Ferrari 250 TR Testa Rossa Scaglietti 1958

The Testa Rossa (Read Head) designation for a Ferrari appeared in 1956 for a 2 Litre sports racing car. The cam covers of the engine were painted in red. It was the 500 TR with a 4 cylinder engine. See Car Review Ferrari 500 TRC Spider Scaglietti 1957.

For the seasons 1958 to 1960, the FIA had decided to limit the engine capacity to 3.000 cc.
The Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa was introduced with Scaglietti body in November 1957 for the 1958 season. It was based on 3 Litre Gran Turismo engine.

The front end was very specific with a long sloping nose and nealy separated fenders. This original cutaway style front end was intended to provide maximum drum brakes cooling. At that time Jaguar was using disc brakes while Ferrari stayed with drum brakes with helical fins. Photos 10/22 shows the front end with separated fenders and the drum brakes with fins that are object for cooling during the race. Drum brake cooling was a challenge at the time for closed body racing cars. It was later found that this solution created aerodynamic drag and next versions had fully enveloping nose incorporating slots and ducts for brake cooling; it was the case for the 1958 Le Mans winning car driven by Olivier Gendebien and Phill Hill.

The engine of the Ferrari 250 TR was a 2953 cc V12 with six twin throat Weber carburettors producing between 280 and 300 hp. The kerb weight was announced at 795 kg (1753 lb.). The multi-tubular space frame was a modified version of the 500 TR with wheelbase extended to 2.350 mm (92,5 in.) to accommodate the V12 in place of the previous four cylinder. The Ferrari 250 TR won 1958 World Championship for Sports Cars. Several cars were sold to private drivers. The Ferrari 250 TR evolve through 250 TR/59 and still won the 1960 Le Mans 24 Hours within a very successful career.

Wallpapers :Ferrari 250 TR Testa Rossa Scaglietti 1958 (click on image to enlarge)