Even the most hardcore car fan probably doesn’t know much about Ferraris. Most people are familiar with the brand, but few know much about the different models. 

When it comes to sports cars, there are few names more famous than Ferrari. 

Throughout its storied history, this Italian brand has built some of the most desirable and exclusive performance cars in the world. 

Their unmistakable profile and roaring exhaust notes have made them a household name among automotive enthusiasts. In no other segment of the auto industry are manufacturers so laser-focused on one specific type of car as they are with supercars. 

Each model is built with a specific purpose and target audience in mind, leading to a diverse lineup of models from Ferrari throughout its history, each bringing something unique to the table. 

This article covers everything you always wanted to know about these fantastic automobiles!

The Ferrari Portfolio

There are dozens of different Ferrari models. We’ll take a look at the most popular ones below. 

There are several different types of Ferraris, from classic models like the Dino to niche special editions like the F50 and 360 Spider Competizione.

If you’re interested in buying a Ferrari, or even if you were lucky enough to win a car, the first step is deciding which model you want. 

All Ferrari models fall under one of seven series: 

• Series I – These models were Ferrari’s early attempts at road cars, which were often based on Formula 1 cars. While these are less desirable today, they are also less expensive. 
• Series II – These models were Ferrari’s first attempt at an “everyday” road car that could be driven daily. They are still considered some of the best Ferraris ever made. 
• Series III – This model was the first Ferrari available with a two-seat convertible. It was one of the brand’s most successful sports cars. 
• Series IV – This was the first Ferrari made with a mid-engine design. It was one of the brand’s most successful sports cars. 
• Series V – This model was built with a V12 engine and a rear-wheel-drive design. It’s one of the most expensive Ferraris ever produced.
• Series VI – This model was built with a V8 engine and a mid-engine design. It’s one of the most successful Ferraris ever made. 
• Series VII – This model was built with a front-engine design. It’s one of the most powerful Ferraris ever made.

1956 250 GT Berlinetta

1956 250 GT Berlinetta was Ferrari’s first model. 

This car was designed with a V12 engine and capable of up to 170 miles per hour, making it a high-speed vehicle for the time. 

This model was only produced for 3 years before being discontinued. These cars cost around $75,000 in 1956, but today, these cars are worth around $5 to $10 million. These are among the rarest and most expensive Ferraris ever built. 

1956 250 GT Berlinetta was an important car for Ferrari because it proved their design and production could produce a vehicle that could compete with the best sports cars in the world. 

The 250 GT Berlinetta was so successful that the company continued to produce V12-powered cars for over 50 years.

1968 Dino 206 GT

The Dino 206 GT was an attempt by Ferrari to cash in on the growing demand for a smaller, more accessible car. 

The 206 GT was designed as a daily driver that was comfortable to sit in and easy to drive while still retaining the classic Ferrari styling that made it instantly recognizable. 

Despite its smaller engine, the Dino could still put out a respectable amount of power. The 206 GT used a 2-liter V6 that was a hybrid of Ferrari and Fiat technology, so it was far from a powerhouse. It was more like a finely tuned Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but with the Ferrari badges.

However, Dino’s engine isn’t what made it special for many. The 206 GT was the first Ferrari to use a transaxle and independent rear suspension, which is now standard in most high-end sports cars. 

The 206 GT also had various electronic and safety features that modern Ferrari models would later employ, making it an incredibly advanced car for its time.

1968 308 GTB

The 1968 308 GTB was Ferrari’s first front-engine model and was built with a V8 engine capable of producing up to 325 horsepower. However, the 308 GTB’s most unique feature was its retractable roof. 

This model was manufactured from 1968 to 1973. 308 GTBs can be found in both coupe and spider (convertible) versions. 

The 1968 308 GTB was Ferrari’s first attempt at a modern road car. It was designed to be a mid-sized car that could be driven daily, being one of the brand’s most successful road cars, and was produced in large quantities.

It proved so successful that many of the 308 GTB’s design elements are still incorporated into modern Ferraris. The 308 GTB was also one of the first Ferraris to be imported to the United States following the Ford/Ferrari lawsuit. 

Although a relatively common model, 308 GTBs can be found for around $250,000.

1982 288 GTO

The 1982 288 GTO was a front-engine model with a V8 engine, designed to be the fastest road car Ferrari had ever produced. 

The 288 GTO could reach 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. It was designed to compete in the GTO category of the International Racing Championship. 

The 288 GTO was one of Ferrari’s most successful special edition models, and only around 500 models were produced, making them relatively uncommon. 

It was designed to be the fastest road car Ferrari had ever built, and the brand’s goal was met; in fact, it was so successful that it helped 288 GTO become the world’s fastest production car for over two years.

1987 348 TB

1987 348 TB was Ferrari’s first attempt at a mid-engine model, from 1987 to 1989. It was built with a V8 engine capable of producing up to 400 horsepower. 

There were only 535 models produced, making it a relatively rare model and was one of the last front-engine models produced by Ferrari, designed to be more reliable and easier to drive. 

The 348 TB is considered one of the most beautiful Ferraris ever built and is worth over $300,000 today. The 348 TB was perhaps the most essential model Ferrari produced in the late ’80s. 

1996 F355 Berlinetta

The 1996 F355 Berlinetta was Ferrari’s first model with a 6-cylinder engine. 

It was a mid-engine model built with a 3.5-litre V8 engine capable of producing up to 375 horsepower, manufactured from 1994 to 1999. 

There were around 8,500 models produced, and it was one of Ferrari’s most successful road cars, designed to be one of the brand’s highest-performance models and was built for both track and street use. 

The F355 Berlinetta can be found for around $190,000 and is often considered one of the best Ferraris ever produced. 

2002 360 Challenge

2002 360 Challenge was a limited-edition model built to commemorate Ferrari’s 50th anniversary. It was made with a mid-engine V8 engine, and only 360 models were produced. The 360 Challenge was capable of reaching 0 to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds. 

The 360 Challenge is one of the rarest Ferrari models ever built and was designed to be as close to a race car as possible while remaining street legal. 

Only the most skilled Ferrari owners could handle a 360 Challenge! The 360 Challenge can be found for over $400,000. It was extremely fast and challenging to control, making it one of the rarest and most desirable Ferraris ever built.

2010 458 Italy

The 458 Italia is a mid-engined V8 sports car from Ferrari, produced from 2010 to 2016. 

The first mid-engined V8 Ferrari production car was built on the underpinnings of the 488 GTB. The car was facelifted in 2015 with revised headlights and taillights, as well as new wheels, which are now the same width as those used on the 458 Spider. 

Prototype models were shown at the Paris Motor Show in 2010, where they received a lot of positive feedback.

Final Words

Perhaps the most famous and iconic sports car brand in the world, Ferrari continues to amaze and inspire with its ever-expanding range of sports cars. 

The company was founded by horse and carriage manufacturers, and its first cars followed suit with hand-built, elegant designs. 

In the last 80 years, Ferrari has grown into a global brand, constantly pushing the boundaries of the automotive industry. 

The company is globally renowned for its dedication to innovation and research, leading to the development of new technologies, new innovative materials, and new processes. 

Today, the infamous company is one of the most respected names in the auto industry. We take a look at the various models in their range.