Few carmakers can claim to have such an extensive historic back catalog of rare and collectible cars, Ferrari has produced dozens of low volume models since the company's foundation in 1947.
Enzo Ferrari only agreed to build and sell road cars to fund his precious racing team, without this decision it is highly unlikely that many of the world's fastest, most powerful, and ultimately rarest cars would exist today. Most gearheads will be able to recognize the brand's modern designs, few would recognize the earlier models, and yet these low volume cars are the rarest and most sought after.
10 Ferrari 250 Europa/Europa GT 1953/56 - 54 Made
Ferrari has produced dozens of successful GT cars in its history, many sharing similar product names adding to the confusion. Launching the 250 Europa in 1953 followed by the GT edition the following years, both using Ferrari's 3-liter V12 engines developing 217hp in GT spec.
Combined production for both variants reached 54 examples by the close of 1956, with rare GT models fetching $2.2 million. Ferrari produced other 250 spec models, though these were completed in larger numbers.
9 Ferrari 330 America 1963 - 50 Made
Several generational models of Ferrari share the same chassis sporting different engine and bodywork configurations to produce new models. Ferrari's 1963 330 America is based on an earlier chassis design equipped with the latest 4-liter incarnation of Ferrari's Colombo V12 developing 295hp.
Unlike previous models, Ferrari offered just one choice of coachbuilder with the task being given to Pininfarina.
8 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California 1957/58 - 50 Made
Originally designed for export only, hence the California branding, Ferrari 250 GT LWB's created by Scaglietti featured aluminum panels (doors, hood, and trunk) to save weight. Continued use of Ferrari's 3-liter Colombo V12 engine yielded 237hp capable of propelling its occupants to 60mph in 7.2 seconds.
Production ended in 1960 after completion fo 50 LWB models, and remain highly sought after, UK Radio DJ Chris Evans reportedly paying $12 million in 2008.
7 Ferrari 166 Inter/Sports 1948/50 - 38 Made
Early Ferrari road cars were only ever produced to fund Enzo Ferrari's racing programs, with the launch of the 166 Inter model the company's first true attempt to produce a GT car. Combining a low weight tubular steel chassis with a small 2-liter V12 provided brisk rather than fast performance capable of a maximum 93mph.
The normal practice of the day, bare rolling chassis would be delivered to specialist coachbuilders to complete the build, with owners able to specify coupe or Barchetta styling.
6 Ferrari 250 GTO 1962/64 - 36 Made
One of the most famous designs in automotive history, Ferrari's 250 GTO is also the most expensive selling for $48 million at Sotheby auction. What can you expect for that price? The specification is not too dissimilar from other models, using the same 3-liter Colombo V12 pushing out 296hp.
Originally homologated to meet FIA regulations, Ferrari completed 36 models with the final three chassis classified series II receiving updated bodywork similar in appearance to the 250LM.
5 Ferrari 500 Superfast 1964/66 - 36 Made
Originally intended to be badged Superamerica, Ferrari dropped the name in 1964 instead of opting for 500 Superfast. Turning to Pininfarina to design the sleek bodywork, tapering at the rear to provide clues to the Superfasts performance. Under the hood, a unique 5-liter variation of the famous Colombo V12 fitted with 6 twin-choke carburetors tuned to produce 400hp and reach a top speed of 174mph.
Built between 1964-66 with the first 24 chassis classed series one, the last 12 updated to series II specification receiving 5-speed manual transmissions.
4 Ferrari 410 Superamerica S1-S3 1955/59 - 35 Made
Superamerica models reflected the brand's reliance on the US market, with a large portion of sales heading to America. Launched in 1955 in both coupe and roadster form, 410 Superamerica models represented the high-end of Ferraris range listing at $16,800 not far short of average house prices.
Upping the Lampredi V12 to 5-liters produced 355hp but still fitted with 4-speed transmissions hampering performance requiring 6 seconds to reach 60mph.
3 Ferrari 195 Inter 1950/51 - 26 Made
Evolutionary rather than revolutionary, 195 Inters introduced in 1950 sharing a stretched version of the 166 models chassis gaining 80mm in the process. Most significantly adopting the enlarged 2.3-liter Colombo V12 with power raising to 128hp improving maximum speed to 120mph.
Production consisted of 28 models with Ferrari offering coach-built bodies from Vignale, Ghia, and Carrozzeria with one final special edition completed by Motto.
2 Ferrari 365 California 1966/67 - 14 Made
Produced in 1966 to replace the outgoing 500 Superfast, Ferrari turned to Pininfarina to update the previous design resulting in the 365 California. Retaining the existing chassis but receiving a 4.4-liter Colombo V12 rated at 320hp, with less power available reducing top speed to 149mph.
The production covered 14 models with body and chassis work completed off-site before being to return to Ferrari for engine installation. Ferrari's like any collectible car goes through stages of desirability, at their peak 365 Californias can fetch $3 million at auction.
1 Ferrari 375 America 1953/54 - 12 Made
Early Ferrari road cars are GT cars rather than outright sports cars, resulting in some of the most beautiful Ferraris ever produced. Unveiled in 1953, Ferrari's 374 America could be ordered with bodies by either Pininfarina or Vignale depending on personal choice. Mechanically identical with the V12 Lampredi engine delivering 296hp enough to reach 170mph.
With just 12 examples built, 375 Americas are the rarest Ferrari GT road cars built, lasting in two years in production. Despite their rarity, good examples peak around $1.4 million, much less than some of the brand's more prestigious cars.