Ferrari 250 GT SWB Bertone

Vehicle Overview

The Ferrari 250 GT SWB Bertone, chassis #3269GT, stands as a true one-of-a-kind in Ferrari’s storied history of grand tourers. This exceptional model, often referred to as the “Speciale,” was crafted exclusively for Nuccio Bertone, one of Italy’s most renowned automotive designers, and was intended for his personal collection. To bring this vision to life, Bertone tapped a young Giorgetto Giugiaro, who would go on to become one of the most influential car designers of the 20th century. Giugiaro’s design for the 250 GT SWB was inspired by the striking shark-nosed Ferrari racers of the early 1960s, specifically the 156 F1 and the 330 TRI LM. This influence is evident in the car’s aggressive, angular front end, which distinguished it from the smoother, more conservative lines of the standard 250 GT SWB designed by Pininfarina. Giugiaro infused the design with a bold character that set it apart, giving it an assertive look that paid homage to Ferrari’s racing legacy while also introducing fresh design elements. The car debuted at the 1962 Geneva Motor Show, immediately capturing the attention of attendees with its striking appearance. The “Speciale” featured an entirely bespoke body that broke from the familiar aesthetic of other 250 GT SWB models. Its burgundy leather interior also reflected a level of luxury that surpassed Ferrari’s standard offerings, providing Bertone with a truly refined, personalized grand tourer. The plush, meticulously crafted interior underscored the car’s dual personality as both a high-performance machine and a luxurious vehicle for long-distance touring. The Ferrari 250 GT SWB Bertone “Speciale” remains celebrated not only for its rarity but also for the unique collaboration between Bertone and Giugiaro, marking a rare departure from Pininfarina’s design language. As a result, this one-off car continues to be a fascinating chapter in Ferrari’s legacy, representing a perfect fusion of Italian design artistry and racing-inspired engineering. Its iconic appearance and luxurious details ensure its status as one of the most distinctive and revered Ferraris ever built.