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Marque: Ferrari - Company History & Models - Cars By Brand

Ferrari

Ferrari

IIs there a more evocative name than Ferrari? Scuderia Ferrari was founded in 1929 by Enzo, a man who was so precise, technically and mechanically-minded, that was once said ‘to be able to make gloves for flies’. The company was originally set up to race Alfa Romeos, and Enzo Ferrari’s involvement with Alfa Romeo, culminating in his becoming Alfa Corse’s Racing Manager, continued until 1940,…

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Ferrari 500 Superfast

Ferrari 500 Superfast

RATING:

7 / 10

PRICE: £150,000-£700,000

Fast Facts

  • Produced:
    1968 (36 made)
  • Bodywork:
    Coupe
  • Engine:
    4963cc Type 208 front longitudinal 60° V12 light alloy cylinder block and head
  • Top Speed:
    175mph
  • Suspension:
    Independent double wishbones coil springs anti-roll bar/Live axle coil springs
  • Power:
    400bhp

Past: Presented at the 1964 Geneva Motor Show and derived from the 400 Superamerica, it was fitted with a special engine, the result of a combination of both Colombo and Lampredi’s work. The first series had a fourspeed gearbox, but when the second series came out in ‘66 an extra ratio had been added. Only 36 were built, with eight for the UK market.

Present: As with most coachbuilt Ferraris, customer loyalty is high. Build quality is very good, and the Pininfarina bodies do not rust easily plus age much better than the ‘Scaglietti cars’ of the same period. Mechanically and electrically these cars are not very sophisticated, so the Superfast Ferraris are relatively low maintenance to own and drive.

Future: Of the 36 made, two were written off, the rest are all accounted for. Not the most popular of choices but invariably a good one.

Ferrai 208, 308GTBI, GTSI

Ferrai 208, 308GTBI, GTSI

PRICE: £15,000-£220,000

Fast Facts

  • Produced:
    1981
  • Bodywork:
    Gran Turismo Berlinetta
  • Engine:
    2927cc Transverse mid-mounted 90° V8 light alloy cylinder block and head two valves per cylinder twin overhead camshafts per cylinder bank
  • 0-60 mph:
    6.5sec
  • Top Speed:
    158mph
  • Suspension:
    Independent double wishbones coil springs/Independent double wishbone coils springs
  • Power:
    214bhp

PAST: The GTBi retained the 308 GTB’s body apart from a few mods to the cabin. Most important changes were to the engine, chiefly. fuel injection. Production: 494 (UK: 42) 1743 GTSi (UK: 67). Only early fibre-glass bodies cars need to be considered; those with carburettors and dry-sump lubrication, not the less powerful fuel injection versions. Launched in 1975 the car remained in production until the mid-eighties and it’s as well to remember the 208 launched in 1980 which sported a turbo two years later.

PRESENT: If the 308 got off to a so-so start, it certainly evolved into a mature serious sports car and laid foundations for the more desirable later models. That said, 208s are rare yet delightful.

FUTURE: Shop around and you’ll net a good value car even at specialists. Then sit on it and play the long game…

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