9781422285176

250 During the early 1950s, Ferrari manufactured one of their most popular vehicle lines: the 250 series. First introduced at the 1953 Paris Motor Show, the Europa was one of the earlier 250 series to be seen by the public. Heralded as the vehicle that had taken over from its predecessor, the 212 Inter, the 250 Europa was built around the chassis of a 375 America and bore some similarities in aesthetics. The front- engined Europa was generously powered by a 3L Lampredi V12, kicking out a surprising 200 bhp and a top speed of 135 mph, 11 mph faster than the 212 Inter. Initial lines

to produce a two-seater cabriolet version alongside the original model. Within a year of its debut, the Europa was swiftly replaced with the 250 Europa GT that featured some modifications and was designed to entirely replace the original model. For a short while the GT was still referred to purely as the 250 Europa, but the Europa suffix was to be dropped entirely further down the line, leaving the car to be known henceforth as simply the 250 GT. The latter form of the Europa (250 GT) had its engine replaced with a Colombo short block V12, allowing for a variety of modifications to be made, enhancing the performance of the car. Among the changes were

Produced

1953-1964

Engine Size Cylinders 0-60 mph Top Speed

2963 cc

12

5.9 secs

135 mph Power Output 200 bhp Transmission Manual Gears 4 Speed Length

110.2 in (2800 mm) 52.2 in (1325 mm) 51.9 in (1320 mm) 2359 lb (1070 kg)

Width Height Weight

Wheelbase 110.2 in (2800 mm) (Specifications refer to the 250 Europa)

of the Europa, bodied by Vignale, had visual similarities to the 340 Mexico until production was taken over by Pininfarina, who went on

12