In 1962, at the Paris Motor Show, Ferrari unveiled the final model in the 250 GT series. Called 250 GT Berlinetta lusso, the new model has been produced between 1962 and 1964 with 350 units being produced. The car replaced the 250 GT Coupe, were designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti in Modena. Actor Steve McQueen is one of the famous car's owners.

The 250 GT Berlinetta lusso was built on the short wheelbase of the earlier 250 GTs, but with a revised chassis and the engine moved slightly further forward providing additional interior room for the occupants.

A hit already among the 250 models, the single overhead camshaft, 60° V12 was once again used. For the 250 GT Berlinetta lusso the engine had a bore and stroke of 73mm x 58.8mm and delivered 250bhp at 7500rpm with a compression of 9.2:1. The engine was coupled with a 4-speed + reverse all-synchromesh gearbox, with final drive through a propeller shaft to the rigid rear axle, for which two alternative ratios were available.

The 0 to 60 mph sprint was made in less than 7 seconds, while top speed went up to 150 mph.

1962 - 1964 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta lusso

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 1962 - 1964 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta lusso
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

At the exterior the 250 GT Berlinetta lusso featured a plain mesh to the hood intake, with a large circular combination rear/turn/reflector light unit on each side of the recessed tail panel. This light design was also used on the succeeding 275 GTB series of berlinettas. A wrap-around chrome-plated bumper was fitted below the recessed tail panel, which had a pair of registration plate illumination lights on its lower edge. The cabin was a five window design with very slim roof pillars, and the large curved rear screen was at a shallow angle flowing into the boot line.

The interior was leather trimmed with a pair of deep bucket seats, behind which was a luggage platform with leather straps and a diamond quilted cover panel to the top of the parcel shelf. The instrument layout was unusual in that the two main dials –speedometer and rev counter – were housed in a pair of large circular binnacles that protruded from the top centre of the dashboard, and were angled towards the driver, with the supplementary gauges in a horizontal panel directly in front of the steering wheel.

Even if designed for the road, some of the cars were taken to competition. Two models were presented in 1964 at the Targa Florio and also in the Tour de France, with both models finishing thirteenth overall.