www.QV500.com - Ferrari 250 GT TdF Berlinetta Part 2: 1957 - Series II

In November 1956, Ferrari began production of a slightly revised Tour de France that was most easily identifiable by its 14-louvre sail panels. Construction lasted only seven months during which time 12 were built. Mechanical changes were slight although more and more vehicles were now being fitted with the improved Tipo 508 B engines and 128 B chassis. Rather, it was subtle detail changes to the all alloy bodies that were the most clear cut changes, Scaglietti extending the nose and creasing the front wings on this first batch of 1957 cars. There was also a new engine-cooling scoop crafted onto the hood of every one of the ten second series machines clothed by Scaglietti, this forcing fresh air into a carburettor surround pan that was becoming increasingly fitted as standard.

Some of the most fundamental visual changes were made at the back where the large wraparound rear windscreen from series one cars had been greatly reduced in size to accomodate the new sail panel treatment. Re-profiled rear wings increased overhang and consequently gave a longer, lower appearance, the eight-hole engine vents of 1956 normally being replaced by a new six-hole arrangement. There were also more upright rear light clusters and distinctive chrome and rubber bumperettes, a pair of which were mounted front and rear.

According to customers wishes, engines and gearboxes could be tailored for anything from endurance racing to hillclimbing, some cars getting Testa Rossa-spec engines with lightweight pistons and connecting rods plus a set of six huge 38 DCN carburettors. As had been the case in 1956, two of these second series 250 GT's received bodywork by Zagato. Chassis 0665 GT featured a unique front-end treatment with covered headlights while 0689 GT was manufactured bereft of the cues that so typified Zagato designs. For example, there were few of the daring or advanced details the firm have become renowned for, not even a Double Bubble roof. By July 1957, the last second series Tour de France Berlinetta had been delivered, chassis numbers for all 12 of these cars are listed below:

250 GT LWB Tour de France Berlinetta Series II Chassis Index