The Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet, produced between 1957 and 1962, marked a pivotal moment in Ferrari’s production history. This period saw a distinct shift from the company’s focus on purely performance-oriented sports cars towards a more luxurious and comfortable driving experience, catering to a wider audience. The genesis of this shift can be traced back to the success of the 250 GT Spider California, a car renowned for its raw speed and agility. However, Ferrari recognized the need for a more refined offering, a car that could seamlessly blend performance with elegance and practicality. The 250 GT Cabriolet was born from this vision.
The Cabriolet’s design differed significantly from the typical Ferrari sports cars of the time. While spider-bodied Ferraris were gaining traction, true convertible models with folding soft tops were uncommon. The launch of the Cabriolet, specifically the 1956 Geneva Salon-presented 250 GT Cabriolet (chassis 0461GT) by Carrozzeria Boano, marked a turning point. It ushered in a new era of open-top Ferraris, offering a luxurious and comfortable driving experience while retaining Ferrari’s inherent performance and prestige.
The Cabriolet’s Design and Construction
The Cabriolet’s foundation was built upon the same 2600 mm wheelbase chassis as the contemporary 250 GT ‘Boano’ and ‘Ellena’ coupes, designated as 508C by the factory. All shared the same chassis numbering system, using odd numbers with a ‘GT’ suffix, and retained identical mechanical components, including suspension, brakes, and steering. This ensured a robust and reliable performance while offering a more refined and luxurious driving experience thanks to the Cabriolet’s unique design.
The Cabriolet’s design was a departure from the typical Ferrari sports cars of the time. While spider-bodied Ferraris were gaining popularity, true convertible models with folding soft tops were rare. The launch of the Cabriolet, specifically the 1956 Geneva Salon-presented 250 GT Cabriolet (chassis 0461GT) by Carrozzeria Boano, marked a turning point, ushering in a new era of open-top Ferraris.
The Two Series: Evolution and Refinement
The 250 GT Cabriolet’s production spanned two distinct series, each reflecting a refinement in design and engineering:
Series 1 (1957-1959)
The first series, produced between 1957 and 1959, featured a distinctive design with vertical bumpers, two long-range headlamps, and a luxurious interior. These cars were hand-built, each reflecting the individual preferences of its wealthy owner. The Series 1 is a testament to the bespoke nature of early Ferraris, where every detail was meticulously crafted.
Series 2 (1959-1962)
The second series, produced between 1959 and 1962, saw significant improvements in design and production. The Series 2 incorporated a higher windshield, larger side windows, increased rear passenger space, and a more refined soft top. This iteration reflected a shift towards a more standardized production process, enabling Ferrari to increase output while maintaining the car’s luxury and performance.
The Powerhouse: The Colombo V12 Engine
The 250 GT Cabriolet was powered by Ferrari’s legendary 3.0-liter Colombo V12 engine, a masterpiece of engineering that produced 240 horsepower. The engine’s design, with its four overhead camshafts and dual spark plugs, ensured a smooth and powerful delivery of power.
The Series 2 saw enhancements to the engine, including external spark plugs and independent intake ducts, which further improved performance. These modifications resulted in a top speed of 240 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in around 7.1 seconds.
The 1957 Ferrari 250 GT PF Cabriolet Series 1, Chassis Number 0735: A Historical Gem
The 1957 Ferrari 250 GT PF Cabriolet Series 1, chassis number 0735, stands out as a rare and highly desirable classic car. One of only 40 examples made, it holds a unique position in automotive history. This particular car is the actual 1957 Frankfurt Motor Show car, showcasing the pinnacle of Italian craftsmanship and exclusivity.
Pininfarina’s Influence: A Departure from the Norm
The 250 GT Cabriolet marked a departure from Ferrari’s usual collaboration with Scaglietti, the renowned coachbuilder responsible for the iconic 250 GT coupes and spiders. Instead, Ferrari turned to Pinin Farina, another legendary Italian coachbuilder, to design and body the Cabriolet. This collaboration resulted in a unique and elegant design that captured the spirit of luxury and performance synonymous with Ferrari.
A Legacy of Elegance and Performance
The 250 GT Cabriolet solidified Ferrari’s commitment to a diverse range of models, catering to different driving preferences. While the Spider California offered a pure sports car experience, the Cabriolet provided a more elegant and comfortable ride, ideal for enjoying the open road.
Despite being overshadowed in popularity by the sportier 250 GT California Spyder, the 250 GT Cabriolet remains a highly sought-after collector’s car, appreciated for its elegance, performance, and historical significance.
Key Points: The Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Pinin Farina
Here are 20 key points about the Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Pinin Farina:
Prestige sports car: Introduced in 1957, the Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Pinin Farina was a luxurious sports car for the discerning driver.
Designed by Pinin Farina: The renowned Italian coachbuilder, Pinin Farina, designed and bodied the car, a departure from Ferrari’s usual collaboration with Scaglietti.
Ferrari’s first mass-produced cabriolet: The 250 GT Cabriolet was the first series-produced convertible by Ferrari, marking a shift in their production strategy.
Two production series: The car was produced in two series: the first (1957-1959) with around 30 units and the second (1959-1962) with around 200 units.
Part of Ferrari’s shift towards luxury: The 250 GT Cabriolet represented Ferrari’s move towards producing more luxurious and “standardized” cars, aiming for greater financial success.
Evolution from exhibition models: The 250 GT Cabriolet evolved from a series of exhibition models, with Pinin Farina’s 1953 “Ariowitch” being the first.
Based on 250 GT platform: The Cabriolet was built on the chassis of the 250 GT Boano/Ellena and later the 250 GT Berlinetta “TdF.”
Increased production due to new facilities: Pinin Farina’s new facility and Ferrari’s upgraded assembly line allowed for increased production of the second series.
Emphasis on comfort and luxury: Unlike the sportier 250 GT California Spyder, the Cabriolet focused on comfort, refinement, and luxurious interior features.
Distinctive first series design: The first series is recognizable by its vertical bumpers, two long-range headlamps, and luxurious interior features.
Refined design in the second series: Pinin Farina revised the design for the second series, incorporating a higher windshield, larger side windows, increased rear passenger space, and refined soft top.
Powerful Colombo V12 engine: The Cabriolet was powered by Ferrari’s classic 3.0-liter Colombo V12 engine, producing 240 horsepower.
Improved engine features: The second series featured advancements like external spark plugs and independent intake ducts for better performance.
High performance: The 250 GT Cabriolet reached a top speed of 240 km/h and could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in around 7.1 seconds.
Tubular steel chassis: The car featured a robust tubular steel chassis, providing a solid foundation.
Independent front suspension: The front suspension used double wishbones and coil springs, while the rear used a rigid axle with leaf springs.
Disc brakes as standard: The 250 GT Cabriolet was equipped with disc brakes, a technology adopted from the 250 Testa Rossa.
Turning point in Ferrari’s history: The 250 GT Cabriolet marked a significant shift in Ferrari’s production, adopting mass production techniques.
Eclipsed by the 250 GT California Spyder: Though successful, the 250 GT Cabriolet was overshadowed in popularity by the 250 GT California Spyder, which had a sportier image.
A coveted classic: Despite being overshadowed, the Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet remains a highly sought-after collector’s car, appreciated for its elegance and performance.
The Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet stands as a testament to Ferrari’s evolution, a car that embodies the brand’s commitment to both performance and luxury. It is a timeless classic, a symbol of elegance and sophistication that continues to captivate car enthusiasts worldwide.
Preguntas Frecuentes sobre el Ferrari 250 GT Pininfarina Cabriolet de 1957
¿Qué hace que el Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet de 1957 sea tan especial?
El Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet de 1957, especialmente la Serie 1, es un automóvil excepcional por varias razones. Fue el primer cabriolet producido en serie por Ferrari, marcando un cambio significativo en su estrategia de producción. Además, fue diseñado por el reconocido carrocero italiano Pininfarina, un cambio de la colaboración habitual con Scaglietti. La Serie 1, con solo 40 unidades producidas, es aún más rara y deseable, con el chasis número 0735 destacando como el automóvil del Salón del Automóvil de Frankfurt de 1957.
¿Por qué es importante el chasis número 0735?
El chasis número 0735 es significativo por ser el automóvil del Salón del Automóvil de Frankfurt de 1957. Esto lo convierte en un ejemplo particularmente importante de la Serie 1, que ya es rara. Además, fue propiedad de Angela Muenemann, novia del piloto de Fórmula 1 de Ferrari, Wolfgang Von Trips, lo que añade más historia al automóvil.
¿Cuáles son las características distintivas de la Serie 1?
La Serie 1 del Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet se distingue por sus parachoques verticales, dos faros de largo alcance y un interior lujoso. El chasis número 0735 conserva su pintura blanca original con detalles en marrón oscuro, lo que añade a su atractivo.
¿Qué motor propulsaba el 250 GT Cabriolet?
El 250 GT Cabriolet estaba propulsado por el clásico motor Colombo V12 de 3.0 litros de Ferrari, que producía 240 caballos de fuerza. La Serie 2 tenía mejoras en el motor, como bujías externas y conductos de admisión independientes, para un mejor rendimiento.
¿Cómo se compara el 250 GT Cabriolet con el 250 GT California Spyder?
Si bien ambos eran modelos deportivos, el 250 GT Cabriolet estaba orientado a la comodidad y el lujo, mientras que el 250 GT California Spyder era más deportivo. El Cabriolet tenía mayor espacio para pasajeros y un interior más refinado, mientras que el Spyder tenía un perfil más deportivo.
¿Cuánto vale un Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet de 1957 en la actualidad?
Los Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet de 1957, especialmente los de la Serie 1, son autos de colección muy deseados. Su valor varía según el estado, la historia y la rareza, pero generalmente alcanzan precios muy altos en subastas y ventas privadas.
¿Dónde puedo encontrar más información sobre el Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet de 1957?
Puedes encontrar más información sobre el Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet de 1957 en libros, sitios web y foros de automóviles clásicos. También puedes visitar museos de automóviles o asistir a eventos de automóviles clásicos para ver ejemplos de este icónico automóvil.
Características
Descripción
Diseño
– Diseño elegante y refinado, menos deportivo que el 250 GT Spider California.
– Primer convertible de producción en serie de Ferrari.
– Carrocería creada por Pinin Farina, un cambio de Scaglietti.
– Dos series de producción: Primera (1957-1959) con 30 unidades y Segunda (1959-1962) con 200 unidades.
– Serie 1 con parachoques verticales, dos faros de largo alcance y un interior lujoso.
– Serie 2 con parabrisas más alto, ventanas laterales más grandes, más espacio para los pasajeros traseros y capota mejorada.
Motor
– Motor Colombo V12 de 3.0 litros, 240 caballos de potencia.
– Avance en la Serie 2 con bujías externas y conductos de admisión independientes para un mejor rendimiento.
– Velocidad máxima de 240 km/h.
– Aceleración de 0 a 100 km/h en 7.1 segundos.
Chasis
– Chasis tubular de acero robusto.
– Suspensión delantera independiente con doble horquilla y muelles helicoidales.
– Eje rígido trasero con ballestas.
– Frenos de disco como estándar, tecnología adoptada del 250 Testa Rossa.
Importancia
– Representa el cambio de Ferrari hacia modelos más lujosos y “estandarizados”.
– Evolución de modelos de exhibición, con el “Ariowitch” de Pinin Farina de 1953 como precursor.
– Basado en el chasis del 250 GT Boano/Ellena y luego del 250 GT Berlinetta “TdF”.
– Aumento de la producción gracias a las nuevas instalaciones de Pinin Farina y la línea de montaje mejorada de Ferrari.
– Enfoque en la comodidad y el lujo, a diferencia del 250 GT California Spyder más deportivo.
– Marcó un punto de inflexión en la historia de Ferrari, adoptando técnicas de producción en masa.
– A pesar de su éxito, se vio eclipsado en popularidad por el 250 GT California Spyder, que tenía una imagen más deportiva.
– Sigue siendo un automóvil clásico muy codiciado, apreciado por su elegancia y rendimiento.
Chasis 0735
– Serie 1 de 1957, uno de los 40 ejemplares fabricados.
– El coche del Salón del Automóvil de Frankfurt de 1957.
– Propiedad original de Angela Muenemann, novia del piloto de F1 de Ferrari Wolfgang Von Trips.
– Presentado en el Anuario de Ferrari de 1957, atestiguando su importancia histórica.
– Configuración de faros cerrados deseada.
– Pintura blanca original con moldura de color marrón oscuro.
– Mantenimiento meticuloso durante toda su vida.
– Exitosa carrera en Concursos.
– Representa una pieza codiciada de la historia del automóvil, encarnando la elegancia y el rendimiento sinónimo de Ferrari.
Esta tabla proporciona una visión general de las características, los consejos y los puntos clave del Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet.
