The Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta is simply one of the most accomplished and historically significant models to ever emerge from the Maranello factory. It holds a place arguably second only to the 250 GTO in the grand pantheon of Ferrari GT cars. This crucial design, featuring a 2,400mm shortened wheelbase, provided the essential foundation for the subsequent GTO’s benchmark handling. The 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta represented the ultimate dual-purpose machine, equally at home on the world’s most challenging race circuits or traversing the winding coastal roads of Europe. Just 165 total SWB chassis were built, making any example a rare and coveted piece of automotive history.
The Genesis of a Grand Tourer
The name Short Wheelbase, or Passo Corto, refers to the model’s 200mm reduction compared to its predecessor. This change was integral to transforming the 250 GT into a world-beating race car and a sublime road-going machine. Indeed, the SWB was effectively a racing car engineered for conversion into an exhilarating road car. Its development was helmed by a team of legendary Italian engineers: Giotto Bizzarrini, Carlo Chiti, and Mauro Forghieri. Their focus was clearly on competition success from the project’s very beginning. Consequently, the model achieved remarkable results in top international events almost immediately.
Competition Dominance and Road Luxury
The 250 GT SWB Berlinetta registered back-to-back class wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Furthermore, it secured consecutive overall victories in the famous Tourist Trophy race. The car also clinched a hat-trick of overall wins in the gruelling Tour de France Automobile between 1960 and 1962. Ultimately, it amassed nearly 250 class and overall international victories during its official racing career. Ferrari built 90 examples with more solid steel bodywork, aimed at road use and designated as the Lusso specification. This particular chassis, 3367 GT, is one of just 77 steel-bodied LHD examples built, underscoring its inherent rarity and desirability as a road car.
Chassis 3367 GT: A Late-Production Example
This specific car, chassis number 3367 GT, was completed at Maranello in early 1962 as a second-series chassis. It was dispatched to Scaglietti’s coachworks for its exquisite Pininfarina-penned bodywork. As a late-production Lusso specification model, it was fitted with a steel body, although the bonnet, doors, and boot lid were aluminium. Like all Series 2 cars, it features a wider radiator grille and subtly reprofiled rear wheel arches. These small details distinguish it visually from the earlier production run of SWB models. The car was signed off by the factory on 30 March 1962 before its original delivery. Moreover, it retains all its crucial matching-numbers components today.
An Individual Commission and Provenance
The original owner, working through Ferrari agents Martinelli & Sonvico in Lugano, Switzerland, commissioned a distinctive colour scheme. The car was initially finished in Bianco Polo Park with a striking Rosso leather interior. This unique combination happily coincided with Switzerland’s national racing colours of white and red. It is believed to be the only steel-bodied SWB delivered new in these exact colours. Its documented history begins with its first Swiss owner near Lugano, where the car was actively used. Factory records show an impressive 25,676 kilometres on the odometer after just over a year of ownership. This early use highlights its original purpose as a thrilling and capable Grand Tourer.
The Long UK Custodianship
Following a brief period in Belgium and Italy, 3367 GT arrived in the UK in 1973. It was acquired by Peter Sugden, a successful London-based Ferrari enthusiast and a Director of Modena Engineering Limited. He retained the car for an extraordinary 34 years, during which time it underwent a transformation into a more sporting specification. Over the remainder of the 1970s, it was resprayed Rosso Chiaro and fitted with numerous ‘Comp’ features. These competition additions included an engine cold air scoop and flared rear wheel arches. Its Lusso-specification bumpers were removed, giving the car a more aggressive appearance suitable for track use. Mr Sugden frequently exercised the car on track, including four participations in the Historic Tour de France Automobile.
The Concours-Winning Restoration
In 2012, custody of 3367 GT passed to a leading UK Ferrari collector with exceptional attention to detail. This owner meticulously returned the car to its original road-going Lusso specification. He entrusted it to top specialists for an exacting restoration, resulting in its current stunning condition. The car was resprayed in the distinguished colour of Blu Notte Metallizzato. This was complemented by a full re-trim in luxurious red Connolly leather. These non-original, yet evocative colours were chosen as what the owner would have specified in 1962. The engine, gearbox, back axle, suspension, and brakes were all professionally rebuilt by renowned specialists.
Ferrari Classiche and Accolades
Gratifyingly, upon completion of this comprehensive work, 3367 GT was awarded the coveted Ferrari Classiche Red Book certification in January 2014. This crucial document confirms the car retains its original, or matching-numbers, chassis, body, engine, gearbox, and rear axle. The SWB’s first appearance at a concours event resulted in a class win at the Salon Privé Concours d’Elegance. A year later, it achieved the highest possible accolade, winning the prestigious Best in Show award at the 2015 Ferrari Owners Club Concours. This extraordinary pedigree is a testament to the quality and accuracy of the recent restoration efforts.
Engine Specifications and Performance
Power for this remarkable GT is delivered by the Tipo-168 3.0-litre V-12 engine, a unit derived from the mighty 250 Testa Rossa race car. This impressive V-12 powerhouse produces an output of approximately 280 horsepower. The engine is mated to a period-correct four-speed gearbox, essential for the authentic driving experience. Furthermore, the SWB was significant as the first production Ferrari to feature four-wheel disc brakes as standard equipment. This combination of a powerful V-12 engine, shortened chassis, and advanced braking created the ultimate “supercar” of its day. Its top speed was well over 150 miles per hour, a truly arresting performance level for the early 1960s.
A Superlative Example for Discerning Collectors
More than six decades after its launch, the stunning proportions and unparalleled versatility of the 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta secure its place as one of the all-time great automobiles. This particular example is further enhanced by its impeccable provenance and concours-winning history. The recent exacting restoration was carried out with a “no expense spared” philosophy, ensuring its exemplary condition. It comes complete with its Ferrari Classiche Red Book, original tool set, and owner’s manual. Chassis 3367 GT represents one of the finest, most historically accurate, and exquisitely presented SWBs offered for sale in recent times. This is undoubtedly a superlative example of this highly coveted Ferrari GT model.
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Source: rmsothebys.com
