1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Ferrari 250 GTO from 1962 has a curb weight of approximately 880 kg (1940 lbs). This relatively lightweight construction was achieved through a combination of a tubular steel chassis and lightweight aluminum body panels. The low weight significantly enhances the car's performance by allowing quicker acceleration, sharper handling, and improved braking efficiency. Being light also means the car can better respond to driver inputs, making it highly agile on racing circuits. This emphasis on weight reduction was integral to the 250 GTO's success in competitive motorsport during the 1960s.

The Ferrari 250 GTO 1962 is equipped with 15-inch rims, which were standard for sports cars of that era. The tire sizes fitted are 225/70 R15 for the front and 215/70 R15 for the rear. These tire dimensions provide a good balance between grip and ride comfort for a vintage racing coupe. The slightly wider front tires help maintain stability and cornering precision, while the slightly narrower rear tires contribute to the vehicle's lightweight handling characteristics. This setup reflects Ferrari's attention to optimizing traction and performance during the car's production period from 1962 to 1964.

Yes, the Ferrari 250 GTO 1962 fits comfortably into a standard single-car garage. Standard garages typically offer minimum dimensions of approximately 3 meters (9.8 feet) in width and 6 meters (19.7 feet) in length. Since the 250 GTO measures 4325 mm (4.325 meters or 14.2 feet) in length and 1600 mm (1.6 meters or 5.25 feet) in width, it allows sufficient space for easy parking and movement inside the garage. Furthermore, its relatively low height of 1210 mm (1.21 meters or 3.97 feet) prevents any height clearance issues that might be a concern with taller sports cars.

Compared to earlier Ferrari 250 models such as the 250 GT SWB (Short Wheelbase), the 250 GTO maintained a relatively similar length but introduced more refined aerodynamic styling that affected the overall exterior shape and dimensions subtly. While the 250 GT SWB had a wheelbase of 2400 mm and the 250 GTO shared this frame, the GTO’s body was purpose-built for racing with improved aerodynamics and weight reduction. The width and height of the 250 GTO were optimized for better airflow and handling, resulting in slightly narrower and lower dimensions compared to some of its road-focused predecessors. This helped the 250 GTO achieve superior racing performance and handling characteristics.

When compared to other grand touring coupes of the early 1960s, such as the Jaguar E-Type or Aston Martin DB4, the Ferrari 250 GTO is more compact in width and height but similar in length. For example, the Jaguar E-Type was wider and taller, with a length close to 4450 mm. The 250 GTO’s narrower width (1600 mm) gave it a more agile and focused driving feel, favoring aerodynamics over interior spaciousness. This size advantage provided excellent cornering abilities on racetracks, setting the 250 GTO apart from some bulkier competitors that prioritized comfort over outright performance.

The Ferrari 250 GTO is a two-seat grand touring coupe designed primarily for racing and spirited driving rather than spacious comfort. Its cockpit is compact and driver-focused, with limited interior dimensions due to the car’s narrow width of 1600 mm (5.25 feet) and low height of 1210 mm (3.97 feet). Designed to house two occupants comfortably, it offers tight headroom and legroom compared to modern standards. The interior prioritizes function and lightweight materials over luxury, with minimal storage space typical for a racing-oriented vehicle of its time.

The Ferrari 250 GTO’s lightweight construction, achieved through a steel tubular frame and aluminum bodywork, plays a critical role in its legendary racing success. At just 880 kg (1940 lbs), the car boasts an exceptional power-to-weight ratio with its V12 engine. Reduced mass improves acceleration, braking, and cornering performance dramatically, enabling drivers to push harder on the track. The minimized weight also decreases tire and brake wear during races. This construction philosophy was ahead of its time and helped the 250 GTO dominate endurance races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Sportscar Championship.

While specific ground clearance numbers for the Ferrari 250 GTO 1962 vary slightly by source, it is generally low-profile to enhance aerodynamic efficiency and center of gravity. Its overall stance, with a height of only 1210 mm (47.6 inches), contributes to exceptional stability and reduced aerodynamic drag at high speeds. A low ground clearance facilitates sharper handling and better road feedback, which is crucial for a racing car. However, this also means the 250 GTO requires careful attention to road conditions to avoid scraping on uneven surfaces, a trade-off typical of performance-focused vehicles from that era.

Yes, replacement and replica parts for the Ferrari 250 GTO 1962 are generally manufactured to match the original dimension standards as closely as possible. Given the vehicle's exceptional historical significance and value, authenticity and precision are paramount for restorations. Components such as body panels, rims, tires, and interior fittings are produced to adhere to the original specifications—4325 mm length, 1600 mm width, 1210 mm height, and rim sizes of 15 inches with tire sizes 225/70 R15 front and 215/70 R15 rear. This ensures that restored or replicated cars maintain the intended performance characteristics, handling, and aesthetic appeal of the original 250 GTO.