www.QV500.com - Ferrari 250 Europa Part 2: 250 Europa GT

More compact and powerful, the Colombo unit (designated Tipo 112) was little more than a subtly de-tuned version of the motor seen in 250 Mille Miglia sports racing cars. Displacement was 2953cc thanks to a bore and stroke of 58.8mm x 73mm, but most importantly, output was markedly improved over the Lampredi unit with 220bhp on tap at 6500rpm. Compression was set at 9.0:1 and three twin choke Weber 36 DCZ carburettors fitted, the same 342 America-sourced four-speed gearbox remaining. This was Ferrari's first street car built with independent front suspension, however, although appearing on the first example (chassis 0357), it was only 0387 and the 15 subsequent cars that came equipped as such. Nevertheless, top speed was nearly 140mph while 0-60mph required little more than seven seconds. As before, Ferrari wanted this car to be built to a more standardised specification, particularly with regard to the appearance and the stock bodywork consequently remained very similar to the long wheelbase model. Customers requests for special detail alterations were still obliged though, one particularly well regarded client, Roman Ferrario, purchasing a pair of GT's with bespoke alterations.