Ferrari name is ubiquitous with speed, power, performance, precision and class. Founded in Italy in 1939, the company completed its first Ferrari-badged car in 1947, and since then the “prancing horse” has been one of the mainstays of international car racing. In 2014 Ferrari was rated as the world’s most powerful brand, and just four years later it would break a record for the most-expensive car sale in history, with a 1964 Ferrari 250 GTO commanding a price of £53.5 million.
However, Ferrari vehicles aren’t simply held in high regard for their sporting prowess. Over the years, Ferrari has become a label of esteem for automobile enthusiasts as well as those who enjoy the finer things in life.
The history of Ferrari
The 1930’s
While Ferrari may have split from Alfa-Romeo towards the end of the ’30s, it would take until 1947 before the flagship Ferrari 125 S and Ferrari 159 S vehicles were unveiled. These sports prototypes are now among some of the rarest vehicles in the world. By 1948, Ferrari had released its 166 Inter, 166 S and 166 Inter Sport models (the latter two being roofless, two-seater vehicles that many of the great and the good sought after in the post-war years). By the end of the year, the Ferrari 166 MM had hit the market, paving the way for a whole new decade of high-powered Ferrari sports cars.
While many of these vehicles don’t quite pack the punch modern Ferrari models offer, they do come with prestige, provenance and class.
1950’s classic Ferrari models
If you own a classic Ferrari from the 1950s, such as the Ferrari 212 Inter, Ferrari 212 Export, Ferrari 375 America or the Ferrari 340 MM, you’re quite literally in possession of a piece of history. The 1950s was a time of great experimentation for the Italian sports car manufacturer, resulting in race-winning powerhouses like the Ferrari 750 Monza, Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta and the Ferrari 410 S.
Ferrari 250GT California (1957) quickly became the go-to for wealthy Europeans who wanted to feel the wind in their hair while enjoying a drive in the sunshine. The Ferrari 250 TestaRossa won the 1956, 1960 and 1961 Le Mans races. The road version of the model was hand-crafted by Scaglietti, who is still regarded as one of Ferrari’s best coachbuilders.
The 1960s: Ferrari and the Ford rivalry
By the 1960s, Ferrari had firmly established its dominance on the world racing scene. In fact, two of the firm’s models from this decade – the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, and the 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB respectively – are among the most sought-after Ferrari models of all-time.
This decade was one of innovation for Ferrari, due in part to emerging competition on the touring car scene from many manufacturers from around the world – most notably Ford. Ford and Ferrari became embroiled in a bitter and often comical rivalry throughout the 1960s, driving both manufacturers to come on leaps and bounds technologically. However, while Ford’s motive was to sell more low-budget cars to the American everyman, Ferrari remained steadfast in maintaining its status as a luxury brand – something which it has continued to do to this day.
The 1980s
innovation and prestige continueed to skyrocket throughout the 80’s. Ferrari 288 GTO came out in 1984, and while it might have been underpowered in comparison to newer models, its 80s aesthetic endears it to many. It also boasts a strong chassis while maintaining a low weight.
Then, the Ferrari F40 (1987) became the last Ferrari to be developed under the leadership of Enzo Ferrari. His vision was to create the finest car on the planet – and many would agree that at the time, he had succeeded.
Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (2009) was one of the more modern Ferrari’s that can still be considered a class, and pays homage to the 1967 Daytona, whilst packing a 6-litre V12 engine capable of 620bhp.
The most expensive Ferrari cars ever sold at auction
In 2018, a rare 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO became the most expensive car to ever be sold at an auction, which should give you an indication as to the level of esteem these classic vehicles are held in. The 250 GTO in question commanded a staggering £37 million via Sotheby’s. This model is considered by many to be the “holy grail” of collectible classic cars. It was sold by Greg Whitten, a former Microsoft executive, and had previously won the 1962 Italian Grand Touring championship. Between 1962 and 1965 it notched up 15 overall wins with Phil Hill – the first American to become a Formula 1 champion – behind the wheel.
Other notable Ferrari’s at auction include a Ferrari 250 GTO Berlinetta which sold for £29 million in 2014, and a 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti which commanded £26 million in 2016.
The Most Popular Ferrari Models
Ferrari 812
The Ferrari 812 is the most powerful road-going Ferrari ever developed. It boasts a record output of 800CV at 8,000 RPM and is the first Ferrari to come equipped with electronic power steering for the smoothest possible drive. Despite its high-power credentials, the 812 is also highly efficient both in terms of fuel consumption and aerodynamics. It offers an unparalleled and exhilarating driving experience while remaining lightweight and compact
FERRARI SF90 STRADALE
FERRARI F8 TRIBUTO
The Ferrari F8 Tributo is a two-seater, mid-rear-engine sports car which pays homage to the most powerful V8 in the manufacturer’s history, as the name suggests. However, the F8 Tributo comes with its own set of unique characteristics and is one of the most sought-after Ferrari models on the market. Boasting state-of-the-art aerodynamics, this model has been honed to perfection during Ferrari’s involvement in the Challenge and GT championships. With an F8 Tributo, you can expect to push things to the limit with ease while driving with confidence.
FERRARI F8 SPIDER
Ferrari’s F8 Spider is a lightweight convertible two-seater sports car which boasts a magnificent 711bhp V8 twin-turbo engine. With such incredible power, it’s possible to reach a speed of 62 miles per hour in just 2.9 seconds. Like most newer Ferrari models, the F8 Spider has had a complete reworking in terms of aerodynamics. This helps to keep the cabin free from strong winds, even while travelling at high speeds. In the event of inclement weather, the roof can be motored into place in just 24 seconds while on the move – perfect for the unpredictable British climate!
MY FERRARI 488 PISTA
The Ferrari 488 Pista is the most powerful V8 car in the manufacturer’s history. It’s capable of punching out 720CV at 8000RPM, providing it with the best power output in its class. The vehicle retails at approximately £230,000 brand new, and while it’s primarily designed as a Challenge race car, it’s also optimised for road use. As such, the 488 Pista is incredibly fun to drive regardless of whether you’re on a track or negotiating urban city streets. The V8 engine which powers the 488 Pista is the new benchmark for turbo-charged units, making this a vehicle which is hotly in demand.
FERRARI GTC4 LUSSO
Ferrari’s GTC4 Lusso is a four-seat grand touring vehicle which succeeded the Ferrari FF. Like the FF, the GTC4 Lusso is an all-wheel-drive car powered by a mounted V12 engine. Since its unveiling at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, the GTC4 Lusso has been hot in demand among Ferrari enthusiasts. Its power, refined qualities and dual-cockpit concept make it an obvious choice for sports car fans who want to travel in style while also being able to take a drive with family and friends.
FERRARI ROMA
The Ferrari Roma is a supercar which boasts a 611 bhip V8 engine. It’s also one of the more minimalist in Ferrari’s canon of GT vehicles, given that it doesn’t prominently feature the familiar “prancing horse” badge.
FERRARI PORTOFINO
The Ferrari Portofino is a two-door, convertible grand touring sports car, which has been in production since 2017. It boasts a 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged engine and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, making it one of the most powerful vehicles in its class. It was released to coincide with Ferrari’s 70th anniversary, and is one of the most popular Ferrari models of the 21st century.
FERRARI MONZA
The Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 models are limited-edition sports cars which initially went on sale in 2018. The Monza was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show of 2018, marking the beginnings of a new lineage of Ferrari models known as the “Icona” series.
The Icona program aims to create special, limited-edition vehicles which are inspired by classic Ferrari models. As such, these vehicles can command a high price tag. Both the Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 are powered by a naturally aspirated V12 Superfast engine. All Monza models come with carbon fibre bodywork, making them incredibly lightweight yet strong. Both Monza models can reach speeds of 60mph in just 2.9 seconds, with a top speed weighing in at 186mph.
