Despite its proclivity for producing a near endless supply of drool-worthy sports vehicles, the pinnacle of Ferrari’s modern road car achievement can be summed up by just five very special models. Representing the zenith of Ferrari’s capabilities from the early ‘80s to present day, any one of these raucous Italians is a rare sight, let alone all five in one place. Even with their eye-watering value, ever-growing demand, and incredible rarity, one Vancouver collector has managed to gather the entire set, all in matching Rosso Corsa red.
The genesis of the modern Ferrari supercar is the legendary 288 GTO. Designed as a homologation model allowing Ferrari to race in the Group B rally series, only 272 were ever produced, and all became road cars when Group B was shut down in 1986 after it proved to be too dangerous. Propelled by 400 horsepower from a 2.9-litre turbocharged V8, the 288 GTO has a five-speed manual transmission sending power to the rear wheels. This example is from 1984, the birth year of the model, and it is the most-driven car in the fabulous collection, favoured by its owner for its mix of old-school analog technology and raw driving characteristics.
Next in line is arguably Ferrari’s most famous road car, the game-changing F40. Launched in 1987 to mark Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, the F40 features a mid-mounted 2.9-litre twin-turbo V8 producing some 478 horsepower. With body panels made from lightweight Kevlar composite and no creature comforts like air conditioning, a radio, or even carpets, the F40 weighs just 1,100 kilograms (dry). It is capable of zero to 100 kilometres per hour in 4.1 seconds, and a top speed of 324 kilometres per hour—fast by any measure, but especially so for 30 years ago. This collector’s example is from 1992.
Produced from 1995 to 1997, Ferrari created the F50 to celebrate its 50th birthday. Limited to just 349 units, the F50 was Ferrari’s attempt to build a Formula One car for the road. Available only as a roadster, the F50 featured a wild Formula One-sourced, naturally-aspirated 520-horsepower 4.7-litre V12 engine, rather than the turbocharged V8s of its predecessors. Its next-generation carbon fibre monocoque chassis uses the engine as a stressed member, where large sections of the car were directly integrated with the engine and suspension, resulting in a more rigid and race-like experience. Capable of a sub four-second sprint to 100 kilometres per hour, the F50 established the format for the next generation of Ferrari’s flagship road cars.
Named in tribute to Ferrari’s founder, the Enzo Ferrari debuted in 2002 with production of only 400. The Enzo represented a massive technological leap forward, with a 6.0-litre V12 power plant pushing an astonishing 660 horsepower through a Formula One-style paddle shift transmission. Its body is made entirely of carbon fibre, and stopping power is provided by massive carbon ceramic brakes. The Enzo’s aggressive and angular shape was designed to be as aerodynamically efficient as possible, with a closed cockpit, a Formula One-inspired nose cone, and an active rear wing that provides ample downforce while still allowing a top speed in excess of 350 kilometres per hour. This collection’s example was purchased new in 2003.
The Ferrari LaFerrari was launched in 2013 as yet another attempt to integrate all of Ferrari’s race-bred know-how into the ultimate road car. This collection’s is a 2015 model, and is one of 499 examples. It features a hybrid power plant comprised of a 789-horsepower 6.3-litre V12 along with 160-horsepower electric motor for a combined output of 949. This hybrid platform not only achieves better fuel economy, but also provides additional power and torque, making the LaFerrari unbelievably quick. With top speed well over 350 kilometres per hour, the LaFerrari sees 100 kilometres per hour in under three seconds, and will pass 240 in less than 10 seconds. With active aerodynamics, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, carbon ceramic brakes, and a suspension that adapts for road or track use, the LaFerrari is a fantastic tribute to all that is Ferrari.
For a modern Ferrari collection, this is the royal flush that will ensure top billing at any car show. Capturing Ferrari’s race-bred evolution from the onset of modern technology, these cars are exceedingly rare and remarkable.
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