The 20 Best Vintage Ferrari Models of All-Time

The Ferrari is a powerful road beast, one that is at home on the road as it is on the track. Founded in 1947 by racing enthusiast Enzo Ferrari, the company quickly became known for producing stylish, fast and winning builds. T

oday, the company is owned and operated by Fiat. But don’t let that put you off, as the quality, speed and overall craftsmanship remains. So sit back, grab a cup of coffee and take a look at some of the best vintage Ferrari models ever manufactured.

20. 1965 Ferrari 500 Superfast

Up until the Ferrari 500 Superfast, the Ferrari brand had been made synonymous with sports car. However with the Superfast Ferrari saw its chance to be more than sporty. Indeed, it was their chance to add a bit of luxury to the mix by creating a car with a tourer or cruiser build. Manufactured by Pininfarina, the Superfast had a more roomy and comfortable interior, and a 5.0 liter 400 hp V12 engine. Introduced to the pubic in 1964, 25 cars were made.

19. Dino 206 GT

First things first, if you notice, the header for this vintage Ferrari doesn’t carry the Ferrari name. However, it’s still considered a Ferrai. The name ‘Dino’ refers to the knick name given to Enzo Ferrari’s late son, Alfredo. The Dino 206 GT was the first car with an engine smaller than a V12.

In fact, Enzo wasn’t too thrilled with this in the beginning so left the Ferrerai name off. Production for the Dino 206 GT went from 1967 to 1969 with 152 manufactured. Designed by Aldo Brovarone and Leonardo Fioravanti it came with berlinetta body styling, a 2.0 liter Dino V6 engine with a 5 speed manual transmission. As for handling, the Dino was surprisingly agile and easy to handle.

18. 1957 Ferrari 625 TRC Spider

With only 2 of these models ever made, it’s considered one of Ferrari’s rarest cars. This is not only rare, but also quite attractive as you can see here According to Ferrari expert Richard F. Merritt, it’s “one of the prettiest Ferraris built”. Known as one of the fastest cars in the country at the time, the 625 TRC saw much success on the track.

17. 1974 Dino 308 GT4

Built by Ferrari and named after Enzo Ferrari’s late son who passed in 1956, the Dino 308 GT4 was a sports car designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone. This design was unique in that it featured a transverse, rear mid-engine, rear wheel drive layout with a 2.9 liter Dino V8 engine.

As previously mentioned, Enzo preferred the V12 engine, so left the name “Ferrari” off the model. In fact, it wasn’t until 1976 that this model was given the privilege of sporting the prancing horse badge.

16. 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Speciale

The Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Speciale belongs to the famous Ferrari 250 family of cars. But what makes this one special? Well, this is the model that has unique body design crafted by Nuccio Bertone. In fact, many Ferrari enthusiasts refer to this model as the Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Speciale by Bertone, treating it almost as a unique piece of art.

Not only did Bertone design the body, but this car was actually owned by him. While it was more than capable to race, Bertone saved it as an exhibition car, highlighting his coach crafting skills.

15. 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder

The current estimated value of the 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder is around $17.16 million dollars. The 250 GT California Spyder was unveiled at the 1960 Geneva Motor Show, showing it’s solid short wheel base (SWB) body.

Based on the 250 GT Berlinetta, the California Spyders design was vastly improved with the addition of disc brakes, Pirelli Cinturato tires, and a new more powerful V12 engine.

As for the body, it was meticulously crafted by Carozerria Scaglietti. It’s estimated that only about 55 of these cars were manufactured.

14. 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB

Ferrari 275 GTB saw the light of day in 1964 and remained in production until 1966. Designed by Italian auto design firm Pininfarina, this 2 seated grand tourer had a 2-door berlinetta body style and a front engine, rear wheel drive layout.

The engine was a 3.3 liter Colombo V12 and came with two overhead cams and a 5 speed manual transmission. The racing version of the 275 GTB was the 275 GTB/C Speciale.

13. 1968 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona

The Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona model ran from 1968 to 1973 with the intent of replacing Ferrari’s 275 GTB/4. Classed as a sports car with a berlinetta body style, only 1,284 were manufactured.

The GTB/4’s layout was front-engine, rear wheel drive and came with a 4.4 liter engine, 5 speed manual transmission. An interesting tidbit is that the name “Daytona” was bestowed by the public with Ferrari considering it an unofficial name.

Preston Henn Collection 275 GTB-C Speciale

12. 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale

The Ferrari 275 GTB is a sought after, vintage model. The 275 GTB was designed to be driven on the road. However it was given racing tech, and it was this incorporation of racing tech that attracted the attention of the Competizione Speciale.

Only 3 of the 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB-C Speciale’s were manufactured. Only one of the 3 were raced, and that one claims Preston Henn as an owner with a dollar value of $27.4 million. It came with a front longitudinal, Tipo 213 V12 engine, and Dunlop disc brakes.

11. 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 N.A.R.T. Spyder

N.A.R.T stands for North American Racing Team. Named after Ferrari’s American importer, Luigi Chinetti auto racing team, the Ferrari 275 GTB/4 N.A.R.T. Spyder is a Ferrari enthusiasts dream car.

In fact, one of those enthusiasts was actor Steve McQueen. McQueen was known for his love of speed in real life, and in this scene from the 1968 film “The Thomas Crown Affair”, you get a glimpse of his personal N.A.R.T. Yes, the N.A.R.T in that scene was actually his in real life.

10. 2003 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale

According to Ferrari.com, “the Challenge Stradale lines up alongside the 360 Modena and 360 Spider with the precise aim of providing drivers the performances that only a true racing car for road use can provide.” The Challenge Stradale emerged from the 360 Modena Challenge.

The main difference between the two is track performance, as the Stradale’s design revolved around improving race track handling for drivers. Designed by Pininfarina, 1,288 Challenge Stradales were made.

Classed as a sports car, it comes with a 2-door berlinetta body, with a rear mid-engine, rear wheel drive layout. It’s powered by a 3.6 liter Tipo F131 V8 engine with a 6-speed transmission. The Challenge Stradale was succeeded by the Ferrari F430.

9. 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder Competizione

The 250 GT California Spyders build had one purpose: As an American export. The Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spyder Competizione had Coachwork by Scaglietti and was powered by a 3.0 liter Tipo 128D V12 engine. LWB stands for ‘long wheel base’.

The California Spyder was inspired by Luigi Chinetti as he wanted Ferrari to extend the 250 Cabriolet line with a model which was a tad more sporty in design. The 250 GT LWB California Spyder was considered a limited production car, and was soon replaced by the SWB (short wheel base) version.

1964 Ferrari 275 GTB-C Speciale

8.1964 Ferrari 275 GTB-C Speciale

The 1964 275 GTB was a two-seater grand touring coupe designed by Pininfarina and made by Scaglietti. It had 2-door berlinetta styling with a front-engine, rear wheel drive layout. It was powered by a 3.3 liter Colombo V12 Tipo 213 engine with 2 overhead cams.

Since this is a 275 GTB Competizione Speciale, it’s build was overseen by Mauro Forghieri. Only 4 of the 275 GTB/C Speciale’s were made. As for worth, in 2014 auction house RM Sotheby’s sold one for $26,400,000.

7. 1957 Ferrari 335 S Scaglietti Spyder

Only 4 Ferrari 335 S model’s were made. Also known as the Ferrari 335 Sport this masterpiece designed by Scaglietti had a front, mid-engine, rear wheel drive layout, Spyder styling and a 4.0 liter Tipo 141 Jano V12 engine.

Designed to compete with the Maserati 450 the 335 S could reach a top speed of 190 mph. Today the estimated value of a 1957 Ferrari 335 S Scaglietti Spyder is $35.7 million dollars.

6. The 1956 Ferrari 290 MM

In December of 2015, a Ferrari 290 MM was auctioned off at RM Sotheby’s for $28 million. This vintage Ferrari was specifically designed and build to compete in the 1956 Mille Miglia. Designed by master craftsperson Scaglietti, the 290 MM was a front, mid-engine, rear wheel drive vehicle.

It came with Spyder styling with a 3.5 liter Tipo 130 Jano V12 engine. In 1956 the 290 MM did win the Mille Miglia with Eugenio Castellotti at the wheel.

5. Ferrari F40 (1987–1992)

No Ferrari favorites list would be complete without the F40, an iconic model that signaled the birth of the modern supercar and embodied Ferrari’s motorsport history and spirit in a road car. Built between 1987 and 1992, the mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive car was designed to celebrate Ferrari’s 40thanniversary. 

At the time of launch it was the fastest, most powerful and most expensive Ferrari ever, with an enlarged, 2.9-litre version of its 288 GTO predecessors twin-turbo V8 engine, producing 471 horsepower and 577Nm of torque.

The Pininfarina-designed body featured panels made of Kevlar, carbon-fibre, and aluminium, with advantages to the car’s strength and a reduction in weight, while the windows were made of polycarbonate plastic. 

4. 1947 Ferrari 125 S

The Ferrari 125 S or Sport is the very first Ferrari that was ever manufactured and the first to win a race. Designed by Gioachino Colombo and Giuseppe Busso in 1947, the 125 S became the foundation of all future success.

Classed as a sports car, it had a front engine, rear wheel drive layout with a 1.5 liter Colombo V12 engine. This two-seater was made for the racetrack, with only 2 manufactured. Though the 125 S would be the start of all future successes, it’s start on the track was less than lackluster.

In fact, Enzo Ferrari called it a “promising failure.” Enzo wasn’t fazed by the slow start, and the result of that devotion and dedication can be seen today.

3. 1964 Ferrari 250 LM

The Ferrari 250 LM or Le Mans was designed to race, and in 1965 the 250 LM actually did win the race it was named for. The 250 Le Mans got its power from a 320 hp, 3.3 liter V12 Colombo engine.

This mid-engine LM series began production in 1963 and continued rolling out LM’s until 1966, with 32 LM’s coming out of Maranello. To understand the love Ferrari fans have for the LM, watch this video (https://youtu.be/t2S7C6s6R9A) from Ferrari dealer and 250 LM owner, Remi Ferri.

2. 1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa

The Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa or 250 TR was one of the most successful racing sport s cars Ferrari’s ever manufactured. Produced from 1957 to 1961, this front mid-engine, rear wheel drive car came with Spyder styling, and a 3.0 liter Tipo 128 Colombo V12 engine.

All tolled, 33 250 Testa Rossa’s were built. The 1958 250 TR stands apart from other 250 TR’s via it’s cutaway body design.

1. 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO

No other Ferrari model could take the top spot. After all, it’s the 250 GTO that shook the racing world. The Ferrari 250 GTO wasn’t just fast, it was aesthetically pleasing and beautifully designed. The body contours themselves spoke of races yet to be won.

They are so exclusive that you’d be hard pressed to find one on the auction block any time soon. Designed by Giotto Bizzarrini and Sergio Scaglietti, the 250 GTO was classed as a sports car with 2-door berlinetta styling and powered by a Tipo 168/62 Colombo V12 engine.

39 of these beauties were built between 1962 and 1964. What makes this car even more special is that the 1962 model was build specifically for racing legend Stirling Moss.

Final Thoughts

While the vintage Ferrari’s listed above generally sell at auction for millions of dollars, those built today are much more affordable. So, if you have a taste for owning a fast car that happens to have a prancing horse badge, you can probably nab one for around $200,000 or so.

You don’t need to venture into the world of the Formula One to enjoy a Ferrari. In fact, they are just at home on the road doing an errand run as they are on the track.

You can also read:

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply