Italy vs Italy — 1959 vs 1957
| 250 GT SWB Berlinetta | 250 Testa Rossa | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 280 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 202 lb-ft | 203 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,953 cc | 2,953 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.2 sec | 5.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 162 mph | 168 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.5 sec | — |
| Weight | 2,315 lbs | 1,764 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm | 2,350 mm |
| Length | 4,200 mm | 4,030 mm |
| Units Produced | 176 | 34 |
| Original MSRP | $13,500 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $12,000,000 | $45,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 10/10 |
Numbers favor the 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa with quicker acceleration, higher top speed, lighter weight. The 1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta offers better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta. The 1959 and 1957 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa holds a clear advantage in raw power with 300 hp compared to 280 hp, a 20-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 6.2 seconds. The Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 551 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 34 units built, the 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa is considerably scarcer than the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta's 176 examples. On the collector market, the 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa commands a significant premium over the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.