Ferrari “Ferrari” – the history of the 250 GT SWB Breadvan
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Ferrari “Ferrari” – the history of the 250 GT SWB Breadvan

After a quarrel with his wife Enzo, the genius Bicarini created a unique model for Count Volpi.

The story of this strange Ferrari begins with Count Giovanni Volpi, who desperately wants to have his own racing team. In 1962, he ordered several Ferrari 250 GTOs from Enzo Ferrari and at the same time began to recruit a team of mechanics. In it, the Count invites Giotto Bicarini (founder of Bizzarrini SpA, who is now alive and well at the age of 94!).

Ferrari Ferrari - the history of the 250 GT SWB Breadvan

However, this infuriates Enzo: a recent quarrel with his wife Ferrari forces Giotto to leave the company, and he is immediately "lured" by Volpi! The actions of the commander speak for themselves: "Ok, I'm not going to sell you 250 GTO, do whatever you want!" However, the arrogant Enzo forgets two things: Bizzarini is working on a 250 GTO with his own hands, and he is also very smart.

So the mechanic and the Count decided to build a car that would blow a 250 GTO in every way. They take a regular 250 GT and put on a Kammback (also known as a "Kam tail" or "K-tail"). Named after the German aerodynamicist Wunibald Kam for developing this design in the 30s, this aerodynamic solution is best described as a "cut out blob". And it works so well that it's found in many cars, from Aston Martin race cars to the Toyota Prius and more.

Ferrari Ferrari - the history of the 250 GT SWB Breadvan

So, the "Kama tail" was mounted, and the engine power was increased to 300 horsepower. Bikarini decided to give the front a 250 GTO look to get Enzo to laugh in the face again. In the same year, the car went to participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans ... And it is four hours ahead of all rivals. Luckily for Ferrari, the Breadvan's PTO failed and the model was pulled out of the race.

By the way, British journalists gave the car the nickname “Bread Wagon”. Jeremy Clarkson was only two years old then, but the British loved to joke with the auto industry even at that time.

After the failure of Le Mans, Bradwan took revenge by winning two trophies in the GT class. Aerodynamics does its dirty work! For several decades, the car has participated in classic races. And in 2015, he was smashed at Goodwood.

Ferrari Ferrari - the history of the 250 GT SWB Breadvan

But Bredven is alive as never before! The damage is not only minor, but Niels van Roij Design decided to make a modern version of the Bread Wagon. The shooting break will be based on 550 Maranello. V12 engine in front, mechanical speed - everything will be like in the original. They say that the car will be ready by the end of the year.

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