Ferrari 250 GT SWB

The 1959 250 GT SWB was a shorter version of the 250 GT, the SWB standing for Short Wheelbase Berniletta. This was to improve the car's agility for racing, and it worked. A year after its launch, British driver Stirling Moss took a SWB to victory at the Tourist Trophy race at Goodwood, England, and another SWB won the Tour of France. The car used a tubular steel chassis and, unusually, a live axle instead of de Dion rear. In conjunction with the double wishbone front with anti-roll bar, the set-up was very effective. To save weight there were plastic side windows and all-alloy panels for the racing cars, with the Lusso street versions having less use of alloy. Disc brakes were another first for Ferrari and vents in the nose section kept them cool. The engine had its spark plugs moved so the mechanics could access them easier, plus many eventually used six twin choke carbs.

Ferrari 250 GT SWB Specifications