Ferrari 250 GT SWB
The ultimate dual-purpose Ferrari, blending road-going elegance with track-dominating performance.
- Power
- 240 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 6.2 s
- Top speed
- 167 mph
- Est. value
- $6m–$11m
About the Ferrari 250 GT SWB
The 250 GT SWB (Short Wheelbase) is widely regarded as one of the greatest Ferraris ever built, representing the pinnacle of the front-engined V12 era. Designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti, it was the first Ferrari road car to be equipped with disc brakes as standard. The 'Passo Corto' chassis was 200mm shorter than the preceding 'Tour de France' model, significantly improving agility and handling. It was a true dual-purpose machine, capable of being driven to a circuit, winning its class at Le Mans, and being driven home again. Collectors prize the SWB for its perfect proportions, mechanical purity, and its status as the direct predecessor to the 250 GTO.
Ferrari 250 GT SWB specs
The Ferrari 250 GT SWB produces 240 bhp (179 kW) and 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and has a top speed of 167 mph (268 km/h).
| Make | Ferrari |
|---|---|
| Model | 250 GT SWB |
| Trim | 250 GT SWB Berlinetta |
| Years | 1959–1962 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | Italy |
| Production | About 165 built |
| Original price | About $13,000 when new |
| Engine | 3.0-litre V12 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,953 cc (3.0 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 240 bhp (179 kW) at 7,000 rpm |
| Torque | 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 7,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 6.2 s |
| Top speed | 167 mph (268 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,020 kg (2,249 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 235 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Ferrari 250 GT SWB worth?
A typical Ferrari 250 GT SWB is estimated to be worth $6,000,000 – $11,000,000 (about £4,470,000 – £8,200,000).
Its original price when new was about $13,000.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Ferrari 250 GT SWB rarity in CarSpot
The Ferrari 250 GT SWB is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 100 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Ferrari 250 GT SWB fun facts
- The 250 GT SWB swept the first four places in the GT class at the 1960 Le Mans 24 Hours.
- Steel-bodied 'Lusso' versions were intended for the road, while aluminium-bodied 'Competizione' cars were built for racing with higher-output engines.
- Sir Stirling Moss famously drove a Rob Walker-entered SWB to victory in the 1960 and 1961 Tourist Trophy races at Goodwood.
