Ferrari 250 GT SWB Tyres
Ferrari 250 GT Short Wheel Base 1959–1962
1962 - Ada Pace Racing a Ferrari 250GT SWB
- The SWB Ferrari 250 GT fitted either 5.5” RW 3591 or 6” RW 3690 Borrani wheels. The 5.5” was more common, but there are other options for racing.
- The 250 GT Berlinetta SWB cars that left the factory as road cars fitted 185 VR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67.
- Often as road cars these days people like to fit a wider 205/70 VR 15 Michelin XWX. It is worth pointing out that this modern low-profile tyre technology was not invented until 1968.
- Predominantly the Ferrari 250 GT Short Wheel Base is used on the track and they will want 15" Dunlop Racing Tyres (these tyres are not road legal, however).
- Wire wheels require innertubes in the tyres in order to function.
- For these tyres the Michelin 15F is the correct innertube.
- Tyre pressures are very difficult to recommend tyre pressures for cars like the Short wheelbase Ferrari 250 GT. We might suggest 28 front and 33 rear as a start, but if anyone has any data we would love to see it.
Ferrari 250 GT SWB Recommended Tyres
Other Options for Ferrari 250 GT SWB Tyres
History of the Ferrari 250 GT SWB
The 1959 250 GT Berlinetta SWB, one of the most renowned GT racers of its day, had a short (2,400 mm) wheelbase for superior handling. Steel and aluminium bodywork were utilised in the varying road ("lusso") and racing trims on the 176 examples produced. The engine output ranged from 237 to 276 horsepower.
Giotto Bizzarrini, Carlo Chiti, and young Mauro Forghieri worked on the development of the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta, the same group that eventually developed the 250 GTO. Disc brakes were a first for a Ferrari GT, and the combination of low weight, power, and well-tuned suspension made it highly competitive. It was introduced in October at the Paris Motor Show and soon began selling and racing.
Ferrari won the GT class of the 1961 Constructor's Championship with the SWB Berlinetta. Before giving way to the GTOs, he also won the Tour de France Automobile in 1960, 1961, and 1962. In 2004, Sports Car International ranked the 250 GT SWB seventh among the Top Sports Cars of the 1960s, while Motor Trend Classic ranked it fifth among the ten "Greatest Ferraris of All Time."
The first picture shows a Ferrari 250 GT SWB having it's tyres changed by Longstone Classic tyres when we were providing a classic tyre fitting service at Le Mans Classic. The car in the picture has got Dunlop Racing tyres fitted and the tyres people will choose to fit will be determined by the race series they are competing with.
However, though the majority of SWB 250 Gt Ferrari's these days will be set up for the track, in period if you wanted your Ferrari 250 GT SWB for the road it would have come fitted with 185 VR 15 PIRELLI CINTURATO CA67 tyres which was the original radial tyre fitted by Ferrari upon leaving the factory, and is still the best tyre to fit today.
As shown in the pictures above, the Ferrari 250 GT SWB can fit Borrani alloy rimmed wire wheels, a brilliant period alternative wheel that has a period-authentic look and unmatched quality. However, these wheels are not original equipment.
Borrani Wire Wheels
Borrani wheels are available for your Ferrari 250 GT SWB. As agents for the iconic Ruote Borrani Milano company we are able to supply all wheels from their extensive range.
If your Borrani wheels require rebuilding then please contact us at [email protected]
Ferrari 250 GT SWB wheels made by Ruote Borrani Milano are, without doubt, the best wire wheels available. Borrani wheels utilise aluminium rims, steel spokes and steel wheel centres.
Click the link for Ferrari 250 GT SWB Borrani wheels.
Wheels made by Borrani are available in the following styles:
- Painted silver finish, as per the racing wheels of the period
- Polished and chrome finish, highly polished rim, chrome spokes & wheel centre
- Painted finish with polished outer edge
