Ferrari is a true icon of the automotive world, with a legendary focus on speed, beauty and performance for over 70 years. With such appeal, it’s no wonder Ferraris have been adorning garages, shows and bedroom posters all over the world since 1947.
Today, these prancing pony powerhouses come in a variety of styles and price tags. But which models make the list of greatest Ferraris of all time? Well, buckle up. You’re about to find out the 13 road-going models we’d love to drive this summer…
1. Ferrari F40
The legendary F40 was created to commemorate Ferrari’s 40th anniversary. Designed by Pininfarina, this swift berlinetta (‘little saloon’ in Italian) was primarily constructed using composite materials, offering a high-performance, turbo-charged running gear, in combination with a top-of-the-range chassis.
In terms of performance, the Ferrari F40 was nothing short of a powerhouse, featuring a mid-mounted 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine capable of producing an impressive 478 horsepower.
The F40’s interior was intentionally kept stripped-down, providing passengers the sensation of being in a Le Mans prototype, while its aggressive and low-slung design has since become the epitome of Ferrari’s brand identity, making the F40 its most iconic model.
2. Ferrari 458 Speciale
The Speciale is widely regarded as one of the best supercars ever made, let alone one of the greatest Ferraris. Taking the 458 to new and extreme heights, it follows the racing striped-designed legacy of Ferrari’s 360 Challenge Stradale and 430 Scuderia.
Under the bonnet, this Italian masterpiece boasts an astounding 605 horsepower, with a 14:1 compression ratio on its 4.5-liter V8 engine, pumping out an impressive 133 bhp per litre at 9000 rpm.
However, the most impressive piece of tech is the side-slip control, combining the car’s traction control with the rear differential, allowing you to tailor your driving style and creating a thrilling driving experience, albeit one that demands responsibility.
3. Ferrari 250 GTO
The Ferrari 250 GTO is undeniably one of the most exquisite creations ever to emerge from the Ferrari factories. With only 36 units ever built, it’s also one of the rarest.
In 2018, a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO was auctioned for $48.05 million, securing its position as the priciest car ever sold at an auction in history. However, in the same year, WeatherTech founder David McNeal discreetly bought this model through a private transaction, shelling out over $70 million – breaking the record for the highest auction price.
Beyond the price tag, the Ferrari 250 GTO delivers a truly visceral driving experience, reminiscent of the 1960s 250 Testa Rossa race car, with a Colombo-designed 3.0-liter V12 engine, unleashing a thrilling 296 horsepower for pure enjoyment behind the wheel.
4. Ferrari LaFerrari
The LaFerrari takes pride in achieving the most extreme performance ever seen in a Ferrari production car, becoming one of the first vehicles to be labelled a ‘hypercar’.
The LaFerrari marks the first production car from Ferrari to feature the F1-derived hybrid system called HY-KERS, which combines an electric motor that produces over 150 CV, with the most potent version of Ferrari’s classic 6.3-liter V12 engine, delivering a formidable 800 CV at 9000 rpm.
Only 499 of these exceptional vehicles were ever produced, and their value has almost doubled since their introduction. As far as the greatest Ferraris go, the LaFerrari is a stunning blend of beauty and speed – embodying everything that Ferrari represents.
5. Ferrari Testarossa
If you’re familiar with Miami Vice, you’ll instantly recognise the iconic Ferrari Testarossa, epitomising an 80s Ferrari with its distinct angular design, pop-up headlights, and gill-like side air intakes.
This beauty graced the roads from 1984 to 1991, and was no slouch, clocking 0-62 mph in a mere 5.3 seconds and reaching top speeds of around 189 mph. Powering the Testarossa was a 4.9-liter longitudinally-mounted, flat-12 engine, pumping out an impressive 385 horsepower and 490 Nm of torque.
Its popularity led to almost 10,000 units of this model being sold, making it not only one of the greatest Ferraris ever made, but one of the most mass-produced in history. Postered on the walls of car enthusiasts around the world, the Testarossa played a pivotal role in elevating Ferrari to global recognition.
6. Ferrari 296 GTB
The 296 GTB marks a significant evolution for Ferrari, embracing the mid-rear-engined two-seater sports berlinetta concept with a groundbreaking twist. This marvel introduces the all-new 120° V6 engine, accompanied by a plug-in (PHEV) electric motor, delivering an astonishing 830 cv.
Though the active aerodynamics features are relatively minimal, a movable rear flap plays a crucial role in enhancing stability at higher speeds and acting as an airbrake during braking manoeuvres.
Instead, the 296 GTB takes advantage of intelligently-placed inlets and fins on the underside to efficiently channel the air. The result? A sleek, aerodynamic beauty adorned with multiple purposeful vents on the front, contributing to its striking and aggressive design.
7. Ferrari 365 GTB/4 ‘Daytona’
The 365 GTB/4, affectionately known as the Ferrari Daytona, has easily earned its place as one of the best Ferraris of all time. Boasting a powerful 4.4-liter Tipo 251 Colombo V12 engine, its name pays homage to Ferrari’s triumphant victory at the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona.
Faced with increasing competition from Lamborghini’s mid-engined supercar, the Miura, Ferrari knew it had to make a bold move, and that’s when the Daytona made its grand entrance.
In truth, the Daytona reached global fame when it participated in the inaugural Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, conquering the competition with an impressive average speed of 80.1 miles per hour. It covered the vast distance from New York City to LA, spanning 2,876 miles, in a remarkable 35 hours and 54 minutes.
8. Ferrari F50
It may not have reached the same level of success as the F40, but the Ferrari F50 remains a true marvel in the world of automotive engineering, showcasing Ferrari’s unparalleled racing expertise and craftsmanship.
The late ’90s brought us the newer F50, upholding Ferrari’s tradition of shedding all unnecessary frills and luxuries commonly found in other cars. Instead, it embraced a pure and raw F1-derived essence, featuring aerodynamics and construction closely aligned with the brand’s ethos.
The F50 packs a potent Tipo 040-derived 4.7-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine, delivering an impressive 513 hp and 347 pounds-feet of torque at 8,000 rpm. This powerful machine can go from zero to 60 mph in a little over three seconds, with a top speed soaring up to 202 mph.
9. Ferrari 288 GTO
Originally developed for Group B rally events, the 288 GTO stands as a true testament to engineering prowess. Its foundation lies on a tubular chassis, while its body boasts lightweight composite materials such as Kevlar and fibreglass.
Roaring under the bonnet is a 2.8-litre V8 engine, equipped with a pair of robust turbochargers, propelling the GTO to an impressive 400 hp and a top speed of 200 mph.
Ferrari initially intended to produce just 200 units of the GTO, the minimum required for Group B entry, but the demand for this great Ferrari was so overwhelming that an additional 72 examples had to be manufactured.
10. Ferrari 812 GTS
Labelled by Ferrari as ‘the most powerful production convertible on the market’, the 812 GTS boasts a beastly 6.5-litre V12 engine, churning out an astounding 800 horsepower (789bhp) – hence the ‘8’ in its name. Accompanying this sheer force is a massive 718 Nm of torque, with a remarkable 80 percent available from as low as 3,500 rpm.
The GTS weighs around 120 kg more than the 812 Superfast, but with a dry weight of 1,625 kg, it barely puts a dent in the 812’s extraordinary performance, sprinting from 0-62mph in ‘less than 3.0 seconds,’ as stated by Ferrari, and rocketing from 0-124mph in a mere 8.3 seconds.
11. Ferrari 575m Maranello
The Tipo F133 575M made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2002, with its name, ‘575M’, pointed to the enlarged 5.75-liter engine and the further enhanced Modificata specification.
In fact, nearly every aspect of the 550 received improvements for this latest iteration. Alongside the larger and more powerful engine, the 575M underwent significant enhancements in its suspension, brakes, and overall styling. One notable advancement offered by Ferrari was the optional F1 semi-automatic gearbox, making it the first V12 model to feature this innovation.
12. Ferrari Monza SP1/2
The Ferrari Monza took the world by storm back in 1954, becoming a favourite in top races worldwide. With coil spring suspension and a synchronised transmission featuring a two-disc clutch, it represented a significant leap in engineering, also offering a 2.0-liter Lampredi I4 engine.
Fast forward to the present, and the Monza SP1 and SP2 models have taken the stage, embodying Ferrari’s engineering prowess with a testament to simplicity. The front clamshell is an awe-inspiring single piece, ensuring seamless flowing lines that start right at the nose of the car. The emphasis on flow is so crucial that external door handles are nowhere to be found – a bold statement of Ferrari’s commitment to a flawless, unbroken appearance.
13. Ferrari 360
The initial Ferrari 360 model rolled off the line as the Modena, a tribute to the birthplace of Enzo Ferrari. This beautiful car sported a new, lightweight frame crafted by Pininfarina, setting itself apart by ditching the classic flip headlights seen in most of the other greatest Ferraris. Its powerhouse consisted of a 3.6-liter V8 engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, delivering a remarkable top speed of 183 mph.
Now, enter the 360 Challenge Stradale – similar in appearance to the 360 Modena, but a whole different story under the bonnet, boasting an extra surge of horsepower thanks to its 3.6-liter V8 engine pumping out a total of 425 horsepower. This beast also features an F1 gearbox and massive carbon-ceramic brakes, similar to those equipped in the Enzo.
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