Crowd Favorites And Curveballs
It's easy to assume every Ferrari earns instant applause. Reality disagrees. Over the years, some models stood out for their brilliance, while others disappointed fans and critics. Here, we explore both sides of the divide. Before we tell you which Ferraris thrilled, let's go through those that left people wanting more.
1. Ferrari Mondial 8
Launched in 1980, the Mondial 8 confused buyers with its mix of practicality and mediocrity. A Ferrari with rear seats but sluggish acceleration and emissions-choked output made it infamous. Even diehard fans scratched their heads. It managed just 214 horsepower.
2. Ferrari California (2008)
Convertible dreams turned awkward when the California arrived. Hardtop, front-engine, and aimed at newcomers, it softened Ferrari's edge. Yes, it sold well, but you felt more cushioned than fascinated. Early models used a dual-clutch gearbox, but it often lacked the immediacy drivers expected.
3. Ferrari 348
As the 348 debuted in 1989, it promised wedge-era styling and mid-engine fun. Instead, it delivered twitchy handling and poor low-speed drivability. Critics called it "the worst Ferrari." The car was re-engineered mid-cycle—even Ferrari knew it missed the mark.
Handelsgeselschaft on Wikimedia
4. Ferrari 400i
Square lines and sluggish shifts define this 1979 misfire. With an automatic gearbox and a curb weight rivaling a small yacht, the 400i drifted far from Ferrari's racing soul. It steered like a sleepy ocean liner through the Alps. Just over 1,300 were made before Ferrari moved on.
5. Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
In 2004, everyone wondered why the 612 was so big. The long hood, odd proportions, and underwhelming charisma made it a showroom sleeper. Performance wasn't the issue—emotion was. Its aluminum chassis was groundbreaking but couldn't rescue its distant road feel.
Matthias from Västerås, Sweden on Wikimedia
6. Ferrari 208 GTB Turbo
Designed to dodge Italy's tax laws, this 1982 turbocharged model felt like a loophole on wheels. You'd expect fire-breathing power, but nstead, it offered turbo lag that spanned lifetimes and a thin 2.0L engine gasping for breath. Peak torque arrived at a ridiculous 4,800 rpm.
7. Ferrari FF
It was a bold move by Ferrari creating this car with all-wheel drive and a shooting brake body in 2011. Not everyone wanted a V12 grocery hauler. Its sci-fi silhouette split opinions, and its practicality baffled purists. Ferrari's 4RM system was innovative, but it only powered the front wheels when absolutely necessary.
8. Ferrari Dino 308 GT4
Styled by Bertone, not Pininfarina, was strike one. Branded as a "Dino" instead of a Ferrari was strike two. Though it debuted in 1973 with a decent performance, enthusiasts never warmed to its boxy shape or badge snub. Interestingly, it was Ferrari’s first production V8.
9. Ferrari GT4Lusso T
Ferrari tried replacing a V12 with a turbo V8 in 2016. The GT4Lusso T offered less weight and better fuel economy, but it sacrificed the soul of the FF. Rear-wheel drive diluted its purpose. Only 3,000 units were sold—half its V12 sibling's total.
10. Ferrari 365 GTC/4
Unveiled in 1971, the 365 GTC/4 tried to blend comfort and V12 power. Instead, it straddled a forgettable middle ground. It lacked the Daytona's aggression and GT poise. Even Ferrari's own ads barely emphasized its existence. Fewer than 600 units reached buyers.
Brett Weinstein (Wikipedia User: Nrbelex) on Wikimedia
Now, the misfires are out of the way. Let's get to the ones that actually delivered.
1. Ferrari F40
Built to celebrate Ferrari's 40th anniversary in 1987, the F40 was brutal, loud, and raw. No ABS or power steering, just twin turbos and adrenaline. It hit 201 mph—the fastest of its time. Enthusiasts still call it "the last true driver's Ferrari." Deservedly so.
2. Ferrari LaFerrari
LaFerrari was launched in 2013 and fused a V12 engine with hybrid KERS tech straight from Formula 1. It wasn't just fast but ruled the road. Only 499 coupes were made. You'll need deep pockets to get one today: auction prices now soar beyond $3 million.
3. Ferrari 458 Italia
Forget hybrids and manuals. The 458 Italia nailed balance and brilliance in 2009. It introduced a 4.5L V8 with a screaming 9,000 rpm redline. No turbo lag or dead zones. Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher even had a hand in its chassis tuning.
4. Ferrari Enzo
The Enzo was named after the founder himself and stunned the world in 2002. A carbon fiber body, F1-style paddle shifters, and a 6.0L V12 made it unlike anything before it. This car’s brakes were carbon-ceramic, then brand-new in road cars. Only 400 were ever produced.
5. Ferrari 250 GTO
Hand-built between 1962 and 1964, the 250 GTO combined race-winning engineering with sculpted elegance. Only 36 were made. It dominated GT-class racing and then became the world's most valuable car. One example was sold privately in 2018 for $70 million—still the benchmark for automotive prestige.
6. Ferrari 599 GTO
Ferrari revived the GTO badge in 2010 for the 599, making it their fastest road car at launch. With 661 horsepower and a Nürburgring time under 7:40, it was no nostalgia trip. As a deliberate nod to the car's name, just 599 were built.
7. Ferrari F12berlinetta
Unleashed in 2012, the F12 packed a 6.3L V12 that screamed to 8,700 rpm. Besides being powerful, it was also usable daily. Ferrari's side-slip control and adaptive suspension refined its wild edge. Top Gear called it "astonishingly complete." A true modern grand tourer.
8. Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale
Track-day thrills went mainstream in 2003 when Ferrari introduced the Challenge Stradale. It dropped 240 pounds from the 360 Modena and added sharper suspension and carbon brakes. Lap times improved dramatically, and it set the formula for later specials like the 430 Scuderia.
9. Ferrari SP3 Daytona
The Daytona SP3 debuted in 2021 as part of Ferrari's Icona series. Inspired by '60s endurance racers, its naturally aspirated V12 sits mid-mounted under retro-futuristic bodywork. Limited to 599 units, it sold out instantly. No turbo or hybrid—just mechanical glory and rarity.
10. Ferrari 288 GTO
Born from Group B ambitions, the 288 GTO arrived in 1984 with twin turbos and composite panels. Though its race series never happened, it became Ferrari's first true supercar. Just 272 exist. You're looking at the blueprint that led to the F40.
