Given the success and acclaim of Ferrari’s F40, the 40th anniversary supercar that debuted in 1987, Maranello’s engineers recognized that an even more superlative model would be necessary to properly commemorate the automaker’s soon-to-follow 50th anniversary. Four years of development was invested in a dedicated road car with characteristically strong ties to Ferrari’s racing technologies, starting with the chassis design, which was founded on a lightweight carbon fiber tub.
The designers at Pininfarina outdid themselves with curvaceous coachwork molded from carbon fiber, Kevlar, and Nomex honeycomb, eschewing the wedge motifs of the 1980s in favor of free-flowing lines that were evocative of Maranello’s most legendary sports-racers of the 1950s and 1960s. To boot, the body included a solid removable targa top stored in an accompanying road case that allowed the F50 to strike the pose of a barchetta or berlinetta, encapsulating the best of both worlds.
A new naturally aspirated 4.7-liter V-12 was dropped into this spectacular marriage of body and chassis in a mid-rear architecture that ensured optimal weight distribution and savings. The type F130B engine began life in Ferrari’s 1992 Formula 1 car, and it underwent further development in the 4-liter 333 SP sports car, which won numerous driver’s and constructor’s championships in IMSA GT and FIA sports car racing between 1995 and 2001. With an enlarged displacement of 4.7 liters and yet detuned for more reasonable revving and tractable road manners, the new high-compression V-12 developed 513 horsepower and 347 pound-feet of torque. The powerplant provided otherworldly performance, as proven by Road & Track magazine’s test of the car, in which the editors accelerated to 60 mph from standstill in just 3.6 seconds while achieving a top speed of 202 mph, firmly establishing the model’s membership in the exclusive 200+ mph club.
The return to earthbound speeds was provided by monstrous Brembo brakes with huge rotors (14 inches in front and 13.2 inches at the rear) anchored by aluminum pistons. In addition to the engine and braking technology, the F50 abounded in Formula 1-derived details, from the racing-style fuel bladder to the LCD dashboard instruments. Yet despite this design, the model was still appointed with creature comforts such as leather-trimmed seats, air conditioning, and adjustable ride height.
In an apparent response to the criticism that it had built too many F40 examples, thus diluting that model’s rarity and corresponding valuation, Ferrari produced only 349 numbered examples of the breathtaking F50 through the conclusion of production in 1998, ensuring a rarity and cachet that instantly established the car as a bona fide collectable. The model remains a favorite of marque-focused collectors, often serving as the centerpiece of modern Ferrari collections, and a critical component of the illustrious “Big Five” hypercar portfolio that is relished by the most dedicated Maranello enthusiasts.
This fabulous, minimally driven F50 claims reported single ownership for 27 years prior to a sympathetic freshening by one of the world’s foremost Ferrari specialists, resulting in a pristine example boasting near-showroom condition. As confirmed by its production plate, chassis number 03501 is the 36th example built, and in June 1995 the car was issued a manufacturer’s certificate of origin (a copy of which is on file).
The research of marque expert Marcel Massini clarifies that the F50 began the build process in October 1995 and was completed two months later. Distributed through Auto Italia Limited in Hong Kong, the Ferrari was sold new to local enthusiast, who reportedly retained possession of the car for a remarkable period of 27 years. As reflected by invoices on file, the car was driven very sparingly and serviced occasionally at the local shop Musketeer Motorsports.
In May 2022 the Ferrari was submitted to the well-known marque specialist DK Engineering in the UK, and it subsequently underwent a comprehensive freshening that returned every system and component to optimal condition. Among other measures, the steering rack, radiator, and suspension were overhauled and refinished as needed, the wheels were refurbished, and the interior was re-trimmed in the correct Lorica material. Completed in November 2022, this work totaled over £62,000, according to invoices on file.
It is important to note that in 2020 the Ferrari received full certification from Ferrari Classiche, which issued a Red Book that attests to the continued presence of the matching-numbers chassis, engine, gearbox, and coachwork. Currently displaying just 1,342 kilometers (834 miles), this recently serviced F50 is desirably accompanied by the soft top in the proper canvas bag, two pieces of Schedoni fitted luggage, the factory-issued flight case for the hard top, owner’s manuals with flashlight, photo build album, and tools.
To encounter an immaculate F50 with such low mileage and benefitting from 27 years of single ownership presents a very rare opportunity, indeed; this car is one of the most high-quality examples of Maranello’s important 50th anniversary model that one might ever find. The pristine early-production F50 would make an exquisite addition to any sporting collection, particularly suited to marque enthusiasts searching for the best of the best, or those collectors pining to fill a gap in their assemblage of Ferrari’s lauded Big Five modern hypercars.
This vehicle will be offered at RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island sale, taking place 4 March 2023. View all lots and register to bid online at rmsothebys.com.
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Sources: RM Sotheby’s
