Few cars in Ferrari’s history hold as much intrigue as the Ferrari 250 GT Interim—a rare and fascinating link between two legends, the 250 GT 2+2 and the 250 GT SWB (Short Wheelbase). Produced in the late 1950s, this model embodied Ferrari’s transition from early grand tourers to race-bred sports cars, blending cutting-edge engineering with unmistakable Italian craftsmanship.
The story of the 250 GT Interim begins with Enzo Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of speed and innovation. Pinin Farina was entrusted with designing the new Berlinetta, but before its final iteration was ready, Ferrari wanted real-world testing at high speeds. Il Commendatore, never one for waiting, ordered Pinin Farina and Scaglietti to fit an early development of the SWB’s coachwork onto the existing 250 GT LWB chassis (with its 2,600mm wheelbase) ahead of the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans.
With an extra 200mm in wheelbase compared to the later SWB Berlinetta, the Interim was slightly less cohesive in its proportions. However, it remained a strikingly elegant machine, blending the grace of classic Ferrari grand tourers with the aggressive stance of a future racing legend. But just three months after its debut, the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta stole the spotlight at the Paris Motor Show, offering a more compact design and the advantage of disc brakes. This left the Interim swiftly overshadowed in competition, with most of the limited-production models instead becoming fast road cars for a select group of elite owners.
Even today, the 250 GT Interim remains one of Ferrari’s most sought-after classics, not just for its rarity but for the way it encapsulates a golden era of automotive performance and design.
Engineering Excellence: The Heart of the 250 GT Interim
At its core, the 250 GT Interim was a machine built for performance. Under the hood lay Ferrari’s legendary 60° V12 engine, an aluminum masterpiece that combined lightweight construction with raw power. The engine, designed by Gioachino Colombo, featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) per bank, a bore and stroke of 73 x 58.8 mm, and a total displacement of 2,953 cc. With a compression ratio of 8.5:1, it delivered an impressive 240 horsepower at 7,000 rpm—blistering figures for its time.
This power was channeled through a four-speed manual gearbox, offering precise, mechanical shifts that made the car a joy to drive on both road and track. A multi-plate clutch ensured smooth power delivery, while the rear-wheel-drive layout with a conventional differential maximized traction.
Ferrari’s engineers also paid special attention to handling. The front suspension featured an independent double-wishbone setup with coil springs, providing exceptional responsiveness and comfort. At the rear, a live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs balanced agility with stability. With a wheelbase of 2,600 mm and a curb weight of just 1,050 kg, the 250 GT Interim had the perfect formula for both long-distance touring and high-speed racing.
Form Meets Function: Pininfarina & Scaglietti’s Masterpiece
Every Ferrari tells a story through its design, and the Ferrari 250 GT Interim was no exception. Styled by the legendary Pinin Farina and crafted by Scaglietti, it struck a perfect balance between elegance and aerodynamics.
The body, composed of lightweight aluminum panels, reduced weight while maintaining rigidity—essential for competitive driving. The graceful curves, the low-slung stance, and the signature Pininfarina grille made the Interim an instant head-turner. But this was not merely a car for admiration—it was built for speed.
Many of these cars were raced, proving their worth in gruelling endurance competitions. Their 100-liter fuel tanks allowed for extended stints on the track, while the carefully tuned aerodynamics kept them stable at high speeds.
Despite its track-focused nature, the 250 GT Interim never sacrificed luxury. The handcrafted interiors, premium materials, and meticulous attention to detail ensured that even at full throttle, the driver was surrounded by the finest Italian craftsmanship.
Chassis Legends: The Racing Pedigree of the Ferrari 250 GT Interim
While the Ferrari 250 GT Interim was a bridge between two legendary models, its real-world impact was anything but temporary. Each chassis carried its own story, filled with racing triumphs, near misses, and enduring legacy. From Le Mans to Monza, these machines proved their worth on the track before becoming prized possessions in the collector world.
Chassis 1377GT – The Venezuelan Racer
Born as a left-hand drive (LHD) all-alloy Berlinetta, Chassis 1377GT was finished in Max Meyer white with red accents and powered by a 128 DF V12 engine. It was one of the earliest Interims, designed to test Ferrari’s evolving engineering under race conditions.
The car made an immediate impact in motorsport, delivered new to Lino Fayen of Caracas, Venezuela, in May 1959. That same year, it entered the 24 Hours of Le Mans, driven by Fayen and Gino Munaron, where it finished an impressive 6th overall and 4th in the 3.0-liter GT class. It later claimed victory at the GP Ojeda City in November 1959, though it suffered mechanical failure at the 1960 GP Cuba.
Today, 1377GT has transformed from a race warrior to a Concours d’Elegance darling, winning Best in Class – Ferrari at Amelia Island 2019 under the stewardship of the Luigi Chinetti Revocable Trust (Coco Chinetti).
Chassis 1461GT – The Le Mans Contender
Another Scaglietti-built all-alloy LHD model, 1461GT stood out with its Giallo Fly (yellow) exterior and Nero (black) interior. Equipped with a 128F engine and sliding plexiglass side windows, it was delivered to Ferrari’s North American importer, Luigi Chinetti, in 1959.
That same year, it made an unforgettable debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, piloted by André Pilette and George Arents. Against fierce competition, it finished 4th overall and 2nd in the 3.0-liter GT class, proving the Interim’s capabilities against the era’s best.
Following its Le Mans success, 1461GT continued to race in high-profile events, including the FIA Double 400 Kilometers at Bridgehampton and the Tour de France Automobile. Decades later, it cemented its status as a collector’s jewel, winning Best of Show at the Cavallino Classic 2022 with a perfect 100-point score.
Chassis 1465GT – The Long-Distance Fighter
With its origins in Italy under the ownership of U. Satori, 1465GT never made it to the Tour de France in 1959, but it didn’t take long for it to see competition. Upgraded with Amadori disc brakes, it raced in historic events like the Oldtimer Grand Prix at Nürburgring in 1978 and 1979.
By the 1980s, it had joined the CSAI Cup, securing 7th overall in the GTS class at Monza. In the 2000s, it continued its racing career in historic events, regularly appearing at Monterey Historic Races and Lime Rock Park Historics Festival, keeping its motorsport spirit alive.
Chassis 1509GT – The Tour de France Survivor
1509GT is best remembered for its dramatic 1959 Tour de France Automobile entry, driven by French racing ace Jo Schlesser. Unfortunately, its campaign ended prematurely when Schlesser crashed into a river, cutting short what could have been a triumphant run.
However, the car quickly bounced back, making strong showings in prestigious events like the 1000km Nürburgring and GP Rouen in 1960. It later participated in the Tourist Trophy at Goodwood, proving its endurance and capability.
In the collector world, 1509GT remains a blue-chip classic, securing top honors at the Cavallino Classic in 2015. That same year, it was auctioned at Bonhams Quail Lodge, fetching an impressive $8.5 million.
Chassis 1519GT – The Versatile Competitor
Another Tour de France standout, 1519GT took 3rd overall and 3rd in the GT category in the 1959 running of the race, driven by Jean-Pierre Schild and Roger de Lageneste. Its racing success continued at Montlhéry’s Coupe du Salon, where it claimed victory in October 1959.
The Ferrari 250 GT Interim later crossed the Atlantic, where it became a dominant force in SCCA events across the United States, racking up wins in both regional and national competitions. After an extensive restoration in the 2010s, it returned to the spotlight, winning multiple awards at the 2015 Cavallino Classic, including Excellence in Class at Mar-a-Lago.
Chassis 1521GT – The Belgian Racer
Delivered new in Metallic Silver Grey, 1521GT quickly became a force to be reckoned with in European racing. Piloted by Pierre Dumay, it finished 7th overall in the 1959 Tour de France Automobile, then secured victories at the Circuit de Vitesse de Staoueli and Constantine Hill.
Dumay continued to race the car into 1960, claiming wins in the Rallye Alger-Hassi Messaoud-Alger and scoring podium finishes at Monza and Nürburgring. Years later, 1521GT made a grand appearance at Pebble Beach in 2007, securing 3rd in class, and became a star of Ferrari’s 70th Anniversary celebrations in 2017.
Chassis 1523GT – The Champion Cut Short
Perhaps the most legendary of all the 250 GT Interims, 1523GT carved its name in history by winning the 1959 Tour de France Automobile outright, with Olivier Gendebien and Lucien Bianchi behind the wheel. It continued to dominate in 1960, winning at Côte de la Roche and securing podiums at Monza and Nürburgring.
Tragically, its career was cut short after a devastating crash at the 1961 GP de Spa. Though the car was rebuilt, its racing days were over. However, parts of 1523GT continued to live on, and its legacy remains firmly intact. Today, it is celebrated as one of the most successful and historically significant Interims, a true legend of Ferrari’s golden era.
A Legacy That Endures
Though the Ferrari 250 GT Interim was conceived as a temporary solution, its impact was anything but fleeting. These rare Berlinettas not only bridged the gap between the LWB and SWB models but also proved their mettle on the racetrack, earning podiums at Le Mans, Tour de France, and Nürburgring. Today, each surviving example tells a story of speed, endurance, and exclusivity, making them some of the most sought-after Ferraris in history. Whether tearing through circuits in the golden age of GT racing or gracing the lawns of prestigious concours events, the 250 GT Interim remains a symbol of Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of perfection—a true legend of Maranello.
