Ferrari 250 GT "Breadvan"

At the end of October 1961, an argument with Enzo Ferrari's wife forced a group of workers and engineers to leave the factory. Fortunately, talented people have not lost their jobs. Count Giovanni Volpi invited engineers Giotto Bizzarrini and Carlos Chiti to join his Scuderia Serenissima racing team.

Enzo Ferrari, who found out about this, refused to deliver the count's pre-ordered Ferrari 250 GTO to compete in the 1962 season under the banner of Scuderia Serenissima Republica di Venezia.

Undeterred, the count decided to create a racing car based on the standard model Ferrari 250 GT, which is not inferior to the 250 GTO, especially since Bizzarini and Chiti played a major role in the work on this legendary car.

Giotto Bizzarini moved the engine as far back as possible, placing it completely behind the front axle and lowering it, installing a dry sump lubrication system.

Like the Ferrari 250 GTO, the engine had six Weber carburetors, which brought its power to 300 horsepower. The wheels and tires were the same as on the GTO, but the transmission remained the same as on the road version—a four-speed.

These changes significantly improved the performance of the car, and Bizzarini began the second phase—the creation of an aerodynamic body. Although the front of the car looks very similar to the 250 GTO, it is significantly lower and has a sharper nose.

Photo: "Ferrari 250 GT SWB Breadvan" by Calreyn88

The fact that it is lower requires the installation of a plastic lining over the carburetor. The flat roof and seemingly chopped rear end are completely in line with Dr. Kamm's theory of car aerodynamics.

All the work, including the production of a new body in Piero Drogo's workshops, was completed within two weeks. A new car, named "Breadvan," was ready to go under the banner of Count Volpi's Scuderia Serenissima Republic of Venice.

Short Racing Career

The 1962 Le Mans race ended in failure due to a broken drive shaft. The car, which led for four hours, had to leave the race. At the Montlhéry race that year (1000 km of Paris), the Ferrari 250 GT Breadvan finished third, behind two 250 GTOs.

After the dissolution of Scuderia Serenissima in 1963, the Ferrari 250 GT Breadvan became Count Volpi's personal car.

Ferrari "Breadvan" in Today's Market

The Ferrari 250 GT Breadvan is an uncommon and legendary car that has captured the attention of auto aficionados all over the world. Collectors and enthusiasts of vintage cars hold a particular place in their hearts for this rare gem, despite its unusual appearance.

Because there was only one Ferrari 250 GT Breadvan produced, it quickly became a highly sought-after collector's item. It has skyrocketed in value due to its unusual design and rarity, making it an extremely valuable asset for those who are lucky enough to possess one.

It has to be said that the "Breadvan" suffered one of the worst crashes at the 2022 Le Mans Classic. It crashed into the tire wall and left the race with extensive damage to both the right and rear. The big question was whether the car would ever return to the racetrack.

Thanks to the owner who fully restored the "Breadvan", he returned it to the track at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed. A few weeks later, "Breadvan" made another appearance at the Dix Mille Tours at Paul Ricard. Today, "Breadvan" looks flawless, and the value of this legend is estimated at over $30 million.

Final Word

The Ferrari "Breadvan" is still regarded as a classic car masterpiece that captivates the interest of both investors and enthusiasts. It is a great option for anybody wishing to possess a piece of automotive history because of its unique combination of history, rarity, performance, and investment potential.

Photo: "File:1961 Ferrari 250GT SWB 'Breadvan' - Flickr - exfordy (2).jpg" by Brian Snelson from Hockley, Essex, England

The Ferrari 250 GT "Breadvan" is a tribute to the ongoing tradition of Ferrari's inventive spirit, whether it is appreciated for its distinctive design or treasured as a worthwhile investment.