Ferrari 250 GTO
When the 250 GTO appeared in February 1962, Enzo Ferrari wanted the FlA (the ruling body of motorsport) to believe that it was a variant of another famous 250, the 250 SWB (Short Wheelbase Berlinetta). That would mean that fewer cars would have to be produced to satisfy homologation for racing - the GTO’s intended role. ln fact the GTO was clearly a different car; the chassis was more complicated, being more of a spaceframe than the simpler ladder frame of the SWB, and the body differed in shape and dimensions. ln a way it’s a shame that the FIA were convinced; had they not been, Ferrari may have been forced to produce more of this amazing design.
Specification
1964 Ferrari 250 GTO
ENGINE
Type: V12, overhead-cam
Construction: iight-alloy block and heads, seven main bearings
Bore *stroke: 73.0 mm x 58.8 mm
Displacement: 2953 cc
Compression ratio: 9.5:1
Valve gear: two valves per cylinder, operated via single overhead camshaft per bank of cylinders
Fuel system: six Weber 38 DCN twin-choke carburettors
ignition: mechanical, twin distributors
Maximum power: 300 bhp at 7,500 rpm
Maximum torque: 250 lb it at 5,500 rpm
TRANSMISSION
Type: five-speed manual
Ratios: 1 st 2.99 :1
2nd 1.99:1
3rd 1.44:1
4th 1.17 :1
5th 1.00:1
Final drive ratio: eight different ratios available,between 3.55:1 and 4.85: 1; test
car fitted with 4.25:1 ratio, givinglower top speed but better acceleration
BODY/CHASSIS
Type: muiti-tubuiar steel spaceframechassis with aluminium two-seater bodywork
RUNNING GEAR
Steering: ZF worm and sector, three turns
lock-to~|ock
Suspension: front: independent with doubie
wishbones, coil springs, telescopic
dampers and anti-roli bar
rear: live axle with semi—eIliptic leaf
springs, trailing arms, telescopic
dampers and Watt linkage
Brakes: Dunlop discs front and rear
Wheels: Borrani 81/2L x 15-in wire wheels
Tyres: 8.00 *15-in front, 8.50 *15-in rear
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Length: 189.3 in (4300 mm)
Width: 70.0 in (1778 mm}
Height: 48.0 in (1188 mm)
Wheelbase: 94.5 in (2400 mm}
Track: 58.9 in (1445 mm) front,
58.7 in (1441 mm} rear
Kerb weight: 2,374 Ib (1077 kg)
Weight distribution: 48.4% front, 53.8% rear
Fuel capacity: 29.2 gallons
PERFORMANCE
Acceleration: 0-30 mph 2.5 sec
0-40 mph 3.9 sec
0-50 mph 4.9 sec
0-80 mph 5.8 sec
0-70 mph 7.8 sec
0-80 mph 9.0 sec
0-90 mph 10.9 sec
0-100 mph 12.7 sec
0-110 mph 14.8 sec
Standing 1/4 mile: 14.4 sec
Maximum speed: 144 mph (232 km/h)(other final drive ratios would give
top speeds of up to 175 mph)
Overall fuel .
consumption: 18 mpg
Price (1964}: $23,000
