English
Lietuvių
Latviešu
Eesti
Polski
Русский
Українська
Deutsch
Nederlands
Čeština
Slovenčina
Svenska
Norsk
Dansk
Suomi
Ferrari 250 LM: mid-engine Le Mans winner
Ferrari 250 LM — a mid-engine car produced from 1963–1966, with 32 units made. In 1965, the North American Racing Team (NART) won the Le Mans race with it.
250 LM in brief
250 LM — a mid-engine Ferrari based on the 250 P prototype. The 'LM' stands for Le Mans. It stands out with its enclosed cabin and aerodynamic shape.
According to available data, 32 cars were produced between 1963–1966.
History and development
Ferrari wanted the 250 LM to be recognised as a 250 GTO variant, so there would be no need to build 100 units for homologation. The FIA did not approve this, so the car could only compete in the prototype class.
Despite this, it became a success: in 1965, the NART team won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with it.
Technical specs
The car is powered by a 3.3-litre (3286 cc) V12 engine mounted behind the driver, with power transmitted via a five-speed gearbox.
This mid-engine layout allowed for better weight distribution and stability, making the car highly competitive in races.
Significance and where to see it
The 1965 Le Mans victory was Ferrari's last shared win in the race until 2023. Therefore, the 250 LM is considered one of the most iconic moments in Ferrari's sports car history.
Cars are exhibited in museums, classic car events, and auctions. They belong to the elite world of top-tier collectors.
Production period
The 250 LM was produced in just one version.
250 LM
1963–1966Mid-engine Le Mans car.
- 3.3-litre V12
- Five-speed gearbox
- 32 cars
The 250 LM and other Ferraris of the era
| Ferrari 250 LM | Ferrari 250 GTO | Ferrari 250 P | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine position | Midship | Front | Midship |
| Character | Prototype and coupé | GT racing | Prototype |
| Era | 1963–1966 | 1962–1964 model years | 1963 model year |
The 250 LM combined a prototype chassis with a closed coupé body and became one of the most iconic Ferrari models.
Pros
- 1965 Le Mans victory
- Mid-engine layout
- V12 engine
- Extremely limited production run
Cons
- Was not recognised as a GT car
- Only 32 units produced
- Available only to collectors
Frequently asked questions
How many Ferrari 250 LMs were made?
According to available data — 32 cars.
Did the 250 LM win Le Mans?
Yes, in 1965 with the NART team car.
Why wasn't the 250 LM in the GT class?
The FIA refused to homologate it as a 250 series variant, so it competed in the prototype class.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
