Among classic cars, the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE is a very popular choice that you might also see referred to as the 250 GT 2+2. This was the very first true four-seater from the automaker, which produced 957 units between the 1960 and 1963 model years.
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Designing the 250 GTE
Pininfarina designed the Ferrari 250 GTE, which was based on the 250 GT Coupe. Compared to this coupe, the 250 GTE measured 60 millimeters (2.36 inches) wider, 300 millimeters (11.81 inches) longer, and more than 50 millimeters (1.97 inches) lower. Despite this larger size, it only weighed 80 kilometers (176.37 pounds) more than the coupe. The body featured an airy cabin section complete with slim screen pillars for a light interior.
Although this was a 2+2 auto, the front seats had to sit very far forward for any semblance of rear legroom. This simply solidified the fact that the 250 GTE was a 2+2 instead of a four-seater. In fact, in order to fit the extra two seats, Ferrari moved the auxiliaries and the engine up a foot. This is also why the 250 GTE was longer than its predecessors.
Exterior Styling
When you look at the Ferrari 250 GTE, you will spot a wide, shallow, and rectangular radiator grille in the egg-crate style. The chrome-plated bumper was a single piece featuring rubber-faced over-riders. In earlier 250 GTEs, the bumper had a plain face. The side and turn signal lights were circular and sat below concave chrome trim rings. The rear of the auto had a vertical taillight cluster in a single piece, complete with triple circular lens. Like on the coupe it got inspiration from, the 250 GTE featured an extended step within the tail panel under the trunk lid shut line.
Powertrain and Mechanics
Like other models from Ferrari, the 1962 250 GTE was known for its power. The hood held a 3-liter V12 with a single overhead camshaft. This engine produced 240 horsepower at 7,000 rpm. It worked with a 4-speed manual gearbox that included an overdrive fifth gear that was electronically operated. Completing a sprint from 0 to 60 mph took just over 10 seconds, and the 250 GTE could reach 140 mph. If you are interested in a 1963 version instead of the 1962, you will find a 4-liter engine option known as the 330 America.
Finding a 250 GTE
If you are in search of a Ferrari 250 GTE, you will be best off if you look at more than just the 1962 model year. Every once in a while, one of these models appears for auction on a classic car site, but it is not as common as with other classic autos. In the past, a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 Series II 4001 GT sold for $368,500 and a 1961 250 GTE Series 1 2651 GT sold for $797,500. You might get a better price than this, however, as a 1961 250 GTE Series 1 2927 GT sold for $418,000 and a similar model sold for $423,500.
