Ferrari F50

The F50 was Ferrari's flagship for 1995-1997, intended as the spiritual successor to the F40 and built to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary (the actual 50th was 1997). Carbon-fibre monocoque chassis. Naturally-aspirated 4.7-litre V12 derived from the 3.5L V12 used in Ferrari's 1990 Formula 1 car (Tipo 036) — block, crankshaft, conrods, and pistons all came from F1. 513 hp at 8,000 rpm, 347 lb-ft at 6,500 rpm, 8,500 rpm redline. Six-speed manual transmission (no automated option). Removable hardtop converts the F50 to an open spider. Production limited to 349 cars (originally planned at 350; one car was kept by Ferrari for development). Three years of production: 1995, 1996, 1997. Originally controversial — many critics felt the F50 was less compelling than the F40, with reviewers preferring the older car's turbocharged drama over the F50's naturally-aspirated F1-derived motor. Time has been kind: the F50 is now the cult choice between Ferrari's halo cars (288 GTO → F40 → F50 → Enzo → LaFerrari), partly because of its rarity, partly because of the F1-derived V12.