Italy vs Italy — 1953 vs 1959
| Aurelia B24 Spider | 250 GT SWB Berlinetta | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 118 hp | 280 hp |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft | 202 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,451 cc | 2,953 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 12.0 sec | 6.2 sec |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 162 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 18.0 sec | 14.5 sec |
| Weight | 2,381 lbs | 2,315 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,450 mm | 2,400 mm |
| Length | 4,370 mm | 4,200 mm |
| Units Produced | 761 | 176 |
| Original MSRP | $5,500 | $13,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $600,000 | $12,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 9/10 |
Numbers favor the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1953 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider offers better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
In the world of Grand Tourer cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1953 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider versus the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta. Both hail from Post-war and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta holds a clear advantage in raw power with 280 hp compared to 118 hp, a 162-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Lancia Aurelia uses a V6 OHV displacing 2,451 cc, while the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta relies on a V12 SOHC with 2,953 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta edges ahead at 6.2 seconds versus 12.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 176 units built, the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta is considerably scarcer than the Lancia Aurelia's 761 examples. On the collector market, the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta commands a significant premium over the 1953 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.