Ferrari 250
Ferrari 250 Tyres
Radial Tyres
15" Rim Size
| Click to View Tread | Diameter (mm) |
Section Width (mm) |
Whitewall (mm) |
Price (ex VAT) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 185VR15 Michelin XVS | 675 | 186 | £223.50 | ||
| 185VR15 Avon Turbosteel | 676 | 182 | £179.50 | ||
| 185VR15 Dunlop SP Sport | 674 | 188 | £159.50 |
16" Rim Size
| Click to View Tread | Diameter (mm) |
Section Width (mm) |
Whitewall (mm) |
Price (ex VAT) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600WR16 Michelin Pilote X | 708 | 190 | £289.00 | ||
| 185VR16 Avon Turbosteel | 690 | 185 | £179.00 | ||
| 185SR16 Michelin X | 707 | 180 | £189.50 |
The Classic 250 Ferrari originally fitted either a 185VR16 classic tyre or a 185VR15 tyre. In both of these the Pirelli Cinturato ™ is the most original tyre!
Ferrari 250 History
Ferrari first started production of the beautiful 250 series in 1952, production of the Ferrari 250 line continued until the 1960s.
The first of Ferraris wonderful creations was the 250s introduced in 1952 with a ground breaking 3 litre engine that created around 230hp. In 1953 at the Paris motor show Ferrari introduced another classic, the fabulous Ferrari 250 Europa and also the Ferrari 250 Export. These two cars were powered by the V12 Lampredi engine that had also been used in formula 1 Ferraris. The 250 Export was the shorter of the two Ferraris making it slightly more nimble but it did not have the luxuries of the 250 Europa. The Europa, being slightly larger, was able to offer more interior room, whilst still having the almighty power of the V12. Sadly the production of these did not last all that long and only 18 examples were made.
Shortly after, in 1954, Ferrari built four racing 250 Monza Ferraris. These were similar to the well known classic 750 Monza Ferrari but were powered by the impressive 3 litre Colombo engine.
Three years later, at the 1957 Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari released their latest model, the 250 GT cabriolet. The Ferrari 250 Cabriolet was a very pretty looking car featuring coachwork by Pininfarina. Only 36 cars had been made when, in 1959, a revised edition of the Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet series was introduced.
In 1957 Ferrari introduced the 250 GT Berlinetta Tour De France (TDF). The Ferrari was called this as it was built to take part in the ten day race of the same name. The Ferrari would have produced in the region of 240 horsepower but it was later modified to produce a huge 260 horse power making the Ferrari very competitive. Also during 1957 Ferrari produced the 250 GT California Spyder, this car was designed to be as light as possible so aluminium was used throughout most of the car. Ferrari only produced 45 examples as the SWB version was to replace it in 1960.
Altogether Ferrari produced 250 of the 250 GT Berlinetta SWB. The production of this brilliant Ferrari started in 1959 using a short, sporty wheelbase. Some of these cars were built for racing teams and others were for the daily school run. Horsepower played a big part in this Ferrari with outputs ranging from 240 to 280hp, you also had the choice of steel or aluminium bodies. The steel body was more suited for the road going Ferrari, this car was also known as the lusso. The racing vehicles (not for taking the kids to school in) had no luxuries and featured racing trim. This Ferrari was more powerful and a lot lighter than the Lusso. The Ferrari 250 SWB was very competitive and was regarded by many people as one of the most important GT racers of its time. In 1961 the SWB Berlinetta Ferrari captured the GT class of constructors? championship. Meanwhile in 1960 Ferrari introduced the 250 GT California Spyder SWB, this Ferrari was shown at Geneva motor show, and replaced the LWB and was based on the Ferrari 250 GT SWB there were only around 56 of these models made.
In amongst all of this Ferrari had produced the 250 TR, standing for TestaRossa (or red head due to the red finish of the cam covers) between 1957 and 1958, there were only 19 250 TR Ferraris produced. This Ferrari had a "pontoon" body designed by Scaglietti and was fitted with a Colombo V12 engine mounted with a 60 degree angle and six Webber 38 DCN carburettors. This magnificent engine powered the rear wheels through a four speed manual gear box and produced an almighty 300 horse power giving the 250 TR Ferrari a top speed of 168mph. From 1958 to 1961 the 250 TR was entered in 19 championship races were Ferrari became victors of ten of those races.
The Chris Evans Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder
One the most recognized Ferrari 250 GT Califonia Spyders must be the ex James Coburn car that was bought by Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans for a world record breaking auction price in 2008.
As soon as the car was purchased it was thouroughly overhauled by a world class Ferrari Specialist and this inluded the fitment of new Pirelli Cinturato ™ tyres supplied by Longstone Classic Tyres, as you can see in the picture above...
This car was the 13th 250 GT SWB California Spyder built and was supplied to its first owner in 1961. James Coburn bought the car secondhand in 1964 shortly after completing "The Great Escape"
The car was tuned by Max Balchowsky of Hollywood Motors, a man of fine reputation in the States having competed very succesfully with his homebuilt "Old Yeller" race cars. His garage was a hang out for the real car men of Hollywood, with Coburns film friends Steve McQueen and James Garner being regular visitors.
During his tenure Coburn changed the colour of the car 3 times, from dark blue through to silver and finally to burgandy. When Mr Evans purchased the car it had been repainted in its original Nero Black.
250 Ferrari Wheels
If you require new Borrani wire wheels for your Ferrari then please click here for information on Borrani wire wheels.
Longstone Tyres accept all major credit cards
Comprehensive range, Search by size
Request Your Free Poster of the Famous Longstone Girl
Visit Prewar Cars if you have a moment!
 |
 |
 |
Tel: +44 (0) 1302 714 072 | Email: info@longstonetyres.co.uk | Copyright © (2000 - ) Longstone Tyres Ltd |
Tel: +44 (0) 1302 714 072
E Mail: info@longstonetyres.co.uk