www.QV500.com - Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder Part 4: SWB Competizione

A number of competition modifications for the SWB California could be specified by clients, all of which were fitted to the first short wheelbase Competizione, chassis 2015 GT. Ordered new by Luigi Chinetti’s NART for the 1960 Le Mans 24 Hour race, it was one of the highest specification California's ever built. There was a lightweight all aluminium body, an oversized 120-litre fuel tank with Monza quick fuel filler and a competition spec Tipo 168 B engine. This was fitted with hot 130 cams, six 40 DCL carburettors, velocity stacks and a cold air pan. Providing 280bhp, this factory hot rod was more than a match for most SWB Berlinetta's. Compression was increased to 9.5:1 and this comprehensive specification was largely repeated on chassis’ 2383 GT for Ernst Lautenschlager.

Chassis 2987 GT, meanwhile, featured just a lightweight body and was otherwise standard. It will come as no surprise to learn that a number of steel-bodied California's also received some competition inspired upgrades from the factory at the request of their first owners, most changes being carried out to engines. To ascertain the exact original specification of any particular 250 GT California, check the original build sheets. Furthermore, an interesting footnote to the SWB California Competizione saga was Pininfarina's one off Spyder manufactured on the third SWB chassis constructed (1737 GT). Bearing some resemblance to the California model, this new car looked somewhat ungainly and a little uncomfortable upon it's debut at the 1960 Geneva Motor Show. Bodied in aluminium and fitted with the latest specification Tipo 168 engine to full competition specification, many consider this to have been a prototype SWB California. Chassis numbers of what are considered to be the only three genuine SWB Competizione California's built are listed below:

250 GT SWB California Competizione Chassis Index