Ferrari 250GTO:
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For the 1962 manufacturer's championship, focus was switched from sports prototypes to grand touring cars and Ferrari was provided with increased motivation to further develop their 250 GT as much as the rules would allow. They built the 250 Gran Turismo Omologato (GTO), a car named after the homologation process in which it was conceived.
Providing a base for the GTO was the 250 GT chassis. Starting in 1954, with the 250 Europa GT, the engine, chassis and body of the 250 series evolved into a greater product each year. The final development was the GTO, and it was bulletproof from the start.
Before the 1962 season, Ferrari assembled a small team led by Giotto Bizzarrini who hacked his old 250 Boano chassis and modified it, in secret, to his own ideas. Fixed was a rather crude body which took advantage of a much lower and shorter dry-sump engine. At the front was a smaller fascia that made the old short wheel base (SWB) look like a brick. Initial test results around Monza showed significant improvements in every area over the SWB Berlinetta and Sperimentale, sometimes called the GTO prototype, that raced at LeMans in 1961.
Before production of the GTO commenced, Bizzarrini and several key people left Ferrari during the famous Palace Revolt. This left Girolamo Gardini to sort out Ferrari's 1962 sports car. Gardini used most of Bizzarrini's modifications from the test car and added a rear spoiler and watts linkage for stability.
At their yearly press conference in 1962, Ferrari released no fewer than six different racing models and among these versatile race cars was the production version of the 250 GTO. This supercar would eventually become the most important though, demanding money, attention and acclaim.
In Detail
engine Tipo 168/62, 60 Degree V12
position Front Longitudinal
aspiration Natural
valvetrain SOHC 2 Valves / Cyl
fuel feed 6 Webber-38 DCN Carburettors
displacement 2953 cc / 180.2 cu in
bore 73.0 mm / 2.87 in
stroke 58.8 mm / 2.31 in
compression 9.8:1
power 225.2 kw / 302.0 bhp @ 7500 rpm
specific output 102.27 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 289.55 bhp per tonne
torque 294.0 nm / 216.8 ft lbs @ 5500 rpm
redline 8500
body / frame Aluminum Body over Steel Frame
driven wheels RWD w/ZF Limited Slip
front tires Dunlop R5/R6 600L x 15
rear tires Dunlop R5/R6 700L x 15
front brakes Dunlop Discs w/Hydrualic Assist
f brake size 314 mm / 12.4 in
rear brakes Dunlop Discs w/Hydrualic Assist
r brake size 298 mm / 11.7 in
front wheels F 38.1 x 15.2 cm / 15.0 x 6.0 in
rear wheels R 38.1 x 16.5 cm / 15.0 x 6.5 in
steering ZF Wom & Peg
f suspension Double Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Koni Adjustable Shock Absorbers, 16.5mm Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension Live Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Springs, Koni Shock Aborbers, Dual Watts Linkage
weight 1043 kg / 2299 lbs
wheelbase 2400 mm / 94.5 in
front track 1354 mm / 53.3 in
rear track 1350 mm / 53.1 in
length 4400 mm / 173.2 in
width 1675 mm / 65.9 in
height 1245 mm / 49.0 in
transmission Porsche 5-Speed Manual
gear ratios 2.935:1, 1.975:1, 1.450:1, 1.170:1, 1.000:1, :1
final drive 4.85, 4.57, 4.25, 4.00, 3.88, 3.77, 3.66 or 3.55:1
top speed 279 kph / 173.4 mph
0 - 60 mph 6.1 seconds
0 - 100 mph 13.1 seconds
0 - 1/4 mile 13.5 seconds