Specification | Details |
---|---|
Type | Open-Top Racing Sports Car |
Production Years | 1957–1961 |
Engine | 3.0L Tipo 128 Colombo V12 |
Power Output | 300 hp / 221 kW @ 7,000 rpm |
Torque | 294 Nm @ 5,000 rpm |
Transmission | 4-Speed Manual (Early), 5-Speed Manual (Later) |
Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) |
0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) | Approximately 6.0 seconds |
Top Speed | 270 km/h (168 mph) |
Fuel Consumption (Combined) | ~22 L/100 km (Race Trim Estimate) |
CO₂ Emissions | N/A (Pre-regulation era) |
Length | 3,900 mm |
Width | 1,560 mm |
Height | 1,020 mm |
Wheelbase | 2,350 mm |
Kerb Weight | 800 kg approx. |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 136 liters |
Seating Capacity | 2 |
Front Suspension | Independent, Double Wishbone with Coil Springs |
Rear Suspension | Live Axle with Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs |
Brakes | Drum Brakes Front and Rear (Early), Disc Brakes (Later Models) |
Wheels | Borrani 16" Wire Wheels |
Tires | Period Racing Tires (Crossply Construction) |
Chassis | Steel Tubular Spaceframe |
Interior Features |
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Exterior Features |
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Driver Assistance & Safety |
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Named After Its Red Cylinder Heads
The name “Testa Rossa” means “red head” in Italian, referencing the car’s bright red-painted cam covers — a visual signature of this racing machine.
Built Specifically for Endurance Racing
Introduced in 1957, the 250 Testa Rossa was purpose-built for long-distance racing, particularly to dominate events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Mille Miglia.
One of Ferrari’s Most Successful Race Cars
The 250 TR won 10 World Sportscar Championship races between 1958 and 1961, including three Le Mans victories — a major contributor to Ferrari’s motorsport legacy.
Powered by a Colombo V12
It used a 3.0-liter V12 engine designed by Gioachino Colombo, producing around 300 horsepower, with exceptional reliability for endurance events.
Iconic “Pontoon Fender” Design
Early models featured unique pontoon-style front fenders, developed to improve brake cooling — and later regarded as one of the most distinctive and beautiful Ferrari designs ever.
Lightweight and Aerodynamic
With its tubular steel chassis and lightweight aluminum bodywork, the 250 TR was engineered for speed, agility, and durability, critical for the grueling races it competed in.
Manually Tuned for Track Use
These cars were hand-built and tuned individually by Ferrari’s racing team, resulting in slight variations between chassis — and making each 250 TR somewhat unique.
Extremely Rare Production Numbers
Fewer than 34 units were ever produced, including both factory race cars and customer models — contributing to its legendary status and value.
Record-Breaking Auction Sales
One 250 Testa Rossa sold for over $16 million at auction, and others have privately changed hands for more than $30 million, making it one of the most valuable Ferraris ever.
A Blueprint for Ferrari’s Future Success
The engineering lessons and victories earned by the 250 TR helped shape future Ferrari race and road cars, influencing designs from the 250 GTO to modern-day supercars.
The Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa is not just a car—it's motorsport royalty. As one of the most valuable Ferraris in existence, this Scuderia Ferrari legend dominated Le Mans, Sebring, and the World Sports Car Championship with its Colombo V12 symphony and iconic pontoon fender design.
1. Market Valuation (2024)
(Note: Only 34 were built—values are for private treaty sales. Public auction results skew higher.)
By Chassis & Provenance
"Standard" TR (Non-works, No Race History): €35,000,000 – €45,000,000
(Even "ordinary" TRs are eight-figure cars.)
Works Team Cars (Le Mans/WSC Winners): €50,000,000 – €80,000,000+
(e.g., 1958 Le Mans winner #0736TR – last sold privately for ~€70M.)
Ex-Scuderia Ferrari "Factory" Cars: €100,000,000+
*(e.g., 1961 TR #0792TR – insured value €120M+.)*
Body Style Premiums
Original Scaglietti "Pontoon Fender" (1957–1958): +30%
(The most iconic iteration.)
Later "Closed Nose" (1959–1961): +15%
(Aerodynamically superior but less photogenic.)
2. Key Value Drivers
✅ What Adds €20M+
Le Mans/WSC Podium History: A single win can double value.
Continuous Ownership Chain: No "lost" periods in provenance.
Ferrari Classiche "Red Book" Certification: Non-negotiable.
⚠️ What Destroys Value
Replacement Engine (Non-Matching Numbers): -50%.
Non-Oriignal Bodywork: Even Scaglietti restorations hurt value.
"Recreation" Claims: Fake TRs plague the market—verify with Marcel Massini.
3. Acquisition Channels
Official Channels
Ferrari Classiche Department: For authentication (€50k+ fee).
Privately Through Ferrari VIP Lounge: If you’re a 250+ GTO-level client.
Brokered Sales
Top-Tier Dealers: Talacrest (UK), DK Engineering (UK), Girardo & Co.
Ultra-HNWI Networks: Sales happen via secretive WhatsApp groups.
Pro Tip: Forget auctions—real TRs trade privately. RM Sotheby’s last auctioned one in 2011 ($16.4M, now worth 4x that).
4. Ownership Realities
Insurance: ~1% of value annually (€500k+/year for a €50M car).
Storage: Nuclear bunker-grade security required.
Maintenance: €250k+/year (factory-trained mechanics only).
Fun Fact: The "Testa Rossa" name comes from the red valve covers on its V12—not the body color.
5. Recent Market Trends
📈 Appreciation:
+15–20% annually since 2010 (outpacing art/real estate).
Works cars gap widening vs. privateer examples.
⚠️ Risks:
Geopolitical shifts: Russian oligarchs formerly drove demand.
Generational wealth transfers: Heirs often sell.
Why This Isn’t a "Car"
The 250 TR is a blue-chip asset that happens to have wheels. To even be considered as a buyer, you typically need:
Existing Ferrari hypercar collection (LaFerrari, 250 GTO, etc.).
Personal introduction from Ferrari’s inner circle.
Proof you won’t flip it (Ferrari blacklists speculators).
Alternatives (If You Lack €50M)
250 LM: €15M–€25M (last front-engined Ferrari racer).
330 P4 Replica: €2M–€5M (the "poor man’s" TR).
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