The strangest and most impressive models in the history of Ferrari

Publish date 27 August 2013
The strangest and most impressive models in the history of Ferrari image

At the moment, the whole automotive world is staring at the just presented Ferrari 458 Speciale, which should be one of the big stars of the upcoming exhibition in Frankfurt. In the history of the Italian sports car manufacturer, however, there are many "special" models than this one.

Ferrari 166 MM / 53 Abarth Smontabile Spider (1953)

For the Ferrari model 166 with a 2.0-liter V12 engine with 140 hp. is one of the most important steps on the way to the top. Namely

o This car allowed the company to catch up with the prestige of the luminaries at that time in Italy Alfa-Romeo, Maserati and Cisitalia. The body of the Ferrari 166 was developed by the Touring and Vignale studios, but the version of Carlo Abarth caused a real furor.

Things actually happen somewhat by accident. One of the customers is not satisfied with the appearance of the car and turns for help to the racer and tuning specialist Carlbo Abarth. The Italian of Austrian origin changed the machine, as the new elements are now made of aluminum and are attached to a special safety cage. The main thing with them is that they are easy to remove and can be replaced in case of an accident.

In the end, the 166 Abarth version weighs 300 kg. less than the standard model. And he won the first race in which he participated - the legendary Targa Flori in 1953. At the same time, it is easily recognizable, thanks to the lighthouse located in the middle, giving the appearance of a cyclops.

Ferrari 410 Superamerica Ghia (1956)

In the middle of the last century, expensive and prestigious cars were made in a completely different way. At the Paris Motor Show in 1955, Ferrari showed a bare chassis 410 Superamerica with a 5.0-liter V12 engine offering 340 hp. And only then the best Italian bodybuilding companies start making masterpieces on it.

According to the general opinion, the best work was of the young Sergio Pinifarina at that time. The most controversial and even scandalous is that of the Ghia studio, which even today looks sensational. The fact is, however, that the 410 Superamerica is the last Ferrari that the people of Ghia have worked on.

Ferrari 250 GT SWB Bertone (1962)

Some Italian designers are developing Ferrari chassis bodies in the hope of attracting wealthy customers, while others are tickling Enzo Ferrari's self-confidence and relying on his favor. In this case, however, this is not the case at all. The famous Nucho Bertone "painted" this masterpiece for a completely different reason. He just wanted to drive a Ferrari 250 GT, but his pride did not allow him to accept the development of another bodywork company.

In fact, Nucho Bertone has always had an excellent relationship with Enzo Ferrari. Probably because of this, Bertone is the only studio, apart from Pinifarina, that gets the right to develop its own versions of the legendary 250 GT SWB. The result is impressive, with Bertone's body featuring a sleek rear end and a super-aggressive front end, in which the radiator grille resembles Phil Hill's champion Ferrari 156.

Ferrari 512S Modulo (1970)

In 1970, Pininfarina designer Paolo Martin tried to predict what the future of sports cars would be ... but failed. It relies on a chassis from the racing Ferrari 512S, whose power is 800 hp. And the task is to create something shocking out of it. Maestro Martin takes her literally and does just that.

Most likely in the history of Ferrari there is no other machine that will provoke an unequivocal reaction from fans of the brand. In this case, however, the result is far from the charisma and traditions of the brand. If this car bears the emblem of DeTomaso or Lamborghini, probably everyone will discuss the bold project of a talented designer. But Ferrari is something different and that's why this model can't be liked.

Ferrari 365 GTB / 4 Shooting Brake (1975)

Opposites are attracted, no matter the distance between them. What could be further from each other than a supercar and a family van? In fact, the idea of ​​Shooting Brake has fascinated designers for years. Ferrari now has the FF model in its range, but the brand's love for the station wagon dates back nearly 40 years.

In the 1970s, Luigi Kinetti Jr., the son of the driver of the same name who won Ferrari's first victory in 24 Hours of Le Mans, took a risk and offered his interpretation of a sports van. He chooses 365GTB / Daytona stylistically as the basis. The supercombi is handmade by the British company Panther Westwind and meets 3 criteria - beautiful, fast and expensive - just like today's FF.

Ferrari Mythos (1989)

In its typical style, Pininfarina shows the world its next masterpiece - a "boat" type body, without a roof and side mirrors. And on the chassis is a 12-cylinder Testarossa. This whole combination is a clear example of the design of sports cars in the 90s of last century.

Its engine is in the middle and the radiators are in the rear. The entire body of the car is made of carbon, and there is an active rear wing, which can be raised by 30 cm. This is completely justified, as Mythos develops 290 km / h. The car impressed the Sultan of Brunei to such an extent that he ordered 2 of it. Adding that only 3 copies of the model have been produced, it means that it owns 2/3 of the existing Ferrari Mythos.

Ferrari SP12 EC (2012)

Stronger than children's fantasies are perhaps only the non-standard orders of football players and rock musicians. What would a reasonable person do in response to a request to cross a new Ferrari 458 Italia (V8, 4.5 liters and 562 hp) with the classic 512 Berlinetta Boxer, produced in the period 1973-1984? He'll probably send the man with the request ... somewhere. Yes, but if this man's name is Eric Clapton, things are different.

It is because of the legendary musician in Maranello that they tried and created a unique car. It was presented to Clapton at a special ceremony a year ago. According to some, this is a masterpiece of modern engineering thought. Others are of the opinion that he is not worthy of the glory of Ferrari. A matter of taste, after all, but the car is interesting.