Ferrari is one of the world’s most famous car brands in the world and its prancing horse logo is instantly recognisable to any car enthusiast. This Italian giant has been making head-turning luxury sports cars for the road since 1947.
But, as any Ferrari fan will know, Enzo Ferrari started the brand on the racetrack. Here it has achieved huge success, including 16 Formula One Constructors’ Championships, 15 Drivers’ Championships, and 246 race victories (and counting). This legacy on the track has further cemented Ferrari’s reputation for producing incredible vehicles and secured its place in history.
On the road, many of its models from across the generations are considered all-time classics. This longevity has established Ferrari as a motoring brand that is adored and admired by collectors, motoring racing enthusiasts, and car lovers from all walks of life.
Ferrari’s most celebrated models are sometimes referred to as ‘old-timers’, to reference their status as classic cars that have captured the imagination and stood the test of time. Cars are usually considered to fall under the ‘old-timer’ category once they have reached the age of 30.
These vehicles are among some of the most impressive cars in motoring history, combining cutting-edge technology for the time of their production with sleek looks and plenty of power. In this article, we’ll take a look at five of the best Ferrari old-timers, all with their own remarkable story to tell.
Ferrari 250 GTO
With only 36 ever made, the Ferrari 250 GTO is one of the rarest and most sought-after Ferrari old-timers. It’s also one of the most valuable cars in the world and holds the impressive title of the world's most expensive Ferrari ever sold. That record was set in June 2018 when a 1963 250 GTO (chassis 4153GT) sold in a private sale for $70 million. When it was originally launched, the 250 GTO was available for $18,000 in the United States. However, buyers had to be personally approved by Enzo Ferrari and Luigi Chinetti, the company’s North American dealer.
Those lucky enough to drive or own this car, which was originally made for racing, will no doubt be impressed by its scarcity, but its aerodynamic body is a real head-turner. It also packs a punch in terms of performance, with a 3.0-litre V12 engine, producing 296 horsepower, and an impressive top speed of 170mph. Many car enthusiasts still consider the 250 GTO one of the greatest, if not the very best, Ferrari of all time.
Ferrari 275 GTB
The Ferrari 275 GTB range is another amazing example of how the manufacturer combines performance with style. The original was launched in 1964 as a replacement for the 250, and this front-engine V12-powered, two-seater coupe saw numerous variations in the following years. One of the standouts was the 275 GTB/4, introduced in 1966 at the Paris Motor Show. This was the first road Ferrari to include a transaxle, allowing the gearbox to be placed at the car’s rear. Thanks to its 3.3-litre V12 engine, producing 300 horsepower, it’s capable of a top speed of 165mph. It also featured some exciting innovations for the time, like an independent rear suspension and a four-cam engine. It’s no surprise that these cars are highly desirable and capable of fetching several million dollars when sold.
Ferrari F40
Although slightly more modern than the 250 GTO and 275 GTB, the Ferrari F40, introduced in 1987, has become one of the brand’s most iconic models. The car was the last to receive Enzo Ferrari’s approval before he died in 1988. The F40 was released to celebrate the company’s 40th anniversary of producing road cars, and it certainly managed to mark this occasion in style. The F40 was groundbreaking at the time of its release, with its 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 471 horsepower and a breathtaking top speed of 201 mph. Ferrari focused on lightweight construction when designing the F40, using advanced materials to keep its weight down. This means it is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds.
The F40’s impact on the motoring world was huge, setting new standards for supercars. In the years since its release, its prestige and appeal has grown. Only 1,315 were ever made, making it high on the list for Ferrari collectors, and a worthy inclusion in any Ferrari old-timers list.
Ferrari 288 GTO
When the Ferrari 288 GTO was unveiled in 1984 it became the first model to use the GTO badge since the 250 GTO. It lived up to its predecessor’s strong reputation with a design and performance to match Ferrari’s very best. WIth top speeds of 189 mph and powered by a 2.9-liter V8 engine, it was originally intended to compete in the new Group B Race series, which required at least 200 to be made.
The race was cancelled, but Ferrari had already made 273 cars, which then remained purely as road cars. This makes the 288 GTO one of the rarest Ferraris around and gives the car exclusivity and desirability that is sure to appeal to collectors.
Ferrari Testarossa
With its starring role in the hit 1980s TV series Miami Vice, the Ferrari Testarossa is an icon of pop culture and motoring. The Testarossa was introduced at the Paris Auto Show in 1984 and wowed attendees with a striking design that appeared futuristic and functional. This combination certainly applied to one of its most well-known features – the side strakes - which apart from catching the eye, served the practical purpose of channelling air to the rear-mounted radiators. Its pop headlights, and wide, flat rear deck also made sure it instantly stood out from the crowd. It offers impressive performance, with a 4.9-litre flat-12 engine producing 390 horsepower. The Testarossa has a top speed of 180 mph and is capable of 0 to 60mph in 5.2 seconds. Today, it is fondly remembered and, for some lucky drivers, a cherished part of their classic car collection.
These are undoubtedly some of the finest Ferrari models ever created, but they are just a small part of the Italian brand’s story. One thing is for certain, every collector and Ferrari lover is sure to have their own personal favourite Ferrari old-timer that they dream of getting behind the wheel of.
