1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast

The Ferrari 500 Superfast was introduced in 1964 at the Geneva Salon and produced for two years, with 37 examples made. At the time, it was Ferrari's fastest, most expensive, most powerful, and most exclusive road-going car. Approximately one example was built per month, allowing each example to be customized and personalized to customer orders.

The 500 Superfast rested on a multi-tubular chassis that was constructed along similar lines to the contemporary 330GT. Initially, they were given a four-speed gearbox with overdrive. The suspension was independent at the front by wishbones and coil springs and by a leaf-sprung live axle at the rear. Servo-assisted Dunlop disc brakes were placed at all four corners. Power was from an Aurelio Lampredi-designed 5-liter, 'long block' V12 engine. It was a descendant of the racing version that had captured victory at Le Mans. Changes to the engine were made to make it suitable for the road, including the detachable cylinder heads instead of the competition unit's fixed type. There was a single chain-driven overhead camshaft for each bank of cylinders, and induction was from a trio of Weber 40DCZ/6 carburetors. The Tipo 208 engine produced 400 horsepower and gave the Superfast a top speed of 175 mph.

The design was courtesy of Pininfarina and was influenced by the earlier Aerodinamico prototype. It was given distinctive flat sides and a wing line that rose gently from the tail before dipping towards the extended nose.

After 25 examples had been produced, a revised Superfast was introduced in mid-1966. Mechanical changes included the adoption of a five-speed all-synchromesh gearbox. Visual changes included 3-vent engine back louvers replacing the earlier 11-vent style. Twelve examples of the 3-vent engine bay cars were built and are often referred to as 'Series II.' The distinction of 'Series I' and Series II' cars, however, is somewhat misleading, as each example of the Superfast was individually tailored to customers' requests.

In the United States, the Ferrari 500 Superfast Coupe had a base price that exceeded $29,000.

Mechanical Specification
The 1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast Coupe had a 104.3-inch wheelbase, an overall length of 189.8 inches, stood 50.4 inches tall, and was 70.1 inches wide. The 60-degree, single overhead camshaft 12-cylinder engine had an aluminum alloy block and heads, seven main bearings, six Weber two-barrel carburetors, 8.8:1 compression ratio, and delivered 400 (DIN) horsepower at 6,500 RPM. The steering was via a worm and roller system, braking was by discs at all four corners, and the suspension was via A-arms and coil springs at the front.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2019