Ferrari 4 Seaters, Part 1: 250 GTE 2+2

I have always been a sucker for Ferrari 2+2s, the neglected step-sister in the Ferrari stable. Today, I picked up Ferrari 4-Seaters by David Owen. The book chronicles front engined four seaters from 1960 to 1983 (the year the book was published). Owen is methodical in his research and discusses every piece of history and bit of design detail associated with these four seaters. We'll start today with the first commercially popular 2+2, the 250 GTE 2+2.


The four seater idea was picked up by Ferrari due to the success of rival Aston Martin's DB4. The regular 250 GT was stretched and the engine moved forward. The rear seat, which was divided by a center armrest, was perfect for children and vertically challenged adults.


The most remarkable design characteristics included the louvres behind the front wheel arches and the horizontal crease that ran the length of the car. The design was simple, tasteful, and timeless.



CKY