Description

The Ferrari 500 Superfast Speciale 4.0 was an exceptionally rare, one-off interpretation of Ferrari’s most exclusive grand tourer of the 1960s, the 500 Superfast. While the standard production model was equipped with a 4,963 cc Colombo V12, the Speciale version was built with a smaller-capacity 4.0-litre V12, tailored for a specific customer’s preferences. This unusual displacement for a Superfast gave the car a more refined power delivery, with less outright torque but a smoother, more rev-happy character compared to the standard 5.0-litre unit.

The Speciale 4.0 was likely commissioned through Ferrari’s bespoke program for VIP clients, which allowed for mechanical and stylistic deviations from the regular specification. As with all 500 Superfasts, the body was designed and constructed by Pininfarina, featuring the same sweeping fastback lines, long bonnet, and subtle detailing that embodied understated elegance. Minor cosmetic variations — such as unique grille treatment, trim adjustments, or bespoke paint and upholstery — were often part of Speciale builds, and it is probable that this example received such touches.

Inside, the cabin would have been luxuriously appointed, as was standard for the Superfast line, with high-grade leather, hand-finished wood trim, and a dashboard layout blending traditional craftsmanship with the instrumentation needed for high-speed touring. The 4.0-litre Speciale likely retained the four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive of the early Series I cars, offering both long-legged cruising ability and flexibility for spirited driving.

Built as a singular commission, the 500 Superfast Speciale 4.0 stands out not only for its exclusivity but also for its mechanical departure from the model’s defining feature — its largest-ever Ferrari V12. Today, it is regarded as a fascinating example of Ferrari’s willingness during the 1960s to accommodate individual client requests, even when that meant altering the core specification of their flagship GT. Such cars are considered highly desirable by collectors, representing the most personal expression of Ferrari’s luxury and performance ethos.