1996 Ferrari F50

The F50 features Ferraris naturally aspirated and competition derived 4.7 liter engine found in the 1990 Formula One car. The 65 degree V-12 engine features 60 valves (3 intake and 2 exhaust), variable length intake runners made of carbon fiber reinforced polymer, connecting rods of titanium, a stainless steel exhaust manifold and produces 512 HP at 8,000 rpm. A heady figure in 1995! The F50 was only manufactured from 1995 to 1997 and in limited numbers with just 349 produced. The F50 used cutting edge materials. The chassis features an innovative blend of carbon fiber, epoxy resin, Nomex honeycomb sandwich for the tub plus a light-alloy suspension and engine-gearbox assembly mounting points. Continuing on the cutting edge, the suspension is controlled by electronic adaptive damping both front and rear as well as electronic height adjustment of 40 mm (1.575 inches) on the front and 55mm (2.165 inches) in the rear.

This is all determined by steering wheel angle and velocity, the body’s vertical and longitudinal acceleration, the brake line pressure and vehicle speed. These are features that were pioneered in Ferrari’s racing machines only a few years earlier. The F50 is very much a racing machine capable of 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds, 0-100 mph in 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph. The substantial Brembo cross-drilled and ventilated cast iron disk brakes will take the F50 from 70 to 0 in just 176 feet. This is not a machine for the uninitiated.

Coming on the heels of the hugely popular F40 which saw equally huge financial speculation driving resale prices, Ferrari attempted to force perspective owners to lease the car for 2 years before the purchase was completed and the title transferred.