Greatest Convertible & Open Top Ferraris Ever Made

The 25 Best Convertible & Open Top Ferraris

Today we are ranking the best open top and convertible Ferraris ever made by our friends at Maranello. The Ferrari lists we create are almost always controversial because any best of Ferrari models discussion is hard to have given the brands long history. Should a 488 Spider outrank a 355 Spider? Sure, it is much faster and more advanced, but is it truly better? How do you rank cars that we are never going to ever drive like the 250 GT SWB California Spyder? Lots of tough choices make these lists a fiery affair.

Before we get into the list, we want to talk about a few myths that annoy us. First myth is that Ferrari convertibles are not real Ferraris. Nonsense. I recently drove a Ferrari California and while it is no 488 dynamically it was the perfect daily driver. The California I drove was a friend’s car. He had traded in his 458 for a California because he never drove the 458. The California is more practical, has more space, more comfort and is gets used all the time. Like my friend, if I had to choose between a Ferrari I get to drive every single day and one that stays locked in my garage most of the time, I’ll take the former every time.

The second myth about Ferrari convertibles is that they are compromised performance cars. Nonsense yet again. Sure, back in the day open top cars were dynamically flawed but in the last decade we can’t think of a single open top Ferrari that hasn’t been anything but astonishing to drive. Technology, materials science and chassis design have all progressed to the point where a convertible Ferrari can match its coupe sibling pound for pound in the performance and fun stakes with none of the downsides.

Myths out of the way it is time to talk about our methodology for creating this list. Frankly, it was pretty simple. We went through every Ferrari model ever made, picked out the convertible and open top models and then ranked them. We then categorized them and only included the ones we believed deserved a spot on our list. Some on the list are old cars that helped define the brand while others are legitimate top of their game performance machines. We also included a few convertible Ferraris you can walk into a dealer and buy new, some bargain convertibles and some priceless Ferraris you can only hope to buy if you’re a billionaire.

Here are the best Ferrari convertibles and open top models our friends at Maranello have ever made:

New Ferrari Convertibles You Can Buy Today

Whenever we put these lists together we almost immediately get questions from readers looking to buy new cars wanting to know what they can waltz into the showroom to buy. If you are looking for a new Ferrari that is also a convertible there are only two options at the moment.

Ferrari 488 Spider

See: All Ferrari 488 Articles / 488 Spider In-Depth /

Priced from $280,900

This is the one car on this list you could drive every day and thrash on weekends and even take it to the track and its awesome at all three. It basically destroys every other car on this list in terms of outright performance (LaFerrari being the exception) thanks to its 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that churns 661 bhp and 560 lb ft of torque and just won engine of the year (again).

The 488 Spider is all the car you would ever need and it is better than its sibling 488 GTB coupe. Just as good as the coupe in terms of performance, speed, styling with all the benefits of open top fun. The 488 Spider is amazingly efficient, fast and enjoyable and there is a strong case to be made that the Ferrari 488 Spider is the single greatest modern automobile for sale today.

What about performance? Well the stunning drop-top version of the 488 GTB can sprint to 60 mph in about 3-second and hit a 205 mph top speed. Ferrari has produced another masterpiece with the 488 Spider.

Ferrari Portofino

See: All Ferrari Portofino Articles / Portofino In-Depth

Priced from $214,533

The new Ferrari Portofino is the de facto successor of the best-selling Ferrari in history – the Ferrari California T. Following in the steps of its predecessor, the Portofino is a grand touring, 2+2, convertible with its engine located in the front.

This entry level car has a cool retractable hardtop roof and a 591-hp twin-turbo 3.9-liter V-8. Add an electronic limited-slip differential, adaptive suspension and creature comforts like a 10.2-inch infotainment display and rear seats and you quickly realize that this is the kind of car you could use every day.

It is fairly obvious that Ferrari designed the Portofino to have more mass-market-appeal than the rest of its predominantly mid-engined, race-car-inspired-line-up. Ferrari wanted the car to be more relatable – attracting first-time buyers to the Ferrari brand with its (relatively) low price point, everyday driveability, comfort, and versatility. Purists would scoff at the notion of such a thing existing – so perhaps the real question should be “is it more entry-level or is it more Ferrari”?

We already know that if you want a faster and more performance oriented Ferrari, you wouldn’t be shopping for a Ferrari Portofino (try the 488 Spider above for that). However, the Portofino for what it is – is unquestionably a great improvement over its predecessor. Afterall, it has more power and less weight, while being more enjoyable to drive and arguably, better looking than the California T that it is replacing.

Auto journalists such as Car Magazine and Car and Driver note that the Portofino is very engaging to drive spiritedly, sans the desire to go around breaking any lap records. Ultimately, the Ferrari Portofino is the amalgamation of what it was designed to be – a Ferrari which offers a unique blend of daily driving practicality, performance, and luxury.

Open Top Ferraris for (Billionaire) Collectors

If you are reading this section and seriously considering buying any of the open top Ferraris on this list then congratulations on having more money than God. For the rest of us this is the section where we dream about what it would be like to buy the rarest, most expensive open top Ferrari’s ever.

Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa

See All Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Articles / 250 Testa Rossa In Detail

On our list of the most expensive Ferraris ever there was a 1958 250 Testa Rossa that sold for $16.4 million and a 1957 example that went for $12.4 million. Clearly this is a rare, expensive and coveted Ferrari and tops our rate open top Ferraris list.

Only around 34 Testa Rossas were made and all were intended for racing. The 250 Testa Rossa was designed to offer customers already racing with the 500 TRC a much more powerful engine on a similar chassis to help retain the former model’s great handling. The FIA placed a three-liter limit on prototypes and as a result the reliable V12 from the 250 Gran Turismo was used (albeit with a radically tuned with six twin-choke carburetors). The engine’s top was painted red, hence the name testa rossa.

Ferrari 275 GTB/4 N.A.R.T. Spyder

See All N.A.R.T. Spyder Articles / N.A.R.T. Spyder In Depth

With only ten of this these NART Spiders were ever made (built to commemorate Ferrari’s North American Racing Team), it’s easy to say that the 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 N.A.R.T. Spider is one of the rarest and most valuable Ferraris ever made. The ten Ferrari 275s officially from the Ferrari factory in spyder configuration were all made for Luigi Chinetti who was Ferrari’s North American Importer at the time.

Chinetti recognized the need for an alternative to the luxurious 330 GTS and reluctantly convinced Ferrari to deliver his own ‘NART Spyder’.

Chinetti first got the idea for the car at the Paris Motor Show when the 275 GTB/4 was shown. Ferrari at first denied his request to built a factory spider, but after talking to Sergio Scaglietti who manufactured the 275 bodies, Ferrari was finally convinced. Initially, Chinetti ordered 25 cars which were executed by the experienced craftsman at Sergio Scaglietti’s workshops. Although the chassis of the 275 relied on the body for rigidity no additional bracing was introduced with the NART Spyder. The 275 GTB/4 N.A.R.T. Spiders were equipped with a 3.3 L 4-cam V12 engine that produced 296 hp and 294 Nm / 217 lb-ft of torque. They reached speeds of 162 mph and could hit 60 mph in 5.6 seconds.

In the end, Ferrari only shipped 10 Spyders to Chinetti and they were all sold through his eastern USA dealership. The first of these cars came with aluminum body and was immediately put into race duty to promote the model. After the race, Chinetti had a hard time selling the cars and had to sell the final few at a marked discount. Recently, a NART Spider sold for a staggering $27.5 million at a California auction and was owned by a single family for over 45 years.

Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder

See 250 GT SWB California Spyder Articles / 250 GT SWB California Spyder In Detail

In 1959, Ferrari debuted the shorter California Spyder on their stiffer short wheel base (SWB) chassis. These cars were superior as they had disc brakes, a more powerful engine, and a less bulk. Like the LWB model that preceded it, the SWB benefited from a competition-bred chassis and engine. The California Spyder was motivated by U.S. distributors Jon von Neumann and Luigi Chinetti who convinced Ferrari to create a performance convertible named after their best market. The California Spyder emerged with supercar performance and became highly desirable due to its limited availability.

Immortalized as the Ferris Bueller car, the California Spyder—of which only about 55 were made – each car was special too, and some examples came with competition-spec engines or the very rare factory hard top.

Sharing its drivetrain with the legendary 250 GT that won the Tour de France, the California Spyder was a car to get excited about. It had the same 140 mph performance and the same competition chassis as the Ferraris lapping the race tracks. Therefore, it only made sense to equip some examples with competition engines and aluminum bodywork to race at Le Mans and Sebring. These Spyder Competiziones did well in the GT class and tied all California Spyders to a sporting pedigree.

California Spyder bodies were hand crafted by Carozerria Scaglietti who built most of Ferrari’s competition bodies at the time. Inside, each Spyder car had a no-frills interior and a small heater was the only luxury. Behind the seats, a fabric top was installed which was tidy, and well proportioned when upright, but was made with no inner liner. These cars are prized by collectors as proved by recent record auction prices. Try $18.5 million on for size for a super rare 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider and $17.5 million for another a few months earlier. Combine vintage, rarity, and prestige and it clear that this is the convertible Ferrari for the billionaire.

Ferrari Testarossa Spider

The Testarossa Spider, serial number 62897, is the sole official convertible variant of the Testarossa commissioned in 1986 by the then Fiat chairman Gianni Agnelli to commemorate his 20 years of chairmanship of the company.

Ferrari wasn’t building a Spider version of its flagship Testarossa supercar since convertibles weren’t very popular at the time – so Agnelli had one commissioned just for him. The former Fiat boss received delivery of his unique Testarossa Spider in 1986, which featured a silver exterior with blue stripes and a matching dark blue interior. In case you’re wondering why Agnelli didn’t opt for a red Ferrari, “AG” is the periodic table’s symbol for silver which also happens to be the first two letters of his last name. Even the prancing horse was finished in the same silver. Rather than simply remove the roof and leave the car unchanged, Ferrari strengthened the floor and fitted an electrically operated hoop to support the soft-top.

Ferrari 365 GTS by Pininfarina

At the Geneva Motor Show in March 1966, Ferrari launched a new two-seat GT. The 330 GTC, and its open-bodied GTS sibling, were tremendously popular with more restrained sporting customers, offering elegant aesthetics and classic Ferrari performance. The 365 GTS “spider” replaced the 330 GTS model in late 1968. Visually it was virtually identical to its predecessor, apart from the omission of the exhaust air outlets on the front wing sides, which were replaced by a trapezoidal black plastic louvre panel close to each trailing corner of the bonnet.

The folding roof of the 365 GTS was retained by a pair of over-centre clips on the top screen rail when in the erected position, whilst a clip-on protective vinyl cover fitted over it when stowed in a recess behind the seats, otherwise it was identical to the sister 365 GTC model.

The engine was an enlarged version of that fitted to the 330 GTS, and identical to that used in the 365 GT 2+2 models already in production when the 365 GTS was announced. It was a single overhead camshaft per bank V12 unit, with factory type reference 245/C, of 4390cc capacity, with a bore and stroke of 81mm x 71mm. It was fitted with a bank of either three twin-choke Weber 40 DFI/5 or 40 DFI/7 carburettors, with a twin coil and rear-of-engine mounted twin distributor ignition system, to produce a claimed 320hp.

The first production 365 GTS completed, of just 20 examples produced was sold in Monterey in 2017 for $2.7 million.

Ferrari 400 Superamerica Cabriolet

When it arrived in 1962, the Superamerica Cabriolet was the most expensive car ever produced by Ferrari. Forget depreciation dreams because today they’re even more expensive. Try RM Auctions selling a pristine example for over $7.6 million. Definitely on the more expensive Ferrari convertible list then.

Before Ferrari supercars were top of the heap, Ferrari made GTs that ruled the top of the car market. Despite the classical good looks, cars like the Superamerica Cabriolet were known more for their powerful V12 engines and serious performance.

The 400 Superamerica had a 340 bhp, 3,967 cc 60-degree V-12 engine with three Weber 46 DCF carburetors, four-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with double wishbones and coil springs, rear suspension with a live rear axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs, telescopic shock absorbers, and four-wheel disc brakes.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Ferrari Superamerica was the last word in sporting elegance. It offered the very best in terms of luxury and performance and was the very best car money could buy. These cars often found their way into the garages of the world’s elite, with numerous heads of state, barons of industry, and other well-to-do individuals being the privileged first owners of Superamericas, putting them in the upper echelon of automobile enthusiasts.

Ferrari F60 America

See All Ferrari F60 America Articles / Ferrari F60 America In Depth

So we have seen some of the older, classic Ferrari open top cars and their multi-million dollar price points. But what if you have a few million to spend and want something a little more modern and equally as rare as the older models. As luck would have it, Ferrari built 10 units of the F60 America and this may be the one for you.  The F60 America is a dramatically revised version of the F12berlinetta with a new nose, wings, doors, a bespoke interior and a convertible top. And each will cost about $2.5 million new and probably a lot more in the used car market. With a 6.3-liter V12 and 730 hp all driven through the the rear wheels, it rockets to 60 mph in less than 3 seconds.

The F60 name was for Ferrari’s 60th-anniversary festivities scheduled to celebrate the maker’s diamond anniversary in the U.S.

The F60America’s bodywork adopts the classic North American Racing Team livery, and the special Ferrari 60th anniversary Prancing Horse badge on the wheel arches also appears on the tunnel in the cabin. That blue with a center white stripe livery of famed importer Luigi Chinetti’s NART outfit and the interior that gives a nod to old racing Ferrari with the driver’s side finished with red trim and upholstery while the passenger’s accommodations are black adds to the uniqueness of this special limited model.

Ferrari 330 GTS

See All Ferrari 330 GTS Articles / Ferrari 330 GTS In Depth

The 330 GTS was released in October at the 1966 Paris Auto Show. It was intended as an grand tourer that delivered quiet performance. The 3967 CC V-12 was a development of the engine used in the 400 Superamerica, and joined to the five-speed gearbox, provided flexible power across a wider range. The 330 GTS also introduced an improved mounting for the engine and rear transaxle, joining them with a torque tube to minimize vibration. Only 100 examples were made before the model was upgraded with a 4.4 liter engine in 1968.

The folding roof of the 330 GTS was retained by a pair of over-centre clips on the top screen rail when in the erected position, whilst a clip-on protective vinyl cover fitted over it when stowed in a recess behind the seats. Production of the 330 GTS model continued into late 1968, when it was upgraded with a 4.4-litre engine and minor cosmetic changes, to become the 365 GTS model.

Ferrari 365 Spyder California

See All Ferrari 365 California Articles / Ferrari 365 California In Depth

Shortly after the last 500 Superfast was made, the 365 California was announced as the model’s successor. It was the continuation of a series of limited production cars which included the 410 and 400 Superamercas. These cars were marketed to attract premium customers who demanded a more unique coachwork on their grand touring machines. To keep costs down, but exclusivity high, the 365 California was only offered to select VIP clients of Ferrari. That may explain why the rare 365 California models around today fetch big money.

To much success, the California title had been already been associated with the earlier 250 GT Series. Around one hundred 250 California Spyders were built with some light alloy competizione examples actually racing Le Mans and Sebring. Drawing on this rich heritage, Ferrari decided that new 365 Spyder would be marketed as the next California model.

Much like the 250, this 365 used a well developed chassis to provide a basis for the next California Spyder. Released alongside the 330 GTC at the 1966 Geneva Auto Salon, the long and low 365 California Spyder was basically a reworked 330 GT chassis featuring a striking Pininfarina body. As far as engineering was concerned the 365 California Spyder was uninventive, having a wishbone front suspension and live rear axle held by leaf springs.

Powering the 365 was a Columbo long block V12. This engine was common in the 365 range, being an enlarged version of the unit found in the 330 GT. Other evolutions of this engine powered the 365 GTB/4 Daytona, GTC/4 and standard 365 GT coupe.

Ferrari SA Aperta

See All Ferrari SA Aperta Articles / Ferrari SA Aperta In Depth

The SA Aperta is a special series model of which just 80 units were built. Ferrari chose to build 80 SA Apertas in celebration of Pininfarina’s 80th anniversary. The SA nomenclature also pays homage to both Sergio and Andrea Pininfarina whose company and work have been linked to the most successful road-going cars ever built at Maranello.

The SA APERTA is a true roadster which combines Ferraris signature front-engined V12 architecture in a completely open-top setting. In fact, it has just a light soft top designed to be resorted to only if the weather gets particularly bad. A low-slung windscreen and the fact that it crouches lower to the ground than our other models lend the SA APERTA an exceptionally aerodynamic sleekness. Its profile arches back from the A-post to two aerodynamic fins beautifully integrating the two roll-bars which themselves cleverly mimic the outline of the seats.

The chassis has been redesigned to deliver a standard of stiffness comparable to that of a closed berlinetta and there is a negligible weight difference also, thanks to work done on the chassis structure.

Thanks to the 670 CV engine beneath its bonnet, the SA APERTA beautifully embodies the sporty spirit of the 599, incorporating Ferrari’s most advanced technology to deliver absolutely benchmark performance and superb driving pleasure. Its interior too is stylishly sporty with particularly sophisticated materials, trim and colors used throughout. The virtually endless combinations available guarantee that each and every SA APERTA is absolutely unique.

High Performance Open Top Ferraris

This is the “have your cake and eat it too” group. We highlight Ferrari’s open top performance kings. These are the models that are serious sports cars at the top of the performance heap, that just happen to be convertibles too. They are uncompromising and give up nothing to their coupe siblings.

Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta

See: All Ferrari LaFerrari Articles

The official car of Ferrari’s 70th year was the LaFerrari Aperta, an open-top hypercar that Car Magazine said had a single purpose: “to remind the world that nobody does automotive hedonism better than Enzo’s squad”. Well said. There isn’t much written about the LaFerrari Aperta, but once again the folks at Car said it best: The LaFerrari is an astonishing embodiment of that philosophy. A machine of bewildering complexity, its defining brilliance is a driving experience of startling purity, one made magical by the unholy power and deviously clever electronics that could so easily have corrupted it.

The LaFerrari Aperta is basically the drop-top version of the LaFerrari supercar. The Aperta is limited to only 209 units and they were spoken for well before the car was even announced. It is the first time Ferrari has ever offered both coupe and convertible versions of its “supercar” line. On the outside, the Aperta looks a lot like the original car, save for the fact that, well, the roof comes off. It’s not a power-operated top, like in some rivals, but rather two carbon-fiber panels that have to be removed by hand. It’s not the most graceful solution, but it helps save weight — and reduce complexity.

Under the skin, you’ll find a carbon-fiber chassis, a dual-clutch automatic transmission and a 6.3-liter V12 with a hybrid component that combine for a total of 950 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. The result is zero to 60 in under 3 seconds and a top speed of nearly 220 miles per hour — amazing numbers, even in today’s world of crazy exotic cars.

Of course, the Aperta is expensive — and, more importantly, it’s all sold out. The Aperta is reported to cost around $2 million, although one sold at a charity auction for $10 million.

Ferrari F50

See All Ferrari F50 Articles / Ferrari F50 In Depth

Available with removable hard top, the open roof F50 supercar is one of the best drivers Ferraris ever despite a lukewarm reception at launch. The best thing about not having a roof on the F50 is the unfiltered sound of an Ferrari V12 right behind your ears.

You don’t see many F50s out and about because they’re really rare. Only 349 were ever made (four times as rare as the F40 and even rarer than the Enzo).

Both the 288 GTO and Ferrari F40 feature turbocharged V8s. The F50 is unlike these cars as it uses a engine motivated by the 1994 Ferrari 412T Formula One car. It features a narrow angle V12 which is similar to the one in the 1994 412T. The F50’s version has an increased capacity of 4.7 liters to offer increased torque and driveability. Power came in at 513.1 bhp @ 8500 rpm.

Many people have looked upon the F50 project as somewhat of a failure. I can see where they are coming from; the F50 didn’t receive a race program and never set any precedents in performance. It is this attitude that is usually held by people how have yet to experience the F50 in person, on track or, better yet, behind the wheel. While in static performance figures the F50 even loses to its younger F40 brother, it is the dynamic driving, and especially handling where the F50 Ferrari excels.

Ferrari F430 Spider 16M

See All Ferrari F430 Spider 16M Articles / F430 Spider 16M

To celebrate the 16th F1 championship Ferrari built the 430 Scuderia Spider 16M. Using the awesome F430 Scuderia coupe as its base this car was an absolute beast. It was a droptop Ferrari with all the go-fast parts of the 430 Scuderia, including a higher-compression version of the 4.3-liter V-8 making 503 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque (80 percent of which is available at 3000 rpm), a race-tuned suspension, serving-dish-sized carbon-ceramic brakes, and the F1-Superfast2 automated manual transmission that enacts a one-two shift in 60 milliseconds.

Just as in the 430 Scuderia, the interior is stripped of all comfort features. Carbon fiber and aluminum line the cabin. There is no carpet, just diamond-plate-style aluminum on the floor, accented by exposed welds. The carbon-framed seats are covered in weight-saving cloth and offer only manual fore-and-aft and seatback-angle adjustments. The doors are skinned with carbon fiber as well. The only concession to luxury lives in the dash: a horizontally docked iPod touch, the sound from which is delivered to occupants via six speakers (yup, there’s a sound system on a track-ready Ferrari).

With only 499 examples made it is a highly sought after car that goes for much more than its circa $300,000 price when new.

Ferrari 458 Speciale A

See All Ferrari 458 Articles / 458 Speciale A In Depth

If I had to pick one car over all others it would probably be the 458 Speciale. If I had to pick my favorite 458 Speciale it would probably be the Aperta (‘open’ in Italian). Naturally-aspirated, V8, mid-engined, 597hp at a stratospheric RPM and performance to blow your mind. It would take an F1 driver to tell the difference dynamically between the coupe and open top 458 Speciale so if it were my money it would be an easy decision.

With on 499 units made, the 458 Speciale A was the most powerful spider in Ferrari’s history (now surpassed of course). It combines effortlessly performance with the sublime pleasure of drop-top driving. Its aluminium retractable hardtop takes only 14 seconds to deploy or retract.

0-60 mph in under 3.0 seconds and a Fiorano lap time of 1’23”5 proves that this is no soft top with no guts, this is one of the most extreme performance machines on the planet. Add that seductively exhilarating signature Ferrari soundtrack and it is clear why this makes our list of best Ferrari convertibles.

Convertible Ferrari Bargains

If you are like us and can’t afford a new 488 Spider or Portofino and the hypercar convertibles or classic drop top Ferraris cost more than your house, then this is the list for you. These are the bargain Ferrari convertibles, the ones that can be had for reasonable money.

Ferrari 328 GTS

See: Ferrari 328 GTS In-Depth

Summer 2018 Price from $80,000

In the mid-80s, the elegant shape of the open-topped 308 GTS was further softened and rounded to become – once a 270bhp 3.2-liter engine had been fitted amidships – the 328 GTS.

The curvier body not only updated the looks, it also improved the aerodynamics. Inside the new drop-top, the now outdated 1970s seats and trim and switchgear were also thoroughly refreshed.

Launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show of 1985, the 328 GTS was an instant hit and – during the four years of its production – more than 6,000 cars were sold: around five times as many as its hard-topped brother, the 328 GTB.

Ferrari 308 GTS

While we prefer the 328, the Ferrari 308 GTS – is the targa-topped version of Ferrari’s first mid-engined, V8 road car and it is also a bargain. The targa roof added a dash of extra good-weather glamour to the 308, just as it did with the earlier Dino.

Ferrari California

See: Ferrari California In-Depth

Summer 2018 Price from $100,000 USD

Yes, this is a real Ferrari and yes it is a relative bargain these days. For under $100k gets you a Ferrari V8 you can drive every day. While it is often panned as not a real Ferrari, we can assure you having driven the California it is a great Ferrari. Sure, it isn’t a canyon carver like a 458 but it is the perfect daily driver and is easily the most practical Ferrari you can buy.

The California was first Ferrari road car to have a front-mounted V8 engine, the first to have a dual-clutch gearbox and came with an automated, fully retractable metal roof. It’s a softer, more approachable Ferrari which is why which 70 percent of California buyers so were new to the brand. If you want a Ferrari that is quick with a blend of everyday usability and outright enjoyment, then this might be the Ferrari V8 bargain for you.

While the California was made all the way through 2017 we suggest you focus on the earlier 2008 to 2012 models if you’re looking for a true bargain.

Ferrari 355 Spider

See: Ferrari 355 In-Depth

Summer 2018 Price from $70,000 USD

We love the F355 Spider and its on our shortlist of cars we’d buy tomorrow. In the U.S they’re going for $70k+ which is a bargain for this quality of car. The F355 Spider had a convertible top – fabric, and electronically powered for the first time and carried over the Berlinetta’s flying-buttress design. The convertible looks just as good as the coupe version.

The F355 was introduced in 1994 for the 1995 model year. The F355 righted all the wrongs of the preceding 348 starting with that fabulous V8. When the F355 went on sale, it had the highest specific output of any car on sale, squeezing 375 bhp from a 3.5-liter V8.

When it came to the F355, design was everything. It is easily one of the most beautiful modern cars ever designed. Where the Testerossa and 348 have aged poorly, the F355 is beautiful and looks amazing today.

The F355 also sounds amazing. When you step on the gas pedal in an F355 it just revs and revs and revs. The sound develops a hard edge and screams in true Ferrari tradition. Unlike modern Ferraris though, you won’t be doing immediate jail time speeds because while the F355 is fast it isn’t too fast. 0-62mph is covered in 4.7 second and a top speed of 183 mph was possible, so nothing crazy for 2018. EVO magazine nailed when they said: “‘Perhaps for the first time, Ferrari has managed to successfully combine age-old passion and heart-pounding emotion with state-of-the-art engineering and electronics.”

This is everything a Ferrari is supposed to be.

Our Other Favorite Convertible Ferraris

There is still more to go. The rest of the Ferraris on this list didn’t neatly fit into any of the groupings above. These are awesome Ferrari open top models that we absolutely love and we believe deserved a spot on our list. Simple.

Ferrari 360 Spider

See All Ferrari 360 Modena Spider Articles / Ferrari 360 Modena Spider In-Depth

You can buy a 360 Modena for under US$100,000 these days and that feels like great value for a what was a giant leap over the F355. While the 360 hasn’t aged as well as the F355 in terms of design, the car was a technical masterpiece and drives much better than it looks.

The 360 Modena was a replacement for the F355. The mid-engine Ferrari 360 Modena had a 400 hp 3.6-liter V8 and transmission offered in both F1 paddle shift and six-speed manual. The Ferrari 360 Modena hit 60 mph in 4.4 seconds so it’s hot hatch territory fast these days, but it feels faster in person and has an exhaust note that will go down in history books as one of the best sounding cars ever. You could drive the F360 everyday, it is comfortable and relatively reliable while still being fun.

The Ferrari 360 used aluminium extensively which made it 130 pounds lighter than the F355 and increased rigidity by 64%. You can tell the difference when driving too, the 360 is easier to drive, more composed and more fun than the F355. If you want serious performance we’d recommend you opt for the F430 which is still a decent daily driver but significantly more hardcore performance machine.

Ferrari F430 Spider

See All Ferrari F430 Articles / Ferrari F430 In-Depth

While the Scuderia is still not “bargain” money, the Spider and Coupe F430 versions are starting at just under $90,000 (that’s 991 Porsche money). Sure that isn’t cheap per se but remember we’re talking a proper Ferrari that is awesome and still modern enough that it doesn’t seem classic (Top Gear called it the best car in the world when they first reviewed it).

We recently drove a friends manual F430 and it is faster and more engaging than you can imagine. In this day and age of McLaren 720S absurdity, a F430 is probably the pinnacle in our minds of everyday driveability and sports car fun on the road before things really get out of hand. The F430 has a 4.3 liter naturally aspirated V8 and makes 490 horsepower at 8,500 rpm redline. It weighs 3,200 pounds and reaches 0-60 in 3.8 seconds.

Every review of the car glowed with praise. Handling was supposedly fantastic. This was the first car that started the now-cliche trope that the electronics actually helped the driving experience rather than detracted from it. Our pick is a manual car and we’d opt for the coupe over the spider personally. Behind the wheel of the F430 is a blast. It is teaming with feel, is flat in corners and is enjoyable on the street, mountain pass or the track. It is really comfortable and surprisingly easy to maneuver. The perfect Ferrari available used today? We think so.

Dino 246 GTS

See All Ferrari Dino 206/246 Articles / 246 GTS In Depth

At the 1972 Geneva Motor Show, Ferrari released an open-top version of the Dino 246 called the GTS. Over 1200 examples were produced over a two year period. The 246 GTS had a removable roof panel similar to the 1967 Porsche 911 Targa. Both these cars copied the idea from the Surrey-Top Triumph TR4 which was the first to use such a panel.

The Dino line was created in honor of Enzo Ferrari’s son Alfredo Ferrari who was championing the V6 engine before his untimely death. The series began with a number of 206 sport prototypes and eventually the 246 road cars.

One of the ultimate specification Dinos was altered to accept 7½-inch wide Campagnolo wheels. These Chairs and Flares cars featured Group 4-inspired wheel arches and seats from the 365 GTB/4 Daytona.

Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina

See All Ferrari 550 Barchetta Articles / 550 Barchetta In Depth

After a lapse of nearly 25 years, Ferrari returned to building powerful, luxurious, front-engined, V12-powered, two-seat grand touring cars with the 550. This limited-edition retro-styled roadster version was meant to evoke many of the iconic convertibles featured in this list especially the N.A.R.T. Spyder above.

Unveiled at the Paris show in 2000, the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina was so named to commemorate the 70th anniversary of ferrari’s coachbuilder and stylist. a strictly limited edition of just 448 numbered cars was built, with the last leaving the factory in december 2001. The 550 barchetta pininfarina was specifically designed to be reminiscent of legendary Ferrari road race stars of the likes of the 166 MM, the 250 GT California and the 365 GTS4 Daytona.

The aim, in fact, was to create an open-top front-engined 12-cylinder with a retro feel to it. The 550 Barchetta Pininfarina was designed and developed to be a unique interpretation of Ferrari’s purest and most extreme sports cars. In fact, it was a deliberate and provocative departure from the rest of the current range. As such, it was made available only as a limited edition. Each car was numbered and its number displayed on a special in-car plaque signed by Sergio Pininfarina.

Ferrari Superamerica

See All Ferrari 575M Superamerica Articles / Ferrari 575M Superamerica In Depth

The roof on the Superamerica was made of electrochromic glass, which could adjust its tint from crystal clear to total blackout at the touch of a button. It could also flip back at the touch of another. Ferrari called it “Revocromico.” We call it stunning.

Introduced in 2005, the Ferrari Superamerica was a convertible version of the 575M Maranello; it featured an electrochromic glass panel roof which rotated 180° (both are production car firsts) at the rear to lie flat over the boot. Patented Revocromico roof incorporates carbon fibre structure that is hinged on the single axis with a luggage compartment lid, allowing the access to the latter even with an open roof. With the roof open the rear window, apart for holding the third stop light, also acts as a wind deflector. This roof design was previously used on 2001-designed Vola by Leonardo Fioravanti. The Superamerica used the higher-output tune of the V-12 engine, F133 G, rated at 533 hp (397 kW; 540 PS) and Ferrari marketed it as the world’s fastest convertible, with a top speed of 199 mph (320 km/h). The GTC handling package was optional.

A total of 559 Superamericas were built; this number followed Enzo Ferrari’s philosophy that there should always be one fewer car available than what the market demanded; only 43 of those had a manual gearbox.

The All Time Greatest V8 Ferraris Ever

The full list of Ferrari models is filled with amazing cars. Picking the best ones in any roundup is HARD.

Recently the new Enzo magazine ran a poll that garnered over 4,000 votes to decide the five most popular V8 Ferraris ever. Ferrari fans named the all-time top 5 greatest V8 Ferraris and the winner was the 458 Italia, winning over 40% of the vote. It was the last naturally aspirated Ferrari V8 ever produced before the turbocharging era of the 488 started.

In second place was the F355 with its longitudinal 3.5-liter V8 that really helped a new generation of Ferrari fans fall for the marque (thank that crazy RPM and flat plank scream). Next up is 488 GTB whose engine has won multiple engine of the year awards followed by the lovely F430 in fourth place.

A good exercise for sure, but we needed to go a little deeper. While Ferrari armchair fans know their stuff, we know nuances matter. Are we talking the F458 or are we talking 459 Speciale? 360 Challenge Stradale didn’t make the list, that seems odd.

So we decided to expand the list and gone a little deeper. We also wanted to explain why we think certain V8s were better than others and to help buyers decide on the best bang for your buck V8 Ferraris because what good is a list like this unless you can run out a scoop up a Ferrari bargain. Finally, we wanted to pay tribute the engines themselves, to dig into the designations.

Our 8 Favorite V8 Ferraris

1. Ferrari 458 Speciale

See: All 458 Articles / The Ferrari 458 In-Depth

Let’s start by saying that this is absolutely our favorite car ever so it was always going to make the top spot. Sure the “entry level” 458 was epic, but the Speciale amped everything up to 11, building arguably the best naturally aspirated sports car in history.

The 458 Speciale was the last naturally-aspirated V8 Ferrari and the engine was at its peak in terms of evolution. Mid-engined 4.5-litre V8 with flat-plane-crank, sky high 9,000 RPM redline, insane 597 bhp and 398 lb-ft of torque, the Speciale was one special Ferrari.

Performance was astonishing for a naturally aspirated car. The 0-62 mph sprint was over in 3.4 seconds and top speed was over 200 mph. More importantly, the Speciale does everything well. It took the already amazing 458 and somehow made it better, faster and more fun to drive.

The best V8 Ferrari ever? You bet, it’s not even close.

2. Ferrari F40

See: All Ferrari F40 Articles / F40 History, Specs & More

How the Ferrari F40 wasn’t included in that poll by Enzo Magazine is beyond us. Considered by many pundits the best supercar ever made it gets second place on our list of best V8 Ferraris.

The last Ferrari signed off by Enzo himself the F40 came at a time when the Porsche 959 had captivated car fans with its advanced technology and astonishing performance. To celebrate Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, it was decided that the company would produce a mid-engine, rear wheel drive, two-door coupe sports car and it would be the fastest, most powerful car the company had ever built, enough to eclipse the Porsche. This car, appropriately enough, would be called the Ferrari F40.

The Ferrari F40 was built from 1987 to 1992 and was intended as the successor to the Ferrari 288 GTO, which itself had been one of the fastest production Ferrari models ever built (up to that point in time.)

At its core, the car was powered by an enlarged, mid-mounted 2.9L (2936 cc) version of the GTO’s IHI twin-turbocharged V8 engine. In alignment with the development work performed on the “Evoluzione” variant of the 288 GTO, the F40’s future engine received a small increase in capacity, a slightly higher compression ratio of 7.7:1, a rise in boost pressure, and a number of other changes that resulted in a respectable improvement in the engine’s power output and torque. According to Ferrari, the engine was capable of developing 478 brake horsepower at 7,000rpm, a number that most experts agreed was far less than the engine’s true output. (In fact, most experts today claim that the engine’s true output was well over 500 horsepower.)

It made extensive use of composite materials (carbon-fiber tub, Kevlar body panels), and it offered a stripped-down interior (think Le Mans prototype and you’re close). Polarizing at the time, the Ferrari F40 would go on to become one of the most iconic supercars ever made.

3. Ferrari Challenge Stradale

See: All Challenge Stradale Articles

The Challenge Stradale was much more than a redressed 360 with extra power. Its bare-bones approach and subtle styling changes only hint at the thoroughbred under the skin: this is a road-legal car that is entirely race-ready and at home on track. It offered enthusiasts genuine race car performance and features in an accessible, street-legal package that is built on top of a standard production model doner car.

The main goal for the 360 Challenge Stradale was to take 3 seconds off the 360’s Fiorano lap record. He and his team succeeded.

Starting with the 360 Modena, Ferrari engineers removed all equipment deemed superfluous in order to shed weight, lowered and stiffened the suspension, and fitted massive alloy wheels. Inside, the two passengers were treated to bucket seats with racing harnesses and Plexiglas windows. The huge performance gains can largely be attributed to increase in power and a reduction in weight. Ferrari put the 360 on a titanium and carbon fiber diet which shed 243 lbs (110 kgs) off the car.

Having an all-aluminum monocoque and a flat-plane V8 whipping out 395 bhp, the 360 Modena had raised Ferrari’s standards from the preceding F355 that came before it. The Stradale took things further got the 3.6-liter V8 up to 425-hp. Fine tuning is how the engineers at Ferrari extracted more power. Higher-compression combustion chambers, polished ports, and a larger intake tract all contributed. Attached was a dual-flow exhaust which, by means of a valve bypassed most of the deadening for a blaring symphony of noise. This wail is distinctive of the Stradale and is enough of a reason for it to make our list.

4. Ferrari F430 Scuderia

See: All Ferrari F430 Scuderia Articles / The 430 Scuderia In-Depth

The F430 was the first Ferrari to feature the steering-wheel mounted Manettino switch – a fixture on all Ferraris since – that controlled a myriad of onboard systems, including mapping for the 4.3-litre V8 which developed 483bhp helping the F430 past 200mph.

The extreme version of that already awesome F430 and one of our favorite cars ever was the F430 Scuderia and it comes in at number four on our list of best Ferrari V8s ever. The 430 Scuderia was a truly high-performance 2-seater berlinetta that demonstrated how Ferrari’s Formula 1 know-how is carried across to its production cars. Fitted with a naturally-aspirated 4308cc V8’s and 510 hp at 8500 rpm it is one of the best engines ever.

Where the 458 took performance to another level and things have continue to escalate from then on, the F430 Scuderia feels like the real sweet spot in terms of cars that can actually be enjoyed and really tested on the road. It was the last Ferrari to use the “F1-style” paddle-shift transmission before they switched to dual-clutch so it has a level of engagement that later models are missing.

The key to the Scuderia performance gain over the F430 was the 220 pound weight loss program compared to the standard F430. No carpeting, no glove box, no radio, trim was carbon fiber, floor mats were out in favor of aluminum plating and so on. The result is a 2975-lb. curb weight powered by that magnificent V8.

5. Ferrari 488 Spider

See: All Ferrari 488 Articles / 488 Spider In-Depth

While the 488 Spider destroys every other car on this list in terms of outright performance, it was not enough to crack a top three place on our best of list. Make no mistake though, this is one great car. The 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 churns 661 bhp and 560 lb ft of torque and just won engine of the year (again). It is arguably the best turbocharged engine ever made. Does this engine ever give you that same feeling you get deep inside when you wind up to 8,000+ rpm in the naturally-aspirated V8s in the back of the 458 Italia or F430? Nope.

While the 488 Pista exists, we don’t think it moved things on far enough from the base 488 GTB. We also chose the Spider over the GTB because this is all you need. It is just as good as the coupe with all the benefits of open top fun. The 488 Spider is amazingly efficient, fast and enjoyable and there is a strong case to be made that the Ferrari 488 Spider is the single greatest modern automobile for sale in all the world in terms of doing it all.

What about performance? Well the stunning drop-top version of the 488 GTB can sprint to 60 mph in about 3-second and hit a 205 mph top speed. Ferrari has produced another masterpiece with the 488 Spider.

6. Ferrari F355

See: Ferrari 355 In-Depth

The F355 was introduced in 1994 for the 1995 model year. The F355 righted all the wrongs of the preceding 348 starting with that fabulous V8. When the F355 went on sale, it had the highest specific output of any car on sale, squeezing 375 bhp from a 3.5-liter V8.

When it came to the F355, design was everything. It is easily one of the most beautiful modern cars ever designed. Where the Testerossa and 348 have aged poorly, the F355 is beautiful and looks amazing today.

The F355 also sounds amazing. When you step on the gas pedal in an F355 it just revs and revs and revs. The sound develops a hard edge and screams in true Ferrari tradition. Unlike modern Ferraris though, you won’t be doing immediate jail time speeds because while the F355 is fast it isn’t too fast. 0-62mph is covered in 4.7 second and a top speed of 183 mph was possible, so nothing crazy for 2018. EVO magazine nailed when they said: “‘Perhaps for the first time, Ferrari has managed to successfully combine age-old passion and heart-pounding emotion with state-of-the-art engineering and electronics.”

This is everything a Ferrari is supposed to be.

7. Ferrari 288 GTO

See: All Ferrari 288 GTO Articles / 288 GTO In-Depth

Thank Group B race regulations that led to the creation of one of Ferrari’s most iconic cars, the 288 GTO. The 288 was the first Ferrari to wear the GTO nameplate since the iconic 250 GTO. Group B was canceled before the 288 saw any competition so Ferrari just kept going to built the car anyway. producing the car.

From the outside the 288 looks like a 308 GTB that has had some steroids. It is not. Beneath the skin it had an advanced tubular chassis and was full of advanced composite materials like Kevlar and fiberglass.

The GTO was fitted with a 2.8L V8 with massive twin IHI turbos that produced 400bhp at 7000 rpm through a five-speed gearbox and a limited-slip differential. The GTO could hit 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds – nearly two whole seconds faster than the 308 – and would go on to 189 mph.

Ferrari still built 272 for homologation purposes so good luck trying to get your hands on one.

8. Ferrari 308/328

All Ferrari 208/308/328 Articles

As big fans of classic, raw and basic cars it is a bit surprising that the 308/328 isn’t higher on our list but I guess that says a lot about the competition for top honors in this prestigious list.

The Pininfarina designed 308 was the first of the mid-engined V8 breed to emerge from Ferrari and made its debut in 1975. While it is slow by today’s standards it is just a great car all around and so much fun.

The carb-fed 2.9-litre mid-mounted V8 packed 252 hp and hustled the ~2000 pound Ferrari to 60 mph in 6 seconds (not bad for 1975 actually). Top speed was 152 mph. The classic design is known by everybody and is still pretty modern with its wedge shape and vents.

Ferrari expanded the 308 lineup with several variants of the coupe and convertible models. Fuel injection arrived in 1980, a V8 with four valves per cylinder made its debut in 1982, and Ferrari gave its entry-level model a new 3.2-liter engine in 1985. The extra displacement warranted an updated design and a new name — 328 GTB. Our pick is the 328.

Bang for Your Buck: Bargain V8 Ferraris

While we would all love to buy a Ferrari F40 or 458 Speciale we know it that readers of Supercars.net want bargains. Good news then because we’re about to share the best bang for your buck Ferrari V8s, the ones you should scoop up quickly. Here are V8 Ferraris that you can buy today for reasonable money.

1. Ferrari 328 GTS

See: Ferrari 328 GTS In-Depth

Summer 2018 Price: [Price]

In the mid-80s, the elegant shape of the open-topped 308 GTS was further softened and rounded to become – once a 270bhp 3.2-liter engine had been fitted amidships – the 328 GTS.

The curvier body not only updated the looks, it also improved the aerodynamics. Inside the new drop-top, the now outdated 1970s seats and trim and switchgear were also thoroughly refreshed.

Launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show of 1985, the 328 GTS was an instant hit and – during the four years of its production – more than 6,000 cars were sold: around five times as many as its hard-topped brother, the 328 GTB.

2. Ferrari 360 Modena

See: Ferrari 360 Modena In-Depth

Summer 2018 Price: >$100,000 USD

You can buy a 360 Modena for under US$100,000 these days and that feels like great value for a what was a giant leap over the F355. While the 360 hasn’t aged as well as the F355 in terms of design, the car was a technical masterpiece and drives much better than it looks.

The 360 Modena was a replacement for the F355. The mid-engine Ferrari 360 Modena had a 400 hp 3.6-liter V8 and transmission offered in both F1 paddle shift and six-speed manual. The Ferrari 360 Modena hit 60 mph in 4.4 seconds so it’s hot hatch territory fast these days, but it feels faster in person and has an exhaust note that will go down in history books as one of the best sounding cars ever. You could drive the F360 everyday, it is comfortable and relatively reliable while still being fun.

The Ferrari 360 used aluminium extensively which made it 130 pounds lighter than the F355 and increased rigidity by 64%. You can tell the difference when driving too, the 360 is easier to drive, more composed and more fun than the F355. If you want serious performance we’d recommend you opt for the F430 which is still a decent daily driver but significantly more hardcore performance machine.

3. Ferrari F355

See: Ferrari 355 In-Depth

Summer 2018 Price: $70,000 – $80,000 USD

If you have $70k to $80k to spend you can buy yourself an Audi A6 or a Ferrari F355. I know which one I would choose, given me the best looking modern-day Ferrari every time. The good news is that there are lots of F355s out there with 11,273 units produced (our pick would be a six-speed manual in GTS (targa roof) spec and optional Fiorano handling pack).

Although closely related to those late-model 348s, the F355 was a massive step forward technically. and also heralded the return of the beautiful Ferrari after the brash brutality of the 1980s machines. There were Berlinetta (coupe), GTS (targa roof) and Spider (convertible) models available. Manual gearboxes we standard until 1997 with the launch of the F1 gearbox (a single-clutch automated transmission).

The F355 is a special car to drive. The flat-plane-crank V8 doesn’t actually sound that good when you’re cruising, but floor the throttle and get past 5,500 rpm and this is one of the finest engines ever made. It is an absolute delight to drive and you will wring it out every chance you get. While it is not that fast in today’s terms it still accelerates with real determination and is genuinely balanced and sporty in the twisty stuff. A malleable, exploitable and enjoyable Ferrari that is modern, looks stunning and has spine tingling flat-plane-crank V8. What’s not to love.

4. Ferrari F430

See: Ferrari F430 In-Depth

Summer 2018 Price: [Price]

While the Scuderia is still not “bargain” money, the Spider and Coupe F430 versions are starting at just under $90,000 (that’s 991 Porsche money). Sure that isn’t cheap per se but remember we’re talking a proper Ferrari that is awesome and still modern enough that it doesn’t seem classic (Top Gear called it the best car in the world when they first reviewed it).

We recently drove a friends manual F430 and it is faster and more engaging than you can imagine. In this day and age of McLaren 720S absurdity, a F430 is probably the pinnacle in our minds of everyday driveability and sports car fun on the road before things really get out of hand. The F430 has a 4.3 liter naturally aspirated V8 and makes 490 horsepower at 8,500 rpm redline. It weighs 3,200 pounds and reaches 0-60 in 3.8 seconds.

Every review of the car glowed with praise. Handling was supposedly fantastic. This was the first car that started the now-cliche trope that the electronics actually helped the driving experience rather than detracted from it. Our pick is a manual car and we’d opt for the coupe over the spider personally. Behind the wheel of the F430 is a blast. It is teaming with feel, is flat in corners and is enjoyable on the street, mountain pass or the track. It is really comfortable and surprisingly easy to maneuver. The perfect Ferrari available used today? We think so.

5. Ferrari 308 GT4

See: Ferrari 308 GT4 In-Depth

Summer 2018 Price: [Price]

We will be the first ones to say that buying a 1970s era Ferrari isn’t for the faint of heart. Initially badged as a Dino the 308 GT4 only officially became a ‘real’ Ferrari three years later. We love the cool ‘70s wedge-shaped car and it’s fun 250bhp V8. While 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds is not fast by today’s standard, we can say that driving this car is a real experience.

There is some historical value here too with this being Ferrari’s first V8 road car and the marque’s first mid-engined 2+2, but the 308 GT4 (‘3’ for 3 litres,‘8’ for 8 cylinders, ‘4’ for 4 seats). Even more historically significant was that this Ferrari was designer by Bertone rather than Pininfarina (which is really rare).

6. Ferrari Mondial

See: Ferrari Mondial T In-Depth

Summer 2018 Price: [Price]

The Mondial was one of Ferrari’s most commercially successful models, with over 6,000 examples produced over its thirteen-year run and that is good for second hand prices. The Mondial underwent many updates throughout its production with four distinct variants produced: the Mondial 8, Mondial QV, Mondial 3.2, and Mondial t. All but the Mondial 8 were released in both coupé and cabriolet (convertible) body form. It was the successor to the 308 GT4 and this time Pininfarina was in charge of design.

This is a practical Ferrari. It had a longer wheelbase which meant some more space for the back seats and, thanks to this and its greater levels of comfort. It is a genuinely useable Ferrari. Today, Mondial is a byword for an affordable – but still high-performance – classic Ferrari.

Our pick is the final Mondial variant, the Mondial t, released in 1989. This contained some of the biggest changes in the Mondial history, with an even-larger 3.4 l (210 cu in) engine, a substantial update to the exterior styling and interior ergonomics, and with an entirely new, albeit more complex to service, powertrain. Overall the Mondial t is considered the best vehicle in the range regarding overall performance and refinement, although it is often noted that this comes at the cost of greater maintenance.

7. Ferrari California

See: Ferrari California In-Depth

Summer 2018 Price: >$100,000 USD

Yes, this is a real Ferrari and yes it is a relative bargain these days. For under $100k gets you a Ferrari V8 you can drive every day. While it is often panned as not a real Ferrari, we can assure you having driven the California it is a great Ferrari. Sure, it isn’t a canyon carver like a 458 but it is the perfect daily driver and is easily the most practical Ferrari you can buy.

The California was first Ferrari road car to have a front-mounted V8 engine, the first to have a dual-clutch gearbox and came with an automated, fully retractable metal roof. It’s a softer, more approachable Ferrari which is why which 70 percent of California buyers so were new to the brand. If you want a Ferrari that is quick with a blend of everyday usability and outright enjoyment, then this might be the Ferrari V8 bargain for you.

While the California was made all the way through 2017 we suggest you focus on the earlier 2008 to 2012 models if you’re looking for a true bargain.

Ferrari’s Best V8 Engines

We’ve talked about the cars, but now it is time to talk about the actual engines themselves. Ferrari V8s are special and it is a story about how Ferrari continues to innovate, tweak and improve over time.

Consider the 458 Italia. The V8 in that car revved to an astronomical RPM for a relatively sizable (4.5-liter) engine, it boasted the highest average piston speed in production when it was launched, cracked the 130 hp/liter and 85 lb-ft/liter marks (all crazy insane numbers). In the Speciale it combined to create probably the best car on the planet over the last decade. This 4.5-liter V-8 is a last hurrah from the naturally aspirated masters at Maranello.

Then we started to see the likes of McLaren who were able to get more power from their turbocharged set up and comply with even stricter emissions regulations. The end of the naturally aspirated Ferrari V8 was clear and we were all nervous and apprehensive as the launch of the 488 neared. The introduction of the turbocharged 488GTB showed that Ferrari is still the best engine maker on the planet and they showed that they can make turbocharged engines fun. It won several engine of the year awards and Dean Slavnich, co-chairman of the IEOTY Awards said it best:

“In the 488 GTB, the 3.9-litre eight-cylinder was a near-perfect example of a high-performance turbocharged engine, setting the bar so high that it swept aside rival powertrains,” said Dean Slavnich, co-chairman of the IEOTY Awards. “But redeveloped and tweaked for the 488 Pista, the best engine in the world just got better. Without doubt, we’re looking at an engineering masterclass from Ferrari. No turbo lag, beautiful delivery, raw emotion, a furious growl and so much power – this Ferrari V8 is a work of art.”

That’s some high praise for an engine that produces 711 horsepower (530 kilowatts) and 568 pound-feet (770 Newton-meters) of torque. Ferrari says this is the most powerful V8 engine in its history. This is the third year Ferrari’s 3.9-liter engine won the award, bringing home an additional five awards this year. Since the award started 20 years ago, Ferrari has won a total of 27 trophies. That shelf is getting crowded.

Where does the Ferrari V8 go from here? No idea, but we cannot wait to see it.

Ferrari V8 Engines & The Models They Powered

Early in its history Ferrari dabbled with V8 engines for its racing cars. The first Ferrari V8 engine was derived from a Lancia project and was used in DS50 F1 race cars. A Chiti designed V8 was then used in 1962 to power the 268SP and 248SP cars and soon after in 1964 a Rocchi-Bellei V8 used for F1. More recently Ferrari’s V8 engines designed by Gilles Simon powered the F1 cars from 2006 through 2013 when the FIA changed the regulations, replacing the 2.4-litre V8 engines with 1.6 litre V6 turbo engines for the 2014 season.

Most of us don’t’ drive race cars though, so we’re going to focus on production and road car V8s. The Dino V8 family that had the longest run of any Ferrari V8, powering road cars from the early 1970s through 2004 when it was replaced by a new Ferrari/Maserati design known as the F136 engine. The F136 was a naturally aspirated gem but such is technical and emissions progress that it a newer, turbocharged F154 V8 was introduced. The F154 V8 ushered Ferrari into the modern turbocharged era.

Ferrari Dino V8 engine

Specs: 90° V8
Production: 1974 – 2004 .
Road Cars: 308 GT4, 308 GTB/GTS, 208 GT4, 208 GTBi/GTSi, 208 GTBi/GTSi, 208 Turbo, 288 GTO, 308 GTBi/GTSi, Mondial 8,  Mondial qv, 308 GTB/GTS qv, 3.2 Mondial, 328 GTB/GTS, F40, Mondial t, 348 tb/ts, GTB/GTS, Spider, F355 GTB, GTS, Spider, 360 Modena, Spider, Challenge Stradale

The Ferrari Dino engine was a range of V8 (and V6) engines in production for almost forty years and powered a lot of Ferrari cars over the years. It traces its roots right back to prototype racers of the early 1960s. It’s pinnacle was F131 for the Challenge Stradale, displacing 3.6L and with titanium on the inside producing 420hp at a furious 8,500 rpm, it is one of favorite naturally aspirated soundtracks of all time. This legendary V8 was also turbocharged for duty in the epic 288 GTO and F40.

The Dino V6/V8 engine range came about because the young Dino Ferrari urged his father to build it for F2 racing. The Dino V6 came first and was Ferrari’s first V6 engine. The Dino V8 engine came shortly afterwards.

The first car with the Dino V8 was the 1962 268 SP with the same 77×71 mm bore and stroke as the Colombo V12. In terms of road cars, the Dino V8 was first used in the Dino range (replacing the V6) in the 1973 GT4 and 1975 GTB “308” cars (the Dino & Ferrari badged 308 GT4s had engine F106AL while the 308 GTS/GTB had engine F106AB).  It wasn’t until 1980 that we saw fuel injection in the form of a 2.9L version of the engine used in the 1980 Mondial 8 (engine F106B) and 1980 308 GTBi & GTSi (engine F106BB).

The next iteration of the V8 was the Quattrovalvole, which added 4 valves per cylinder. Used in the 1982 308 and Mondial Quattrovalvole (or QV) (engine F105AB) it also saw duty in the 1982 308 GTB QV & GTS QV (engine F105AB). Turbocharging came in 1982 with the introduction of the 208 GTB Turbo and 208 GTS Turbo (engine F106D). While the GTB Turbos were fun, it was the 288 GTO that made the Turbo V8 Ferrari a real performance hero. The GTO was based on the mid-engine, rear wheel drive 308 GTB and the “288” refers to the GTO’s 2.8 litre engine displacement. Ferrari bolted two IHI turbos, a Behr intercooler, and Weber-Marelli fuel injection, to get the GTO up to 400 hp (in 1984).

A 3.2 liter version of the Dino V8 was used in 1985 for the 328 GTB, GTS and 3.2 Mondial. The V8 engine was essentially of the same design as that used in the 308 Quattrovalvole model, with an increase in capacity to 3185 cc, with a bore and stroke of 83 mm (3.3 in) x 73.6 mm (2.9 in) (engine F105CB). The engine retained the Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system of its predecessor, but was fitted with updated electronic ignition system that all combined to give it 270 hp at 7000 rpm.

Next up was the F40. It was powered by an enlarged, mid-mounted 2.9L (2936 cc) version of the GTO’s IHI twin-turbocharged V8 engine (engine F120A). The F40’s future engine received a small increase in capacity, a slightly higher compression ratio of 7.7:1, a rise in boost pressure, and a number of other changes that resulted in a respectable improvement in the engine’s power output and torque. According to Ferrari, the engine was capable of developing 478 hp at 7,000rpm, which most pundits agreed was conservative.

The Dino V8 continued to be improved and 1989 it was updated for the new 348 and Mondial t models. Bored and stroked to 3.4 L, power increased to 300 hp in the F129D/G, and revised as the F119H with 320 hp in later Ferrari 348s. The F355 saw the introduction of five valves per cylinder. This new head design allowed for better intake permeability and resulted in an engine that was considerably more powerful, producing 375 hp. The engine’s compression ratio was 11:1 and employed the Bosch Motronic M2.7 ECU (engine F129B). This was later changed to the M5.2 in 1996 through end of production (engine F129C).

The final model to use the Dino V8 was the F360 from 1999 through 2004. The 1999 360 Modena retained the 85 mm bore of the F355 engine, but increased the stroke to 79 mm, to raise the displacement again to 3.6 litre capacity and 395 hp. Modifications to the intake/exhaust and an increased 11.2:1 compression ratio produced 425 hp for the 360 Challenge Stradale.

F136 engine (Tipo F136)

Specs:  F136, 90° V8, 4.2L – 4.7L, 385 hp – 597 hp
Production: 2002 – 2016
Road Cars: Ferrari F430, Ferrari F430 Spider, Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M, Ferrari California, Ferrari 458 Italia, Ferrari 458 Spider, Ferrari 458 Speciale, Ferrari 458 Speciale A

The award winning F136 engine was a collaboration between Ferrari and Maserati. It spawned a family of engines between 4.2 and 4.7L with power ranging between 385hp and 597hp. The engines were 90° V8 designs that were all naturally aspirated, incorporate dual overhead camshafts, variable valve timing, and four valves per cylinder.

The F136 engine family has won a total of 8 awards in the International Engine of the Year competition. The F136 FB engine variant was awarded “Best Performance Engine” and “Above 4.0 litre” recognitions in 2011 and 2012, while the F136 FL variant won the same categories in 2014 and 2015.

Ferrari, Maserati and Alfa Romeo all used this engine. Ferrari saw the engine used for road cars like F430 (F136 E), California (F136 I) and 458 (F136 F) as well as F430 and 458 based race cars in the Challenge, GTC, GT2 and GT3 classes.

Ferrari F154 V8 engine (Tipo F154)

Specs: F154, 90° Twin Turbo V8, 2.9L 3.8L 3.9L, 552 hp – 710 hp
Production: 2013 – present
Road Cars: Ferrari California T, Ferrari GTC4Lusso T, Ferrari Portofino, Ferrari 488 GTB, Ferrari 488 Spider, Ferrari 488 Pista

First seen on the 2014 Ferrari California T, the F154 is Ferrari’s turbocharged V8 engine for the latest generation of cars. Ferrari’s naturally aspirated era V8s won a lot of awards and it looks like the switch to turbos hasn’t slowed down the folks at Maranello. The F154 twin-turbocharged flat plane V8 has won numerous accolades including the Engine of the Year three years in a row. In 2018, the 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 found in the Ferrari 488 Pista again won the international Engine Of The Year Award, while the turbo-charged V8 is voted the best engine of the last 20 years. That says a lot when it comes from the guys who rate engines for a living. The 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 in the Ferrari 488 Pista makes a whopping 711 bhp of peak power and an impressive 770 Nm of peak torque. The 488 Pista goes from 0-100 kmph in just 2.85 seconds and on to a top speed of 340 kmph! 0-200 kmph comes up in just 7.5 seconds.

This engine powers the standard 488 GTB and spyder and also does duty in a slightly detuned state in the likes of the Ferrari Portofino and GTC4Lusso T. The mid mounted engine is mated to a dual clutch gearbox that gets power to the rear wheels. The engine also features a sportier exhaust system with a more aggressive exhaust note to differentiate it from the standard 488 GTB.

There seems to be a lot of room for improvement as Ferrari gets better at turbocharged technology. In the 488 GTB, the engine was nearly without fault. In the 488 Pista it took it to the next level. No turbo lag, beautiful delivery, raw emotion, a furious growl and so much power. We’re excited as Ferrari continues to develop the F154.

The F154 V8 engines have a 90° angle between the cylinder banks, aluminium block and heads. The forced induction system uses two parallel twin-scroll water-cooled turbochargers supplied by IHI and two air-to-air intercoolers. The valvetrain consists of 32 valves actuated through roller finger followers by two overhead camshafts per bank; the timing chain is located on the flywheel side. All versions feature gasoline direct injection and continuously variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust side. Ferrari’s version (this engine is also used by Maserati and Alfa) has flat plane crankshaft and dry sump lubrication. In order to obtain equal length pipes, the exhaust manifolds are manufactured from multiple welded cast steel pieces; the turbocharger housing uses a similar three-piece construction.