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www.QV500.com - Ferrari 250 GT PF Part 5: 250 GT PF Cabriolet Series II |
 250 GT PF Cabriolet Series II chassis 3645 GT |
While the Series I 250 GT PF Cabriolet's covered in Part 1 had been the first standardised batch of Cabriolet's produced by Ferrari, total production had nevertheless amounted to just forty units. It wasn't until launching the Series II Cabriolet that Ferrari found genuine commercial success with an open-topped production machine, 201 having been built. As expected, the chassis and mechanical specification was very much like the Notchback Coupe. For example, the 2600mm wheelbase, Tipo 508 frame with independent front suspension and a live rear axle remained practically unchanged. |
| However unlike the Notchback, hydraulic disc brakes were fitted to Series II Cabriolet's from the outset (coinciding with their implementation on the Coupe), all but the earliest examples receiving outside plug Tipo 128 F engines as well. Power remained unchanged with 240bhp at 7000rpm, the compression being set at 8.8:1 and three twin choke Weber 38 DCN downdraught carburettors fitted. This endowed Ferrari's latest Cabriolet with a 140mph top speed and 0-60 sprint time of just over seven seconds. Once again, the four-speed with electronic overdrive gearbox remained unaltered. Pinin Farina’s bodywork was a simple Cabriolet transformation from the Coupe, both cars sharing almost identical dimensions apart from around the cabin. The Cabriolet did feature a mild kick-up just behind the doors whereas the Coupe had one smooth line from front to rear. If anything, the Cabriolet seemed even longer than the Coupe, it's lines being exaggerated by the lengthy rear overhang. Interior appointments were fundamentally the same. |
 250 GT PF Cabriolet Series II chassis 3645 GT |
Launched during October of 1959 at the Paris Salon, the Series II Cabriolet arrived twelve months after the Coupe to directly replace Ferrari's much more scarce Series I version. The new model attracted a far greater number of customers to Maranello and by the time production was discontinued in late 1962, 201 had been completed. Some developments were made during production although these were mainly subtle detail alterations. For example, a leather covered facia linking the dash to the transmission tunnel arrived during 1960 along with a variety of more minor changes. |
