The 10 Most Memorable Ferrari Vehicles of All Time
June 13 2025,
Ferrari has made some of the world's most famous cars for over 70 years. These Italian sports cars are known for their speed, beautiful design, and racing success. While most of us will never own one, learning about these cars helps us understand what makes certain vehicles so special.
At Carson Exports in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, we sometimes have luxury vehicles in our inventory. Whether you're dreaming of exotic sports cars or looking for a reliable pre-owned vehicle, these famous Ferraris show us what automotive excellence looks like. Here are 10 of the most memorable Ferrari models in no particular order.
1. Ferrari 250 GTO (1962-1964)
The Ferrari 250 GTO is the most wanted Ferrari ever made. Only 39 cars were built between 1962 and 1964. This race car had a 3.0-litre V12 engine that made 300 horsepower. The body was designed by Scaglietti and looks beautiful even today.
The 250 GTO was built for racing and won three World Championships in a row. Today, these cars sell for over $70 million at auctions. The mix of racing wins, gorgeous looks, and extreme rarity makes the 250 GTO the most famous Ferrari of all time.
2. Ferrari F40 (1987-1992)
Ferrari built the F40 to celebrate their 40th birthday. This was the last car that Enzo Ferrari approved before he died, making it extra special. The F40 had a twin-turbo 2.9-litre V8 engine with 471 horsepower. It could reach 201 mph.
The F40 was built for speed, not comfort. It had racing seats, very little sound-proofing, and lots of exposed carbon fibre. The car looked aggressive and was built mostly from carbon fibre and Kevlar. The F40 became one of the most famous supercars ever made.
3. Ferrari Testarossa (1984-1996)
The Testarossa became famous in the 1980s for its wild design. The name means "red head" in Italian because of the red-painted engine covers. This mid-engine car had side air vents that made it instantly recognizable. The flat-12 engine made 390 horsepower.
The Testarossa appeared in TV shows like Miami Vice and many movies. It became the dream car for people in the 1980s. The dramatic styling and pop culture fame made it a symbol of success during that time.
4. Ferrari 288 GTO (1984-1987)
The 288 GTO was Ferrari's return to Group B racing. Based on the 308 GTB but heavily modified, it had a twin-turbo 2.9-litre V8 making 400 horsepower. The body was wider and more aggressive than regular Ferraris, with bigger air intakes and a rear spoiler.
Ferrari only made 272 examples, making it very rare today. The car bridged the gap between Ferrari's old naturally-aspirated engines and the new turbo era. Its racing heritage and limited production make it highly sought after by collectors.
5. Ferrari Enzo (2002-2004)
Named after Ferrari's founder, the Enzo brought Formula 1 technology to the road. It had a naturally-aspirated 6.0-litre V12 with 651 horsepower. The car was made mostly from carbon fibre and featured advanced aerodynamics. Only 400 were built, plus one extra for charity.
Every part of the Enzo's design served a purpose - either for aerodynamics or cooling. It had Formula 1-style carbon-ceramic brakes, advanced traction control, and a sophisticated suspension. The Enzo showed how much Ferrari had learned from racing.
6. Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder (1957-1963)
The California Spyder was made for wealthy Americans who wanted a beautiful convertible Ferrari. It came in long and short wheelbase versions and had a 3.0-litre V12 engine. Pinin Farina designed the elegant body.
The California became famous through movies, especially Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Only 106 examples were built, making it extremely valuable today. The car represents the glamorous lifestyle of 1950s and 1960s America.
7. Ferrari Dino 246 GT (1969-1974)
The Dino 246 GT was Ferrari's first mid-engine road car. Named after Enzo Ferrari's son who died young, it had a 2.4-litre V6 engine making 195 horsepower. Pininfarina designed the beautiful body with perfect proportions.
The Dino was cheaper than other Ferraris, letting more people experience the brand for the first time. It had a sweet engine sound and great handling. The Dino influenced every mid-engine Ferrari that came after it.
8. Ferrari LaFerrari (2013-2016)
LaFerrari was Ferrari's first hybrid road car. It combined a naturally-aspirated 6.3-litre V12 with an electric motor for a total of 949 horsepower. The car had Formula 1-style aerodynamics and the most advanced electronics Ferrari had ever used.
Only 499 examples were made (plus some convertible versions later). LaFerrari showed how hybrid technology could make cars faster, not just more fuel-efficient. It set new standards for what supercars could achieve.
9. Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona (1968-1973)
The Daytona was Ferrari's last front-engine V12 grand tourer before emission rules changed everything. Its 4.4-litre V12 made 352 horsepower and could reach 174 mph. Leonardo Fioravanti designed the elegant body for Pininfarina.
The car got its nickname after Ferrari finished 1-2-3 at the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona race. It mixed grand touring comfort with real racing ability. The Daytona marked the end of an era for Ferrari's classic front-engine cars.
10. Ferrari F50 (1995-1997)
The F50 brought Formula 1 technology straight to the road. It used a naturally-aspirated 4.7-litre V12 engine from Ferrari's 1990 F1 car, making 513 horsepower. The chassis was made from carbon fibre. Only 349 were built.
The F50 had a removable roof and a very basic interior focused on driving. The Formula 1 engine sound and sharp handling created a direct connection between driver and car. It was like driving a race car on the street.
Why These Ferraris Matter
These ten cars show what Ferrari does best - mixing beautiful design with incredible performance. Each one brought something new to the automotive world:
- Racing heritage: Many started as race cars or used racing technology
- Limited production: Small numbers make them extremely valuable
- Design influence: Their looks influenced cars for decades
- Technology: They often introduced new features to road cars
- Cultural impact: Many became famous through movies and TV
Ferrari's Legacy Today
Ferrari continues making memorable cars today, building on the lessons learned from these classics. Modern Ferraris still use racing technology, beautiful Italian design, and limited production numbers.
At Carson Exports in Dartmouth, we appreciate the passion that goes into creating memorable vehicles. While we may not have Ferraris on our lot, we understand what makes certain cars special. Whether you're looking for a reliable pre-owned sedan or something more exciting, every vehicle has its own character and appeal. Visit us today to explore our inventory and find a car that will create your own memorable driving experiences.
