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Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Tour de France
The Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Tour de France.
Vehicle Overview
The Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Tour de France, marks the inception of a model lineage that would come to define Ferrari’s grand touring competition philosophy in the late 1950s. Produced in 1956, the Series I represents the earliest form of the long-wheelbase (LWB) 250 GT Berlinetta, constructed in response to new FIA regulations emphasizing dual-purpose GT cars capable of both road use and endurance racing. Approximately 17 examples of the first series were constructed, each bodied in lightweight aluminum by Carrozzeria Scaglietti to a design executed by Pinin Farina. The chassis employed was the Tipo 508, with a wheelbase of 2,600 millimeters. At its core lay the Colombo-designed 3.0-liter V12 engine, Tipo 128, fed by triple Weber carburetors and producing approximately 240 horsepower in standard tune. The transmission was a four-speed manual unit, and the suspension configuration retained Ferrari’s traditional layout of independent front wishbones and a live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs. Drum brakes were fitted at all four corners. The Series I is visually distinguished by several defining features. Most notably, the rear sail panel bore a row of 14 vertical cooling louvres—an element unique to this initial series. The headlamps were fully faired and covered with Plexiglas, integrated into the fender contours with minimal disruption. The frontal styling was narrow and purposeful, with an oval grille aperture and understated auxiliary lamps. These early cars exhibited a clear lineage from the 250 MM and 375 MM berlinettas that preceded them, with more pronounced curvature and muscular fender forms. These first-series cars were constructed explicitly for competition, and many were entered into premier events such as the Tour de France Automobile, from which the model later derived its informal name. One example, chassis 0557 GT, driven by Alfonso de Portago, secured overall victory in the 1956 running of the event, establishing the model’s reputation and naming convention. Others competed with distinction at Le Mans, the Mille Miglia, and various Italian hillclimbs. The Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Tour de France stands as the archetype of Ferrari’s GT competition car: light, powerful, and adaptable. It inaugurated a lineage that balanced roadworthiness with race-winning performance, and laid the foundation for Ferrari’s dominance in the GT category throughout the following decade.
3D MODEL
Technical Specifications
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Year1956
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MakeFerrari
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Model250 GT
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CoachbuilderScaglietti
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Coachbuilder
Carrozzeria Scaglietti: The Coachbuilder of the Prancing Horse
Discover the legacy of Carrozzeria Scaglietti, the legendary Italian coachbuilder behind some of Ferrari’s most iconic designs. Explore its history, craftsmanship, and lasting impact on the world of automotive excellence.
