1963 Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2

In production from 1960 to 1963 with 954 examples produced, the Pininfarina designed 250GTE was created to fulfil the demand for a 4 seater Ferrari coupe.  This was Ferrari’s first foray into production of four seater models on a large scale,  and it paid off financially during the 1960s for the Italian manufacturer. 

With a power output of 237bhp (177kw), the 250GTE was a fast and comfortable Ferrari, even if the rear seats were only usable by children.  The additional interior space had been achieved by moving the engine forward in the chassis by 20cm and increasing the rear overhang.

Series I

Unveiled in June of 1960 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans as the Race Director’s car (albeit still in prototype form), the Series I was available for purchase from October 1960 with a glamorous launch in the Paris Salon. 

Series II

From 1962 to 1963, the Series II really only updated the dashboard layout. 

Series III

Announced early in 1963, this update had more obvious changes.  The driving lights were moved to beneath the grille from within the grille for the Series I and II, while the rear taillights were mounted vertically instead of the other series’ smaller triple circular light arrangement.  Borrani RW3690 wheels replaced the Borrani RW3591 set used on both the previous series, although the tyres did not change from the standard Pirelli Cinturato 185VR15 tyres (CA67).  Finally, a higher compression ratio of 9.2:1 was used in the powerplant instead of the original 8.8:1.  

The final 50

The final 50 models were sold as the Ferrari 330 America and equipped with a new 4 litre engine.

Powerplant

Designed by Colombo, all 250 GTE models had a V12 2963cc SOHC engine producing 237 bhp at 7,000 rpm.  Triple downdraft Weber carburetors provided the fuel.

Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 – Vital Statistics