Unveiled in late 1959, the Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta SWB was one of the most notable GT racers of its time. Compared to the chassis of its LWB predecessor which measured 2,600 mm, it used a shorter wheelbase version of 2,400 mm. Of the 176 examples built, both steel and aluminum bodies were used in various road ("lusso") and racing trims. Engine output ranged from 240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp) to 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp). The 250 GT Berlinetta SWB was the basis for the 250 GT California Spyder SWB introduced in 1960.