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250

During the early 1950s, Ferrari

manufactured one of their most

popular vehicle lines: the 250 series.

First introduced at the 1953 Paris

Motor Show, the Europa was one

of the earlier 250 series to be seen

by the public. Heralded as the

vehicle that had taken over from its

predecessor, the 212 Inter, the 250

Europa was built around the chassis

of a 375 America and bore some

similarities in aesthetics. The front-

engined Europa was generously

powered by a 3L Lampredi V12,

kicking out a surprising 200 bhp

and a top speed of 135 mph, 11 mph

faster than the 212 Inter. Initial lines

Produced

1953-1964

Engine Size

2963 cc

Cylinders

12

0-60 mph

5.9 secs

Top Speed

135 mph

Power Output

200 bhp

Transmission

Manual

Gears

4 Speed

Length

110.2 in (2800 mm)

Width

52.2 in (1325 mm)

Height

51.9 in (1320 mm)

Weight

2359 lb (1070 kg)

Wheelbase

110.2 in (2800 mm)

(Specifications refer to the 250 Europa)

to produce a two-seater cabriolet

version alongside the original

model. Within a year of its debut,

the Europa was swiftly replaced

with the 250 Europa GT that

featured some modifications and

was designed to entirely replace the

original model. For a short while

the GT was still referred to purely

as the 250 Europa, but the Europa

suffix was to be dropped entirely

further down the line, leaving the

car to be known henceforth as

simply the 250 GT.

The latter form of the Europa

(250 GT) had its engine replaced

with a Colombo short block

V12, allowing for a variety

of modifications to be made,

enhancing the performance of

the car. Among the changes were

of the Europa, bodied by Vignale,

had visual similarities to the 340

Mexico until production was taken

over by Pininfarina, who went on

12