www.QV500.com - Ferrari 250 LM Part 2: 250 LM of Special Interest

An interesting footnote to the 250 LM story comes in the form of a unique Stradale constructed by Pininfarina themselves plus a pair of period conversions carried out on existing LM's to make them more habitable road cars.

Known as the 250 LM Berlinetta Speciale, the first car was constructed on chassis 6025 LM in time for its show debut at the Paris Salon during October 1965. Designated the 250 LM Berlinetta Speciale, this officially sanctioned car featured a number of unique details over the standard LM although it was nevertheless little more than a thinly veiled racer. Aesthetic changes included a subtly re-profiled nose, supplementary light clusters, bumperettes and a redesigned tail facia featuring a smaller rear spoiler than the competition versions. Other unique features were a large ventilated Perspex fastback windscreen and louvred engine cooling vents on the flattened rear wings. Gullwing roof panels improved access to the cabin and were nicely integrated, the cockpit itself boasting electric windows, leather trim and improved soundproofing.

Shown in a brilliant white colour scheme with triple blue centre stripes, this Berlinetta Speciale encouraged the subsequent conversion of two further LM’s for road use. The first, 5903 LM, was modified at the behest of Tom Meade whilst Count Volpi di Misurata (of ATS Scuderia Serenissima) had 5995 LM similarly converted although both retained their original bodywork. Markedly more attractive chrome bumpers were fitted (quarter units at the front and a full width item at the rear) along with a similar fastback rear screen albeit lacking the vents of Pininfarina's original Speciale. Air conditioning and electric windows were also fitted.