London, 11 November, 2019

The Ferrari 250 GTE model could be classified as Ferrari’s first “mass production” model, that was introduced to the public as the pace car for the 1960 Le Mans 24 Hour Race. It was produced in a total of 954 examples between 1960 and 1963, together with 50 examples of the similarly bodied 330 America model featuring a 4 litre engine for the US market. It was also Ferrari’s first true 2+2 model, as although there had been earlier examples with a 2+2 seating arrangement, they were what might be described as rudimentary. Thus, from the large number produced, in terms of Ferrari production at the time and also in a relatively short space of time, it can be seen that it was very popular in its day. It is also the model that has suffered the ignominy of being cannibalised to serve as a donor vehicle for replicas of (today) more valuable models, like the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta, 250 California Spider and 250 GTO. Thus it is a pleasure to see that David Wheeler has gone to great lengths to produce a book on this important piece of Ferrari’s history, as without it, the finances would unlikely to have been there to fund the racing programme.

For those who don’t know the name, David Wheeler has been the editor of the 250 GTE Newsletter since 2014, and during his tenure in that position has gathered a vast amount of information on the model, which he now shares with us through this massive tome running to some 432 pages. It provides a fascinating in depth account of the development of the model, and detailed accounts of the specification and changes to the model through its production period, together with owner experiences, notably the assistance of renowned Dutch Ferrari historian and 250 GTE owner Jean-Louis Bezemer, who was instrumental in sowing the seed for the book project. There is also a vast wealth of technical data, including tables, graphs and build sheets, together with an appendix featuring a comprehensive list of chassis numbers. This also gives the original Pininfarina body number exterior and interior colours, whether right or left hand drive, original sale place and date where known, together with data on known converted cars. A “number cruncher’s dream”!
David and his project collaborators are to be congratulated on a very impressive body of work, which is limited to only 750 individually signed and numbered copies, so get you order in fast.

Title:
Ferrari 250 GTE The family car that funded the racing

Publisher:
Porter Press International Ltd

ISBN Number:
978-1-913089-20-7

UK Retail Price:
£75 (Plus P&P as appropriate)

Keith Bluemel
11/2020