Fantasy Junction

Description

1961 Ferrari 250 GT Short Wheelbase Berlinetta Recreation
s/n 3251, engine no. 3251
Blue Chario with Cream Leather

Ferrari sports racing cars of the 1950s and 1960s are among the most desirable, beautiful, and valuable cars in existence. Dominant in racing, a pleasure to drive, and highly collectible, they are the holy grail in the collector car sphere and are now so valuable that they are rarely used, depriving the public and their owners of the joy of experiencing them. Consequently, high-quality reconfigurations using Ferrari mechanical components and faithfully recreate the construction of the original cars have garnered the interest of Ferrari enthusiasts and collectors seeking the experience of some of the most significant automobiles ever constructed without the multi-million dollar price tags.

The SWB is one of the most desirable and iconic vintage Ferraris, representing one of the last competition-oriented cars that could also be used on the street. Highly effective GT racing cars, the SWB was clothed in stunning lightweight bodywork styled by Pininfarina, had disc brakes for the first time on a Ferrari, and was powered by Ferrari’s venerable 3 liter V12 producing nearly 300hp in competition tune. The chassis was capable and well-sorted and the combination made for an outstanding competition car. Indeed the SWB won Ferrari the 1961 GT Class Constructor’s Championship and laid the groundwork for its legendary successor: the 250 GTO.

This particular car captures the ethos of the SWB, providing a visceral aesthetic and driving experience that feels very special. Commissioned by a well-known Southern California collector, this all alloy bodied car was built by the late Chris Lawrence, whose shop, Wymondham Engineering in Norfolk, England, was widely regarded as one of the best in the world for these types of recreations. It was among the last cars built before Lawrence’s death in 2006. Built on a 250 GTE Series II, this car retains its matching-numbers engine and functioning overdrive transmission, which adds a layer of usability that is welcome. After this car’s completion, it was displayed at Ferrari World in Dubai, and is now with a collector in the United States.

Cosmetically, the car makes a strong impression. It was built to high standards, and remains very nice, with a few nicks and light pitting to the door handle chrome, but very little else in the way of aging or wear. The paintwork was done to high standards, the body is straight with good fit and gaps, and the accuracy and authenticity of the car is impressive. The glass and lights are in excellent shape, and the car is equipped with Marchal headlights and fog lamps. There is light crazing present to the rear window, which is Plexiglas. The Borrani wire wheels are in excellent shape and wear Michelin XWX tires.

The interior is mellowing nicely, with excellent leather and carpets showing the lightest of wearing in. The dashboard is excellent, including the instruments, all of which function properly. The wood steering wheel is equally nice, as is all remaining upholstery such as the dash pad and perforated headliner. The chrome is generally very good to excellent, with minor pitting in some places and some de-silvering at the edges of the rear view mirror. The car has been fitted with air conditioning, which has a modern compressor and works very well. This, coupled with the overdrive and fully trimmed interior provide a few functional/usability concessions that improve the experience of this car meaningfully.

The engine compartment is evocative and quite correct with its black-painted Weber 40 DCL6 carburetors (correct for a factory-build alloy 250 GT SWB Competition model) topped by velocity stacks and black wrinkle finished valve covers. The engine compartment is generally tidy with light soiling associated with use, but nothing needed beyond a comprehensive detail if the new owner wishes to show the car. Otherwise, it is great as-is, with no obvious leaks or other issues needing to be resolved. The trunk is trimmed with vinyl and houses a full size spare wheel, also with XWX tire. The jack is in place and the car comes with bumpers and mufflers which can be installed to make the car quieter.

The car is extremely evocative to drive, and works beautifully. The engine starts easily and sounds phenomenal thanks to its straight pipes and velocity stacks. When recently tested, leak down readings were at or below 3%, according to the seller. The motor is tractable and the clutch is easy to modulate and not too heavy. The gear-shift is robust and confidence inspiring, with excellent synchromesh. The brakes have unusually good initial bite and are effective. The steering is tight and communicative, and not too heavy. The chassis is also tight, giving the driver a sense of confidence that inspires enthusiastic driving and isn’t always present in old cars. The ride is firm with well-controlled body motions and the collective result of these attributes is a satisfying driver’s car that would be ideal for events.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire an all alloy bodied, well-sorted and usable SWB recreation. Registered as a 1961 Ferrari, this car has its original engine and would be eligible for any event for which a 1962 250 GTE would be, and increasingly, more events as these recreations become increasingly appealing as original Ferraris becoming increasingly costly. A pleasure to drive, the car would make an interesting and enjoyable event car and looks stunning in its lovely color combination. Included with the sale is the full alloy bumper set (front and rear), a matching spare Borrani wire wheel, a period correct jack, and a small tool roll. The car represents strong value, providing a substantially similar experience to a genuine SWB (but with AC and overdrive) at a small fraction of the price.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608