The Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa (250 TR), introduced in 1957, is one of Ferrari’s most successful and legendary sports racing cars. The name Testa Rossa (“Red Head”) comes from the red-painted valve covers on its high-revving 3.0-liter Colombo V12 engine.
Built to comply with FIA rules restricting sports-racing car engine displacement to 3.0 liters, the 250 TR dominated international endurance racing, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans overall in 1958, 1960, and 1961.
On the Race Track
Driven by legends such as Olivier Gendebien, Paul Frère, Phil Hill, and Peter Collins, the 250 TR was renowned for its exceptional reliability and stability during grueling 12-hour and 24-hour endurance races like Le Mans and Sebring.
Iconic “Pontoon Fender” Design
The early 1957–1958 customer versions featured bodywork by Carrozzeria Scaglietti with iconic “pontoon” front fenders—cut away behind the front wheels to cool the large drum brakes while allowing hot air to vent out from under the bonnet.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Details |
| Production Years | 1957–1961 (33 total units across all versions) |
| Engine | 3.0 L (2,953 cc) Colombo V12 with red valve covers |
| Carburetors | 6 twin-choke Weber 38 DCN carburetors |
| Power Output | 300 hp @ 7,200 rpm |
| Top Speed | ~270 km/h (168 mph) |
| Weight | ~800 kg (1,764 lbs) |
| Major Titles | 3x 24 Hours of Le Mans Winner (1958, 1960, 1961), 3x World Sportscar Champion |