STORY OF THE DAY: A Grand Tourer Finishes Among the Works Prototypes

Olivier Gendebien and Jacques Washer finished fifth overall in the 1956 Mille Miglia with the number 505 Ferrari 250 GT long-wheelbase Scaglietti Berlinetta. They also won the over-two-litre Grand Touring class, placing immediately behind four factory Ferrari sports prototypes. Their result completed an imposing first-through-fifth sweep for the marque.

The race was affected by persistent rain, making the closed GT’s weather protection and predictable handling especially valuable. Gendebien kept the heavier production-based car close to the prototypes while preserving it across 1,597 kilometres. Finishing only minutes behind Juan Manuel Fangio’s fourth-placed 290 MM showed how effectively the 250 GT combined road manners with competition performance.

The long-wheelbase 250 GT Berlinetta used a tubular chassis with a 2.60-metre wheelbase and Ferrari’s front-mounted three-litre Colombo V12. Scaglietti built its light aluminium competition body to Pinin Farina-derived lines. A four-speed gearbox, live rear axle and drum brakes remained conventional, but low weight and balanced power made the car exceptionally adaptable to long road races.

Gendebien and Washer were Belgians with contrasting roles. Gendebien developed into one of the era’s finest endurance drivers and became closely associated with Ferrari, ultimately winning Le Mans four times. Washer was an experienced Belgian rally and sports-car competitor whose navigation and calm support complemented Gendebien. Their Mille Miglia class victory began an especially productive relationship between Gendebien and Ferrari GT machinery.