car, having been sold by Gooding & Co. for $9.45 million, 3507 GT is undoubtedly a star among the best of them.
