1995 Ferrari F50

The mid-engine Ferrari F50 (Type F130) was produced from 1995 through 1997 with 349 examples built. The two-door, two-seat Targa top vehicle was powered by a naturally aspirated 4.7-liter Tipo F130B 60-valve V12 engine that was a development from the 3.5-liter V12 found in the 1990 Ferrari 641 Formula One car. It followed the cessation of F40 production in 1992 and served as the successor to its 40th-anniversary supercar. The 50th-anniversary model represented an evolution in performance and appearance.

The 513 horsepower engine allowed the F50 to sprint from zero-to-sixty mph in 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 202 mph. The Pininfarina-penned body paid homage to sports racing prototypes and had a similar wedge form to the F40, but with a softened form and more curved edges. The carbon-fiber tub was clothed with carbon fiber and Kevlar honeycomb, the clamshell body had deep air vents in the hood to provide the necessary cooling air for the front radiator. In the back was an enormous airfoil located on the tail. The removable hardtop allowed the supercar to be either a Barchetta or Berlinetta. Solid mounts were used to hold the 4.7-liter V12 engine into the car. The 65-degree V12 was located just ahead of the rear axle. A carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer intake supplied air, and cooling came via an oil-water intercooler located between the transmission's lubrication system and the engine. A longitudinal six-speed manual transmission sent power rearward to a limited-slip differential.

The suspension was comprised of rose-jointed unequal-length wishbones front and rear, with Bilstein electronically adaptive dampers. There were unassisted power steering and large Brembo brakes. There were an aircraft-grade Sekur fuel-tank bag and an electronically adjustable ride height which allowed it to clear curbs during street driving.

The interior featured an F1-style digital LED instrument panel, cloth upholstered seats, manual window winders, and air conditioning. The dash consisted of a carbon-fiber panel with three climate vents.

With the potent engine and lightweight components, the F50 tipped the scale at just over 3,000 pounds. It raced around the course at Fiorino four seconds faster than the F40 that preceded it. As Luca di Montezemolo proclaimed, the F50 would be 'the first and last Formula 1 car with two seats.'

Of the 349 examples built, 55 were sent to the American market.

Shown at the 1996 Geneva Motor Show, the Ferrari F50 was an early celebration of the marque's 50th anniversary.

The Sultan of Brunei is known to have commissioned at least two examples, one in red and the other in a decidedly period turquoise.

by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2019