DIY California 250GT SWB 3D Design Project
This project represents my interpretation of the iconic 250GT California SWB chassis. While the original frames were hand-built by skilled craftsman (Carrozzieri) using whatever tubing was available at the time, today’s fabricators can take advantage of modern materials, precision cutting, and repeatable jig work. The goal here is to honor…
The 250 GT series used a tubular steel chassis that balanced light weight with rigidity and it became the backbone for multiple celebrated variants including the short wheelbase Berlinetta, the Lusso and the race focused GTO. The design offered tight handling strong braking stability and a platform that coach builders…
I started the build with the wheels, but the tires proved more difficult than expected. The flexible TPU filament I initially tested was not suitable—the combination of tire diameter, sidewall geometry, and softness in the material led to poor dimensional stability and surface finish. My intent was to replicate the…
I recently acquired this California 250GT SWB wood buck used in the creation of body panels for a private collector. Believed to have been made in the late 1980’s, this wooden buck used for metal shaping is a historic restoration tool. A rare find with direct ties to the legendary…
Sospensione anteriore on the 250 GT rolling chassis refers to the independent front suspension assembly of the telaio (frame) which is the heart of the car’s avantreno (front running gear). Across the 250 GT family, the layout is a classic racing-bred formula: unequal-length double wishbones (A-arms), coil springs, hydraulic dampers,…
No classic Italian car would be complete without a set of beautiful Borrani wire wheels. Model years 1961-1963 California SWB cars used Borrani RW3687 wire wheels. We will be discussing these rims a great deal in upcoming posts but for now, let’s try to find out why in 1963, Borrani…