Ferrari S.p.A. is an Italian luxury sports car manufacturer based in Maranello. Founded in 1939 by Enzo Ferrari (1898–1988). Many early Ferraris, dating to the 1950s and 1960s, count among the most expensive cars ever sold at auction. Throughout its history, the company has been noted for its continued participation in racing, especially in Formula One. Ferrari is also one of the largest car manufacturers by market capitalisation, with a value of approximately US$85.5 billion.
Front-engine V12 2-seats
Inter (1948 - 1952)
The Ferrari 166 Inter was Ferrari's first true grand tourer. An evolution of the 125 S and 166 S racing cars, it was a sports car for the street with coachbuilt bodies. The 2.0 L Gioacchino Colombo-designed V12 engine from the 166 S remained, as did its chassis, though the wheelbase would eventually grow from 2,420 mm (95.3 in) to 2,500 mm (98.4 in) and even 2,620 mm (103.1 in). Output was 90 PS (66 kW) at 5600 rpm with one carburetor and top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph).
The Ferrari 195 Inter is a sportscar produced by Ferrari between 1950 and 1951, as a grand tourer (GT) version of the Ferrari 195 S racer. Introduced at the 1950 Paris Motor Show, it was similar to the 166 Inter shown a year earlier and was aimed at the same affluent clientele. Like the last of the 166 Inters, the wheelbase was stretched by 80 mm to 2,500 mm , but the larger 2.3 L version of the Colombo V12 was the true differentiator. for a total output of 130 PS (96 kW; 128 hp) though some used triple carbs.
The Ferrari 212 Inter replaced Ferrari's successful 166 and 195 Inter grand tourers in 1951. Unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show that year, the 212 was an evolution of the 166. The Inter's 2,600 mm wheelbase was 4" longer than the 2,500 mm Export's. The cars shared a larger, bored-out (68 mm) 2.6 L version of Ferrari's Colombo V12 engine. Output was 150 PS. It recorded a top speed of over 116 mph (187 km/h) and acceleration times of 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) of 10.5 seconds
America (1950 - 1966)
Ferrari America is a series of flagship grand touring Ferrari models primarily built for the North American market in the 1950s and 1960s. The America models were equipped with large V12 engines and often had custom bodywork done by famous coachbuilders in Italy. All America models used a live axle in the rear, were front-engined, and had worm and sector steering. Two models from the series, the 410 and the 400, were called Superamerica with the final model, the 500 being called the superfast.
Only six units of the 342 America were made: Vignale Cabriolet (designed by Giovanni Michelotti), two Pinin Farina Cabriolets and three Pinin Farina Coupés. The 342 used the same Lampredi-designed engine as in the 340 America with a different carburettor air-filter arrangement and thus was detuned to 200 hp. Both the 340 and the 342 America used the even chassis numbers associated with Ferrari race cars. A Black Pinin Farina Cabriolet was owned by King Leopold III of Belgium.
The 375 America was introduced in 1953 and a Pinin Farina bodied example was shown at that year's Paris Salon. Built as a successor to the 342 America, The 375 used the new 4,522.08 cc (4.5 L) "long block" Lampredi designed V12 engine that was rated at 300 PS. The stated performance figures were a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration time in under seven seconds and a top speed of almost 160 mph (257 km/h). The expensive and exclusive 375 was only built from late 1953 through 1954 and 12 cars were made.
The 410 Superamerica was introduced in 1955 and used the engine based on a single plug 410 S powerplant. The engine had an increased displacement up to 4,962.96 cc (5.0 L) and was rated at 340 PS (250 kW; 335 hp) at 6,000 rpm thanks to three Weber 40DCF carburettors. The car had a listed top speed of 163 mph (262 km/h) and was recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's fastest production car In 1957. Each 410 Superamerica had custom bodywork most by Ferrari stalwart, Pinin Farina.
The 400 Superamerica debuted in 1959 as the production of the 410 ended, and was available as a coupe, spider, or cabriolet with custom Pinin Farina bodywork. It had the smaller 3,967.44 cc (4.0 L) Colombo engine, which had similar power output as its predecessor at 340 PS (250 kW; 335 hp) at 7,000 rpm. Four-wheel disc brakes were a new addition. 47 units of the 400 Superamerica been built in two series of which 32 were the coupé aerodinamico variant. Production of the 400 Superamerica ended in 1964.
The final model in the flagship America series was the 500 Superfast, first unveiled at the 1964 Geneva Motor Show. The engine was a unique 4,962.96 cc (5 L) Ferrari Colombo V12 engine. Breathing through six twin-choke Weber 40DCZ/6 carburettors, the V12 produced upto 400 PS at 6,500 rpm and could push the car to 280 kilometres per hour. The chassis was very similar in construction to the contemporary 330 GT 2+2, and bodywork was now done by Pininfarina.
Front-engine V12 2+2
The LWB 250 GT theme was expanded with the 2+2 model 250 GT/E, the first large-production four-seat Ferrari (earlier four-seaters were made in very small numbers). Interior space was increased by moving the engine forward in the chassis. The rear seats were suitable for children but small for adults. Pirelli Cinturato 185VR15 tyres (CA67) were original equipment. The standard wheels used on series 1 were the Borrani RW3591 and the series 2 & 3 were fitted with the Borrani RW3690 as a standard.
The provisional 330 America was replaced in January 1964 by the new 330 GT 2+2. It was first shown at the Brussels Show, early that year. It was much more than a re-engined 250. The 1965 Series II version featured a five-speed gearbox instead of the overdrive four-speed of the prior year. Other changes included the switch back to a dual-light instead of quad-light front, alloy wheels, and the addition of optional air conditioning and power steering. 330 GT 2+2 cars had been built when the car was replaced by the 365 GT 2+2.
The most popular 365 model was 1967's 365 GT 2+2, replacing the 330 GT 2+2. Unlike the 330 GT 2+2 car it replaced, which had a live rear axle on leaf springs, the 365 GT 2+2 had independent rear suspension. The 365 GT 2+2 was a luxurious car with leather seats, power steering and brakes, electric windows, and optional air conditioning. It quickly became the company's top-selling model with about 800 produced in four years. When leaving the factory the 365 GT 2+2 was fitted with Pirelli Cinturato 205VR15 tyres.
The Ferrari 456 is a front-engine grand tourers which were produced by Italian automobile manufacturer Ferrari. The 456 succeeded the front-engine 412 as the company's V12-powered four-seater. The car has a top speed of 309 km/h, making it, at the time, the world's second fastest production four-seater automobile behind the Porsche 959. Acceleration from 0-97 km/h takes 4.8 seconds. The automatic transmission used was the second and last conventional hydraulic automatic transmission by Ferrari
Mid-engine Flat-12
The Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer (BB) is a series of sports cars produced by Ferrari. The BB was designed by Leonardo Fioravanti at Pininfarina. This engine was derived from both the Mauro Forghieri-designed Tipo 001 3.0-litre flat-12 engine. Ferrari brochures reported the engine produced 360 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 311 ft/lb of torque at 4,500 rpm. Air and fuel were supplied via four 3-bbl Weber 40 IF 3C carburetors. The ignition system consisted of a single Magneti Marelli distributor and two coils.
The production version of the 365 GT4 BB was introduced at the 1973 Paris Motor Show. The start of production coincided with the 1973 oil crisis, and as a result initial demand was low. he car's handling and straight line performance. Road & Track tested a 365 GT4 BB in June 1975. The clutch in their test car slipped, but they still measured 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds, R&T testers reached a top speed of 175 mph, making the 365 GT4 BB the fastest road car tested at the time.
The Ferrari Testarossa (Type F110) is a 12-cylinder mid-engine sports car manufactured by Ferrari, which went into production in 1984 as the successor to the Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer. The Testarossa is a two-door coupé that premiered at the 1984 Paris Auto Show. The Testarossa has a naturally aspirated 4.9 L (4,943 cc) longitudinally-mounted, Tipo F113 flat-12 engine. The engine has DOHC 4 valves per cylinder. The top speed of the Testarossa is estimated at 290 km/h
The F512 M was the last version of the Testarossa. 501 cars were produced in total, of which 75 were made for the North America market. The F512 M sports a 4.9-litre Tipo F113 G longitudinally mid mounted flat-12 engine. This provides a maximum torque of 500 newton-metres at 5,500 rpm and a maximum power output of 324 kw. The Ferrari F512 M can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds The F512 M has a top speed of 315 km/h. The F512 M has 18 in wheels with a width of 8 in for front and 10.5 in for the rears.
One-off & Few-off
A single 212 Inter, chassis no. 0223EU, was fitted with the available 225 S or 2.7 L Colombo V12 engine, combined with a long wheelbase Europa type chassis, creating a unique model that would be properly referred to as a 225 Inter or 225 Europa. This 1952 one-off model was given a Giovanni Michelotti-penned coupé body built by Vignale. Another 212 Inter, chassis number 0253EU, also received the 2.7 liter three-carburetor V12. It was acquired by Ford Motor Company for Henry Ford.
The Ferrari 375 MM, was a sports racing car produced by Ferrari from 1953 to 1955. It was named "375" for the unitary displacement of one cylinder in the 4.5 L V12 engine. The first prototype was a Vignale Spyder and three next cars were Pinin Farina Berlinettas. The engine had a changed capacity of 4522.68 cc, thanks to its 84 by 68 mm of bore and stroke, and would also be mounted in the 375 America road car. Although intended for the Mille Miglia, the 375 MM was also raced with limited success in the Carrera Panamericana.
The Ferrari 365 is a large front-engine, rear-wheel-drive 2- and 2+2-seater grand tourer produced by Ferrari. Introduced at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show, it replaced the 330 and 500 Superfast. It was the first 365 model, with its 4.4 L (4390 cc/267 in³) V12 based on the 330's 4.0 L Colombo unit but with an 81 mm bore. it produced 320 PS (235 kW; 316 hp) at 6,600 rpm. On 28 June 2005, a pristine 365 California sold for €736,000 (US$890,000).
The Testarossa Spider (s/n 62897) is the sole official convertible variant of the Testarossa commissioned in 1986 by the then-Fiat chairman Gianni Agnelli. It has a standard 4.9 L flat-12 engine with a power output of 291 kW , though the top speed was reduced because of the excessive weight arising due to the reinforced chassis. The transmission was installed on special request of Agnelli as he suffered from a chronic leg injury.
A Mondial t was manufactured exclusively by Ferrari for PPG Industries to use as a pace car for the PPG Indy Car World Series. Built under the design of Ercole Spada at I.DE.A Institute at a cost of approximately $1 million, it was introduced at the 1989 Champion The PPG has historically been a target of derision from Ferrari enthusiasts, with many calling it the one of the worst Ferraris ever made due its styling, performance and weight. however, consider the car a future classic due to its low price relative.
For almost 18 years, Ferrari denied that the F90 existed. The project was eventually discovered along with the fact that six were made for the Sultan of Brunei in 1988. All six F90s used a Ferrari Testarossa chassis on top of which Pininfarina sculpted an entirely new body and interior. The engines were stock units, having a power output of 390 PS (287 kW; 385 hp) and having a rear-wheel drive layout, but the radiators were moved to the front of the car. Fumia styled the car and said the F90 name referred to it being a "Ferrari of the '90s."
The Ferrari FX was a special order sports car custom made by Pininfarina at the request of the 29th Sultan of Brunei. It featured the flat-twelve engine of the Ferrari F512 M, on which it is based, and a 7-speed sequential manual transmission from the Williams Formula One team. Only seven or nine cars were made depending on the source, six of which were delivered to the royal family in Brunei. The car has a top speed of around 205 mph, yet Ferrari claimed "We don't want to make the fastest car in the world".
The Ferrari F50 (Type F130) is a limited production mid-engine sports car manufactured by Italian automobile manufacturer Ferrari from 1995 until 1997. Introduced in 1995, the car is a two-door, two seat targa top. The F50 is powered by a 4.7 L naturally aspirated Tipo F130B 60-valve V12 engine that was developed from the 3.5 L V12 used in the 1990 Ferrari 641 Formula One car. A total of 349 cars were made, with the last car rolling off the production line in July 1997.
See also FERRARI (Trending Cars)