If there is one badge that sets the pulse racing and brings an instant smile of anticipation to motoring enthusiasts around the world it is the sight of the prancing horse synonymous with Ferrari.
When you have experienced that thrill for yourself and have owned one of the classic models produced by this Italian icon you will no doubt have a strong opinion as to which version of the car deserves to be ranked as number one.
The amount someone will offer on your Ferrari can be influenced by how popular the model you own is perceived to be, although it is more a case of having a favorite as most people will be thrilled to have the chance of owning such an iconic example of motoring power and beauty.
There is likely to be lively debate surrounding which vintage Ferrari deserves top ranking and here are nine of the best that warrant consideration.
You will need deep pockets for this absolute classic
Buying any Ferrari demands that you have a certain amount of cash reserves to go along with your enthusiasm but if you want to get behind the wheel of a 365 GTB/4 Daytona you are talking a number that is well north of $500K.
The reason why this model commands so much respect and earns its price tag is down to the fact that only 1,200 were made and its reputation as a fearsome competitor.
The V-12 engine 365 vintage Ferrari model made mincemeat of its rivals in the 24-hour Daytona back in 1967 and that extended front just bulges with sheer motoring muscle.
A gorgeous red head with a mighty price tag and reputation
The translation for Testa Rossa from Italian to English is red head and vintage Ferrari afficianados know exactly what you are talking about when you talk about “that” red head, which is the 250 Testa Rossa.
You might struggle to see this vintage model in the flesh as only 34 examples are known to exist and an unrestored version sold for an eye-watering $39 million about eight years ago.
It got its Testa Rossa name from the distinctive red hue of its valve covers and this is one red head that seems to make motoring fans go weak at the knees.
A worthy rival to the E-type
The 1960’s was a defining period for classic sports cars and when Jaguar unveiled its own version of eye candy in the form of the E-type, Ferrari had to come up with a decent response.
They certainly managed that with the 250 GTO and such was the pride taken in the 3-0 liter, 12-cylinder model that every one of the 39 examples produced in the golden period between 1962 and 1964 had to be sold through Enzo Ferrari, who vetted every buyer.
The GTO is widely regarded as the most valuable car ever produced and if you were one of the lucky ones to get the keys from Enzo Ferrari himself, your car would be worth somewhere in the region of $70 million.
One of the best Ferrari’s never to carry the badge
If you want a lively debate with car enthusiasts about the best vintage Ferrari of all time, throw in the name of a model that has the classic car marque in its DNA but doesn’t sport that famous prancing horse badge.
The Dino 246 is the car in question and Alfredo Dino Farrai fulfilled a mission to create an an affordable sports car that was iconic in looks, but because Enzo didn’t approve of the model only having six-cylinders, he didn’t allow the Ferrari name to be used.
There are plenty of enthusiasts who will testify that this is one of the most beautiful-looking “Ferrari’s” to have been made.
A 40th birthday gift from Ferrari
The classic carmaker decided to create a model to celebrate 40 years of existence and the F40 was what they came up with.
Back in 1987, when the car was revealed to the public, it drew audible gasps when it was discovered that the F40 was the most powerful and fastest model ever created.
The look of the car defines that era where Porsche was competing for business but the V8 engine saw off all challengers according to those that got to drive this beast of a car.
A fitting tribute
You could feel the pressure to deliver if you were working on a design to produce a Ferrari model that was intended to be a tribute to the late founder of the company and would carry his name.
The Ferrari Enzo hit the sweet spot perfectly and no one should have doubted that a car maker with such a lofty reputation would be up to the task of creating another classic.
The 6-liter V12 engine is capable of hitting 200mph and proved to be a fitting tribute to a true car-making legend.
Elegance personified
Brute force and sheer horsepower are great attributes for a sports car but if you can add more than a touch of timeless elegance to the equation you have a winning combination.
The 250 GT Lusso is widely regarded as one of the most elegant models in the Ferrari stable, which is high praise indeed when you consider the others in that category.
The first Ferrari to sport wire wheels
The 275 GTB/4 Berlinetta deserves to make the cut for a variety of solid reasons, including the fact that it was the first model to show off some eye-catching wire wheels which enhanced its already beautiful looks.
This model was designed as a way to transform the 250 GTO into more of a road rather than track warrior, and it succeeded in winning plenty of hearts and minds with its looks and performance.
The rarest of them all
It is unlikely that you will ever have the pleasure of seeing the 330 P4 in the flesh, as only three exist in the world, but you can admire it from a distance.
The motivation for producing the P4 was to beat Ford’s GT40 in competition, and it did that in style, earning a fearsome reputation and its legendary status as probably one of the most stunning Ferrari’s ever.
The models highlighted are all classics in their own right and when you think about the challenge, it’s almost impossible to pick a favorite Ferrari, as you probably wouldn’t say no to any of them.
Which of these vintage Ferrari models is your favourite?
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