The Ferrari 250 GT SWB, with its Pininfarina styling and V12 engine producing 300bhp, was just as at home on the commuter run as it was on the race track winning at Le Mans or Sebring. A detailed history of the car and its racing achievements, the book includes full specs and production records.

Ultimate Ferrari GTO explores the story of this iconic family of cars in more detail and with more authority than ever before. Introduced in 1962 as the final evolutionary step in the long-running 250 GT series, the GTO was the last and best GT racer of the front-engine era. It remained at the forefront for three seasons, winning a hat-trick of World Championship titles for Ferrari. Ever since, GTOs have retained their exalted status not just because of their racing achievements but also their exquisite beauty, undoubted charisma and -- for those lucky enough to have experienced this -- peerless driveability. Indeed, the GTO's illustrative reputation has made it the world's most desirable car, as confirmed by the record-breaking prices repeatedly paid for the finest examples. Packed with superb photographs, many not previously published, this lavish two-volume production does true justice to this ultimate car.

The 250-series was an early Ferrari success story and in 1959 spawned one of the most recognisable sports cars ever built. It is now also one of the most coveted. The 250 GT Berlinetta (aka SWB, ‘Short Wheelbase’) had a dual role as supreme grand tourer and outstanding racing car. Chassis 2689GT, the subject of Ferrari 250 GT SWB, was purchased by amateur racer Pierre Dumay on behalf of his friend Pierre Noblet – who had written off his previous 250 GT SWB in an accident at Clermont-Ferrand. Shortly after taking delivery, Noblet and co-driver Jean Guichet took the new car to a class-winning third place overall in the Le Mans 24 Hours – the dawn of a relatively brief, but very bright, competition history.

Ultimate Ferrari GTO explores the story of this iconic family of cars in more detail and with more authority than ever before. Introduced in 1962 as the final evolutionary step in the long-running 250 GT series, the GTO was the last and best GT racer of the front-engine era. It remained at the forefront for three seasons, winning a hat-trick of World Championship titles for Ferrari. Ever since, GTOs have retained their exalted status not just because of their racing achievements but also their exquisite beauty, undoubted charisma and — for those lucky enough to have experienced this — peerless driveability. Indeed, the GTO’s illustrative reputation has made it the world’s most desirable car, as confirmed by the record-breaking prices repeatedly paid for the finest examples. Packed with superb photographs, many not previously published, this lavish two-volume production does true justice to this ultimate car.

First seen as the course car at the 1960 Le Mans 24 hour race, the elegant Ferrari 250 Gran Turismo 2+2 Pininfarina, or GTE as it has become known, was Ferrari's first four-seat production car and an outstanding commercial success, underwriting the company's racing activity. Built upon the same running gear as the iconic Ferrari 250 two-seaters, the GTE continued in production until 1963, by which time 954 examples had been built. Initially popular as a "gentleman's express," the car was typically finished in conservative colours which emphasised its stunning lines.But after a few years and several owners they were sadly often neglected and came to be regarded simply as donors upon which to build replicas of other Ferraris. Thanks to the efforts of a number of enthusiastic owners who have dedicated themselves to maintaining, restoring and preserving these wonderful cars, about half of them still exist today as GTEs, valued for their beauty and history. In researching this definitive history of the model, the author consulted with respected Ferrari historians, enjoying access to their archives. He traveled extensively to view and document more than 125 examples of these cars around the world. The book is published in a limited edition of 750 copies to celebrate the 60th birthday of the three Series of the 250 GTE.