Description
The Ferrari 500 Superfast, introduced in 1964 at the Geneva Motor Show, was the pinnacle of Ferrari’s luxury grand touring lineup in the 1960s. It succeeded the 400 Superamerica as the company’s most exclusive and opulent model, aimed at an elite clientele who wanted Ferrari performance blended with maximum comfort and refinement. Only 36 examples were built over a production span from 1964 to 1966, making it one of the rarest production Ferraris of the era.
Its name derived from the massive 4,963 cc Colombo-designed V12 engine, which produced around 395 horsepower at 6,500 rpm. This was the largest-displacement engine fitted to a road-going Ferrari at the time and delivered smooth, effortless power, propelling the car to a top speed of around 280 km/h. The engine was paired with a four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive, making it more relaxed on long, high-speed journeys compared to Ferrari’s more sporting models.
Pininfarina designed and built the bodies, which were elegant fastback coupés with long hoods, clean proportions, and understated detailing that reflected its grand touring character. Despite its size and luxury focus, the car retained Ferrari’s performance DNA, with independent front suspension, a live rear axle, and disc brakes all around. The chassis was based on the 400 Superamerica’s, but lengthened for greater stability and interior space.
The interior of the 500 Superfast was lavishly appointed by Ferrari standards of the time, featuring high-grade leather upholstery, thick carpeting, and a comprehensive dashboard layout. It was tailored for comfort, with well-padded seats and a quieter cabin than Ferrari’s more hardcore models, catering to customers who wanted to cover long distances in style and speed.
Ferrari produced the 500 Superfast in two series: the first 24 cars built between 1964 and 1966, and a second series of 12 cars from 1966 to 1967 with slight mechanical updates, including a five-speed gearbox. All were hand-built and sold to a select group of high-profile buyers, including royalty and industrial magnates.
Today, the 500 Superfast is regarded as one of the most elegant and exclusive Ferraris ever made, a rare combination of understated luxury and formidable V12 performance. It stands as a symbol of the era when Ferrari could blend racing pedigree with bespoke grand touring elegance for the world’s most discerning drivers.