1964 Ferrari 500 Superfast Speciale - Images, Specifications and Information

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While Ferrari was busy building and racing cars in the 1950s, the factory found time to build luxury cars, which were truly in a class of their own. This by no means was a series production; on average only one of these was constructed each month.

The first of these was the 342 America, first shown in 1952, fitted with a Touring styled body. The long block engine was derived from the 340 America sports racer, but the chassis was a bit longer to increase the interior space. Only six examples were produced, of which the Pinin Farina bodied examples are the most important. They were the first Ferraris bodied by the Turin based coach builder and started a strong collaboration that continues to this day.

At the 1953 Paris Motorshow, two new road cars were displayed, both using Lampredi's 'long block' V12 engine. The smaller of the two was the 250 Europa and its big brother the 375 America. It shared its 4.5 litre engine with the marque's Formula 1 and sports car racers. This extremely powerful engine made the America the fastest luxury car in the world. With production of the chassis already limited, the coach builders made sure that every one received a custom body. About ten were built during its two production years, with Pinin Farina bodying the majority of them.

Two years after the 375 America's production, Ferrari again showcased a new luxury GT at the Paris show, but in chassis form only. Dubbed 410 SuperAmerica, the completed car made its debut at the Brussels Motorshow a year later. The Pinin Farina designed body resembled the 250 GT competition car. Compared to the smaller Ferrari, the 410 SuperAmerica's 2800mm long wheelbase was 200mm longer. Power came from Ferrari's largest engine to date, displacing just under 5 litres. It shared this engine with the 410 Sport, designed specifically for a number of South American road races. In competition form, the engine was good for at least 400 bhp and the 340-360 bhp available in the SuperAmerica was more than sufficient.

Three series of SuperAmericas were created. In 1955 the first batch of 16 cars were produced and mainly bodied as a coupe by Pinin Farina. The last examples constructed shared the 2600mm wheelbase with the 250 GT racing cars. In 1956 and 1957 only five were assembled and by that time were the only Ferraris still using the Lampredi long block engine. In 1958 a new Pinin Farina body became available, which was fitted on another twelve cars. Using one of the shorter wheelbase chassis, Ferrari and Pinin Farina constructed the stunning 410 Superfast, which was displayed at the 1956 Paris show.

Production of the Lampredi engine finally ceased in 1959, so a new engine was needed for the 410's replacement. First shown in Brussels in 1960, the 400 SuperAmerica, featured a four litre version of Colombo's 'short block' V12 engine. It was the upscaled version of the three litre V12 unit that had scored so many successes in Sports Car and GT races. Four years later, a final incarnation of the limited production luxury GT was introduced in the shape of the 500 Superfast. It used a five litre version of the short block V12. In 1966 the model was discontinued after fifteen years and just 130 cars produced. Today the America, SuperAmerica and Superfast remain as some of the most exclusive cars ever produced by Ferrari.

After four show cars based on the 410 and 400 SuperAmerica chassis had born the name Superfast, Ferrari unveiled the production version in 1964, the 500 Superfast. Powered by a 400 bhp, five litre V12, Superfast was an aptly chosen name. Its aerodynamic shape was a natural development of the 400 SuperAmerica it replaced, but it no longer featured covered headlights and partly covered rear wheels. Production lasted until for just two years, in which only 37 examples were produced. The Superfast was the last in a great line of luxury GTs.

Although all Superfasts were similar in design and configuration, Enzo Ferrari was more than happy to make an exception for one of his most loyal customers, Prince Bernhard of The Netherlands. Like for all his Ferraris, the Prince specified green (Verde Pino) as the colour for his Superfast, but that's not what makes s/n 6267 SF a 'Superfast Speciale'. For reasons unknown he had Ferrari fit a 330 GT derived four litre engine, which was not a problem as the Superfast's chassis was derived from the 330 GT. A special bench type front seat is fitted, designed to seat a second passenger. With no air conditioning or power steering the Prince's Superfast is a true driver's car, stripped from all luxuries.

In fairly original condition, it is pictured here at the 2003 Bonham's Gstaad Ferrari Auction. It found new owner for just over 420,000 Swiss Francs. Prince Bernhard's Superfast has found a good home in the National Dutch Auto Museum in Rosmalen, The Netherlands.