Ferrari 500 Superfast: luxurious 1960s V12 coupe
The Ferrari 500 Superfast is an extremely rare and luxurious Ferrari coupe produced between 1964 and 1966, featuring a large-displacement V12 engine designed for the wealthiest buyers. In this article, we explore its history, technology, and what to expect if the model appears on the market.
500 Superfast in brief
The 500 Superfast was Ferrari's flagship model—a large, luxurious two-seater grand tourer coupe designed by Pininfarina. The name 'Superfast' reflects its purpose: as fast and comfortable a car as possible for long journeys.
Only a few dozen units were produced, making the model extremely rare. Some were built to individual orders, so each one is slightly different. You won't see one in Lithuania—it usually ends up at auctions or in museums.
What sets it apart
The body stands out with its long, low hood, sleek, elongated shape, and elegant, minimalist accents. The interior was upholstered in leather and finished with high-quality materials.
The car is considered one of the most elegant Ferraris of the 1960s. It is renowned for its rarity, making it particularly valuable to collectors.
Engines and transmissions
The engine is a roughly 5.0-litre V12 with around 400 HP. It was one of the most powerful road car engines of its time.
The transmission is manual; early models had four speeds with an overdrive gear, later ones had five speeds. The drive is to the rear wheels.
What to check when buying a 500 Superfast
Authenticity, documentation, and history are key. It's essential to check the chassis and engine numbers, ensure the body is original, and confirm the car matches its factory specification.
Inspect the body thoroughly for corrosion and poor repairs, and check the condition of the engine and gearbox. Repair and parts costs are astronomical, so it's best to buy with an expert who knows classic Ferraris.
Trim levels
The 500 Superfast was produced in very limited numbers, so there are no trim levels — we present two production series.
Ankstyvoji serija
1964–1966The first cars came with a four-speed gearbox and overdrive.
- Approximately a 5.0-litre V12 engine
- Four-speed gearbox with overdrive
- Pininfarina coupé body
Vėlyvoji serija
1965–1966A modified version with some improvements.
- Often — a five-speed gearbox
- Slightly updated body elements
- The same V12 engine
Series comparison
| Ankstyvoji serija | Vėlyvoji serija | |
|---|---|---|
| Who's it for? | For collectors valuing originality | For collectors seeking later refinements |
| Gearbox | Four-speed with overdrive | Often — five-speed |
| Engine | Around 5.0-litre V12 | Around 5.0-litre V12 |
| Price in the collector car market (relatively) | €€€ | €€€ |
This is a collector's rarity, so you should choose based on history, documentation, and condition, not the production series.
Pros
- Very rare and historically significant
- Elegant Pininfarina design
- Powerful V12 engine
- Top collector value
Cons
- It's practically impossible to find one on the market
- Very expensive to maintain and parts are hard to come by
- Impractical for daily use
Frequently asked questions
How many 500 Superfasts were made?
Only a few dozen cars exist, so each has its own unique history.
Can the 500 Superfast be used on the road?
Technically yes, but due to its value and age, it's usually reserved for events, shows, and collections.
How does the 500 Superfast differ from other Ferraris of its time?
It was the most luxurious, largest, and most powerful road car of its time, aimed at buyers seeking exclusivity.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically





























