Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta

vs

Ferrari 250 LM

Italy vs Italy — 1959 vs 1964

Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta (1959)
Ferrari 250 LM (1964)
Specifications
250 GT SWB Berlinetta250 LM
Horsepower280 hp320 hp
Torque202 lb-ft217 lb-ft
Engine Size2,953 cc3,286 cc
0-60 mph6.2 sec5.0 sec
Top Speed162 mph180 mph
¼ Mile14.5 sec
Weight2,315 lbs1,874 lbs
Wheelbase2,400 mm2,400 mm
Length4,200 mm4,130 mm
Units Produced17632
Original MSRP$13,500
Value (Excellent)$12,000,000$25,000,000
Collectibility10/1010/10
Rarity9/1010/10
The Verdict

Numbers favor the 1964 Ferrari 250 LM with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. 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.

Overview

Few model names carry as much weight as the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta. The 1959 and 1964 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1964 Ferrari 250 LM holds a clear advantage in raw power with 320 hp compared to 280 hp, a 40-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1964 Ferrari 250 LM edges ahead at 5.0 seconds versus 6.2 seconds. The Ferrari 250 LM carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 441 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 32 units built, the 1964 Ferrari 250 LM is considerably scarcer than the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta's 176 examples. On the collector market, the 1964 Ferrari 250 LM commands a significant premium over the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.