FERRARI

After the Ferrari F40 opened the ball, the supercar market began to bubble. All sports car manufacturers had to offer one in their catalogue. Jaguar struggled to bring out its XJ220, Buggati attempted a renaissance with the high-performance EB110, Lamborghini unveiled its Diablo… The Ferrari F40 had (and still has) the particular flavour of being the last Supercar developed under the direction of Enzo Ferrari himself when he was still alive. Of course, this in no way detracts from the qualities of the later models, but the fact that Enzo Ferrari himself was responsible for its development adds a magical touch. Known under the code name F130, the Ferrari F50 takes its technical base from the Ferrari 330 SP, which raced in IMSA in 1994. The engine and composite chassis are taken directly from the Ferrari racer.

In the fantasy department, the Sultan of Brunei has ordered two ‘special’ 456 GTs from Pininfarina, named Venice. These were convertible and saloon versions of the 456 GT. But that wasn’t enough for him, so he also asked for a version called Estate, which is none other than… a station wagon. These models were invoiced to him at $1,500,000 each and entrusted to Italtecnica for production in 1995 and 1996. A total of 4 shooting wagons were assembled, as well as at least three convertibles and several saloons. Prince Jeffrey only bought 6 cars, the others ending up in the private collections of wealthy collectors.

After the end of the TestaRossa saga, of which the 512 TR and M were the last descendants, Ferrari was expected to turn the corner. Ensuring a successor worthy of its predecessors was no easy task. However, from the moment it was unveiled, the 550 Maranello won over everyone, even the most wary of the Italian firm’s die-hards. Although very wide and sporting an evocative air intake on its aluminium bonnet, this Ferrari has no intention of going over the top. It’s nicknamed the ‘Squale’, and on closer inspection it’s easy to see why. Firstly, because of its majestic profile, with a long, seemingly endless bonnet and air intakes after the front wheels that resemble gills.

Already the author of a fine commercial career, the 456 GT became the 456 MGT (M for Modificata) and what appeared from a distance to be a minor touch-up was in fact a major evolution… Aesthetically, the rear of the 456 M hardly changed at all, since the only modification was to the spoiler, which became fixed and integrated into the rear bumper. The front end has been reworked and the air intakes enlarged to provide better cooling for the V12. Extensive work in the wind tunnel resulted in improved aerodynamics. These modifications were the subject of some criticism, as the basic version was considered to be perfect.

Intended for the US market, the Fiorano is easily identifiable by its lowered body, the result of a revised suspension based on that of the Competizione (racing variant). Clearly sportier, this version has red brake callipers. The F355’s electronically reprogrammed shock absorbers, larger anti-roll bars and stiffer springs bring it closer to a racing car. The Fiorano Series also boasts a carbon-fibre interior, an Alcantara-covered steering wheel and a numbered plaque on the dashboard. On the outside, the Fiorano features a black rear grille.

The replacement for the Ferrari F355 was unveiled at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show and went on sale immediately afterwards. The name 360 Modena was chosen in reference to the engine’s cubic capacity and Enzo Ferrari’s birthplace. It also marks the alternation with the F name for the saloon cars, as shown by the succession of F355, 360 Modena, F430 and 458 Italia. The design is by coachbuilder Pininfarina. Several elements were taken from the F50, starting with the abandonment of the retractable lights. A huge amount of work went into the aerodynamics, with the 360 spending 5,400 hours in the wind tunnel. It also inherited Formula 1 technology, receiving a real air extractor. The appearance of two side grilles in place of the front grille was a highly controversial feature.

There’s no longer the distinction between GTB and GTS as there used to be; now the Spider fulfils the role of the Targa. To achieve this, the uncapping system has been revised. Goodbye to the constraints of previous Spiders! The soft top, for which four colours were available, is electric. Two motors are responsible for automatic uncapping, which takes no more than 20 seconds to complete. Ferrari even perpetuates the tradition of the engine by housing it behind a transparent window. What a delight! The Spider 360 Modena gained only 60 kg compared to the coupé from which it was derived. Additional side reinforcements and a bar mounted in front of the engine ensure rigidity.

The improvements made to the 575 were substantial. The engine has been increased from 5.4 litres to 5.7 litres, the brake discs have been enlarged, the weight has been distributed differently and the suspension has been adaptive. It also features a new interior. Two six-speed transmissions are available, a conventional manual gearbox and, for the first time on a Ferrari V12, Magneti Marelli’s semi-automatic ‘F1’ (sequential) gearbox. The number 575 refers to the engine’s cubic capacity in centilitres, while the ‘M’ is an abbreviation of ‘modificato’ (‘modified’). At the end of its career, the GTC kit would include ceramic brake discs, a differently calibrated differential, firmer suspension and an engine upgrade to 540 bhp.

In terms of looks, the 550 Barchetta could be summed up as a simple Ferrari 550 Maranello with the roof cut off. But fortunately the manoeuvre is more subtle. The windscreen is 10 cm lower and has a very distinctive style, with a black upper section and two body-coloured half pillars. The spider concept revives the tradition of sports cars of years gone by, in which the thrill of speed was heightened tenfold by the exhilaration of the open air. In this spirit, the Ferrari 550 Pininfarina offers only a simple manual canvas roof in case of an unexpected downpour. This solution is designed to compensate for the added weight of the numerous structural reinforcements. The Pininfarina 550 Barchetta is also distinguished by the in-house emblems on the front wings, two-piece light-alloy wheels and a special fuel filler cap.

Naming a car after the creator of its brand is a commercial challenge that leaves no room for error, especially when it evokes the firmament of motoring passion! While the Ferrari F50 was admirable, it failed to make its mark against the McLaren F1, which has been considered THE best supercar in the world ever since its launch. In this respect, the Enzo arrives as if to put an end to the past. A true jewel of technology, symbolising four consecutive years of victories in the Formula 1 World Championship, the Scuderia’s latest car commands respect, starting with its technical specifications. Like the F50, the Ferrari Enzo is built on an ultra-light, ultra-strong carbon-fibre and aluminium honeycomb floor, with every means of achieving a balance close to that of a single-seater racing car. The rear suspension is anchored directly to the V12 block in a central rear position.