1965 Ferrari 500 Superfast Coupe

The 500 Superfast displaced five liters from the single-overhead camshaft engine and offered an even 400 bhp. This allowed the coupe to achieve a top speed of 280 km/h. For this exclusive speed, the car demanded a price twice that of a GTB and nearly the equivalent of a 250LM Competition Berlinetta. In total, there were just 36 examples produced.

The Pininfarina design was an enhancement of the earlier 'Aerodynamica' Coupes riding on the 400 SA chassis. The car had a large greenhouse, fluid lines and a Kamm-style tail. Inside, there were adjustable seats upholstered in Connolly leather, spacious luggage platform, fluted headlining, and a deluxe radio.

The current owner purchased this car around a decade ago. At that time, the car was wearing its original paint which was in need of restoration. Great lengths were taken to carefully disassemble the car before it was painted the original color.

In 2005, the car was given a thorough mechanical overhaul. The engine was removed and rebuilt to factory specifications utilizing new pistons, rings and valve guides. The crankshaft was balanced, as was the flywheel and a new clutch assembly was installed. There were no limitations on cost or time; the work was done correctly with much attention to detail.

The inside has been lovingly persevered and is entirely original. The black leather is in good condition, and every gauge, material and finish is just as it was when the Ferrari was delivered to its original owner, Price Sadruddin Aga Khan in 1965.

This car has had only four owners since new with the odometer reading less than 65,000 original kilometers.

In 2010, this Coupe was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction at Amelia Island, Florida. It was estimated to sell for $800,000 - $1,000,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $814,000, inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2010