I attempted to make a list of the world’s most beautiful cars but it turned out to be way too long for any sane person to read in one article. However, during my list making, I realized that I was strongly favoring the Italians. I decided to compile a list of the most beautiful Ferraris.
Before anyone chokes on their spaghetti because I did not include their favorite Ferrari, please note that this list only includes Ferrari road cars. There are no sport prototypes/ racecars or Ferrari collaborations (i.e. Dino and Zagato). (My own favorite isn’t even included here because it is technically a racecar.) We can cover them later.
Enjoy my numerous horse puns–as well as the gorgeous cars.
1. 1957 250 California
This car just seems to say “pack a picnic basket…and goggles.” The 250 California was the open spider that the Ferrari representatives on the west coast were wanting. These little firecrackers represented everything Ferrari was famous for, now with the option of feeling the wind through the hair.
Due to the small number of 250 Californias produced, the car is an extremely valuable addition to any automobile collection (as are most Ferraris). Earlier this year, a 1958 250 GT LWB California Spider sold for $8.8 million.
2. 1967 275 GTB/4 NART Spyder
I love this car. If I were a car, I would want to be a NART Spyder. Sergio Scaglietti and Enzo Ferrari knew what they were doing when they designed this little beauty for Ferrari dealer Luigi Chinetti. The design is simple and classic Ferrari.
The NART Spyder is not only beautiful, but also extremely valuable. Only ten were made in years 1967 and 1968. In 2013, a 1967 275 GTB/4 NART Spyder sold for a record $27.5 million. I wrote about it here.
3. 1956 250 GT Berlinetta “Tour de France”
Compared to some of its more curvaceous cousins (see Dino or the later mentioned Ferrari 308 GTB), the 250 GT Berlinetta was more fit and trim—and perfect for the track. She got her other unofficial name, “Tour de France,” after winning the race in 1956. One of her equally gorgeous offspring was the 250 GT Zagato.
4. 1962 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso
Man, what a car. The Lusso’s design has perfect flowing lines and subtle curves in all the right places. Although the Lusso’s styling echos some design elements made famous by its older cousins (the ’56 250 GT Berlinetta and ’59 250 GT Berlinetta passo corto), the Lusso’s front and rear wheel arches are less pronounced and the car’s tail more square. Ferrari’s own website describes the Lusso’s shape as having “sweeping elegance.” I don’t think I could have described it better.
5. 1964 275 GTB
The sleek shape and aggressive stylistic details of the 275 GTB pay tribute to the infamous 250 GTO. I especially love the triple exhaust air slots framing the rear screen.
A parked 275 GTB just seems to dare the onlooker to drive it. Fast. On a sunny, winding road.
6. 1984 GTO or “288 GTO”
Demonstrating borrowed style and attitude from its older relative, the 250 GTO, the 1984 GTO is a worthy recipient of the GTO name.
The 288’s rear mimics the 250 GTO’s aggressive, blunt tail—and then some. The hard edges and black accents make it look even stronger, meaner. It means business. Overall, this supercar is pure muscle. The lines from the door scallops and shape of the wheel arch in conjunction with the flying buttresses in the rear make the GTO look seriously meaty.
7. 2004 612 Scaglietti
The 612 Scaglietti looks like a classic Ferrari from the ‘50s and ‘60s that somehow made its way to modern day via a time warp. (And I am glad that it did.) I think this car is beautiful because it is a perfect marriage of eras. It is a throw back to Ferrari and Scaglietti’s infamous styling and bodywork from decades ago, yet subtly includes modern day technology and amenities.
8. 1987 F40
The F40 was the last “new car” presentation that was done by Enzo Ferrari—he passed away in August of 1988. I think Enzo would be happy to hear this car described as a “hungry monster on wheels.” Most drivers would probably be terrified to see it in their rear-view mirror.
Compared to some of the softer lines and curves of past Ferraris, the F40 has some serious angles and a dramatic rear wing. The F40’s profile resembles that of a Formula 1 car—an honorable pedigree to commemorate in a Ferrari sports car. The rear of the vehicle is just as awesome and intimidating as the front. If I were behind the F40, I would second-guess passing.
9. 1975 308 GTB
The 308 GTB inherited most of its avant-garde styling from its Ferrari-collaboration cousins in the Dino family. The 308 GTB maintains the wedge-like shape, large wheel arches, and scallop door detail made famous by the Dinos of the 1960s and 1970s–especially the Dino 246 GT. The 308’s flying buttresses are not as soft as those seen on previous Dinos, but it is still easy to see a resemblance. The 308’s design is iconic and different–truly Ferrari.
10. 2014 458 Italia
I admit that I don’t like most modern day supercars/sportscars because they tend to be over-designed. I will give the 458 Italia special dispensation because although a modern sports car, it still looks like a Ferrari. The low line of the hood reminds me of the F40 while the rear lights whisper “tails” of the 288 GTO.
This car just looks mean. The dramatic shapes created by the lines sweeping through the door panels make it look as if the 458 Italia is flexing its sinewy muscles, ready to pounce on the next patch of pavement.
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For those of you who were chomping at the bit (get it?) to talk Ferrari racecars, here are some of my quick picks for “most beautiful Ferrari sport prototypes/racecars.”
1953 375 MM–This might be the “Batmobile” of Ferraris.
1956 860 Monza–Phil Hill drove this bad boy to victory at Nassau.
1962 250 GTO–This is my favorite car. I was dying to include it on this list somewhere.
1962 330 TR–The curves on this car resemble a Thoroughbred [horse]–which seems quite fitting.
1967 330 P4–Super spacey. Super cool. Super fast. (Honestly, I love the P3 and P2 just as much)
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