When the 250GT 2 + 2 was introduced in 1960, it marked the gradual transition from track cars to road cars.

At that point, the 250GT 2+2 was the first mainstream Ferrari specifically designed to carry more than two passengers, although were a few 212s built by Ghia in the Fifties that squeezed in more than one passenger, although the models was produced in extremely limited numbers.

The arrival of a 2+2 was long overdue for Ferrari and the concept soon proved to be very much in demand.

Where the Ferrari artistry came in was despite the addition of the two extra seats the standard two-passenger 250GT wheelbase remained at 96.5 inches.

However, 2+2'S body was extended by twelve inches, the steering gear and driver moved forward twelve inches, and the fuel tank relocated.

With a full tank of fuel and a driver on board, the difference in weight between the standard GT and the 2 + 2 was a mere increase of 170lb for the latter.

The classic VI 2 2953cc engine layout was used with a single overhead camshaft per bank of cylinders acting through roller rockers to operate the overhead valves, a combination that was capable of generating 240 bhp at 7000rpm.

The new model was sprung upon an unsuspecting public at the 1960 Le Mans 24-Hours race; possibly the third time that Ferrari had used one of their top-secret prototypes was used as the course car.

Immediately after the contest, this vehicle was taken to Paris, where a press reception was rapidly put together to launch the model in detail.

The 2.60-metre wheelbase was retained with extra cabin room accomplished not only by the body shell lengthening but also by shifting the engine forward 20cm.

The new chassis was given the Type 5o8E classification.

Pininfarina's styling was extremely graceful for its time, betraying the influence of aerodynamic testing in its elegant form.

The 250 GT 2+2’s steering had the characteristic Ferrari feel, light but live, very direct and full of feel.

The Ferrari 250 GT 2+2’s front was overshadowed by a rectangular, “egg crate” design radiator grille with driving lights in its extremities, overlooking an impressive one-piece, chrome-plated bumper.

The 250's bumper was initially all in chrome but began to show a tendency to be easily damaged, after which it came fitted with rubber-faced over-riders.

To round off the exterior trim, attractive circular sidelights and indicators were mounted on either side of the vehicle, and above them were set up to open headlights offset by concave chrome trim rings.

The rear of the 2+2 was dominated by a vertical one-piece tail light cluster nestling in the trailing edge of each wing.