The Ferrari 250 Era
The Ferrari 250 Era
Ferrari’s 250 series cars were produced from 1952 to 1964 and are the brand’s first, legitimate entry into the world of post‑war sports cars. While Ferrari had been producing the 212 series in small numbers in the early 50’s, the 212’s successor would solidify the brand’s reputation as the premier manufacturer of front‑engine, V12 Berlinetta.
The 250 range, while an evolution of the same chassis and engine over the 12‑year production period, offered a continuity in the model range that Ferrari had not offered before. Cars like the 250 Monza and the ultimate 250 GTO were racing iterations of the very honed 250 chassis but still shared genes with their very different, four‑seat, grand‑touring cousin, the 250 GT/E 2+2.
With coachbuilders like Scaglietti, Pininfarina, Vignale, and even Ghia leaving their mark, the range was distinct due to the wide variety of coupe and convertible body styles. However, as with most 20th Century Ferrari’s, one must not forget the centerpiece of the driving experience: the engine.
The 250 series cars were gifted with the hall‑of‑fame worthy Colombo Tipo 125 V12, named after the renowned engine builder, Gioacchino Colombo. The V12’s small displacement and propensity for high revs made all 250 series cars’ feel exactly how Don Ferrari wanted them to feel: thoroughbred.
