What makes Ferrari so unique is that every motor on their roster offers a distinct driving experience. While many of the fan favourites are mid-engine cars, like the Enzo and the F40, there’s a special place in our hearts for the front-engine Ferrari.
Naturally, we’ve tasked ourselves with uncovering the best of the best over the years, so keep reading to find out which ones make the cut.
Choosing The Top Front-Engine Ferraris
While pouring over these front engine icons was fun, it was far from simple – we had to get methodical. It’s not easy to quantify thrills or the sweet sound of the engine, but we definitely gave it our best shot.
We used design, innovation and ingenuity as well as performance and engine power to define the Ferrari models on our list. Handling, style and engineering were also deciding factors when it came to evaluating Ferrari’s most iconic front-engined supercars.
Ferrari 250
We’re travelling back to the golden years when the Prancing Horse built its legend and made sporting history. One of the most successful early lines, the Ferrari 250 series brought us many remarkable and rare front-engine vehicles.
Ferrari 250 GTO
It’s a rare pleasure for anyone who gets to drive or even see this front-engine Ferrari in action. A small production run means that Ferrari only made 36 250 GTO cars. It’s a dual-purpose road/race car that was successful on the track. It outclassed others in the prototype and GT category, which has helped build its legendary status.
A significant part of the appeal is the racing pedigree. Raced by Scuderia Ferrari, it was only given to the best drivers; Stirling Moss assisted with the development and achieved record times during test sessions.
The build of the car not only gives it its distinct style but it also allows the beautiful sounds of the engine to emanate, like music to your ears.
Seeing the low aerodynamic body, which gives the Ferrari 250 GTO its appealing shape, racing around a track is a sight to behold. In the early 60s, it secured the team wins at the Tour de France, Nurburgring, Goodwood and Le Mans.
This is the most expensive Ferrari of all time and the second-most expensive car sold at auction. Subtle changes throughout the production run and the racing career modifications mean that no two models are alike.
Specifications
- Engine: V12
- Max power: 300 hp
- Max speed: 174 mph
- Release date: 1962
- Highlights: It perfectly embodies the Ferrari philosophy by mastering the balance between road and race car.
Ferrari 250 GT Lusso
Also known as the Ferrari 250 GT/L or the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso, it’s possibly the most elegant front-engine Ferrari ever made and in many eyes the most stylish of all. Significantly, it retained the low, aerodynamic design that makes a Ferrari 250 recognisable.
Even though it’s a road car, several owners took it to competitions. The 250 GT Lusso has graced the track at Targa Florio and the Tour de France in the mid-60s.
There are numerous photos of petrolhead Steve McQueen with his Ferrari 350 GT Lusso – which he bought for $23,988 back in 1964. That was later sold at auction for $2,310,000 in 2007.
The curving roofline, leather bucket seats and wraparound chrome bumper provides a classy finish. While the front grille and V12 engine fed by three Weber carburettors more than facilitates its speed, power and aggression.
Specifications
- Engine: V12
- Max power: 236 hp
- Max speed: 149 mph
- Release date: 1962
- Highlights: Timeless Pininfarina style. It takes the sporty nature of the racing 250s and adds some comforts for a luxury driving experience.
Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa
Returning to front-engine Ferrari race cars again, we’re travelling even further back in time to the 1950s. It launched in 1957 and won the Constructors’ World Championship a year later, securing its place in history.
The two-seat, open-top Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa (TR) is arguably one of the greatest cars to ever come from Maranello. Part of that is down to its distinct design. It also achieved cult status due to the fact that only 33 were made. Nowadays, most examples you’ll find are restorations or reproductions.
Each one has an enviable race pedigree. It’s not an exaggeration to say that the 250 TR was Ferrari’s most successful racing car. It secured four World Championships and numerous other wins at its peak in the late 50s and early 60s.
It’s known for being light and nimble while making the most of the 3.0-litre V12 engine with a six twin-choke carburettor configuration. The Ferrari film, starring Adam Driver, explores Enzo’s dedication and follows this famous car as it succeeds in the Mille Miglia race and triumphs at Le Mans.
Specifications
- Engine: V12
- Max power: 296 hp
- Max speed: 168 mph
- Release date: 1957
- Highlights: Unbeatable racing pedigree, it’s a work of art that’s also seen success on the track. Plus, it’s so rare that it’s retained an unparalleled air of desirability and mystery.
Ferrari 250 GT SWB
The first Ferrari 250 GT SWB (short-wheelbase) was presented in Paris in 1959. You might also hear it called the 250 GT Berlinetta Passo Corto. By 1960, the road version had been honed by Pininfarina and Scaglietti. The racing versions stuck to the original aluminium body on show in 1959.
That being said, you can find competition and road cars with light bodies, highly-tuned engines and luxury trims. The 1961 competition cars come with modifications to keep up with its main competitor of the day, the Jaguar E-Type. Special exhaust manifolds, bigger valves and different carburettors were all used to give this fast car an extra boost.
The leather bucket seats and Berlinetta body give it that inimitable Prancing Horse feel. A few one-off designs are out there, including a cabriolet version and a lightweight competition model, which was driven by Baghetti and Moss. It saw action at Goodwood, Daytona, Sebring and Le Mans, winning trophies and GT categories.
Like the other cars in this series, the 250 GT SWB had the Colombo V12 front engine. Each one is a piece of history providing insight into Ferrari’s racing revolution.
However, this Berlinetta is one of the most sought-after classics, thanks to its well-proportioned body, attractive appearance and reliable performance on the road and the track. In 2019, a 1962 model sold for over $8 million at auction.
Specifications
- Engine: V12
- Max power: 276 hp
- Max speed: 167 mph
- Release date: 1960
- Highlights: Well-proportioned road and race cars that blurred the lines between competition specifications and luxury trims to deliver attractive supercars that didn’t compromise performance.
Ferrari 599 GTO
It’s time to turn our attention to a modern front-engine Ferrari. The Ferrari 599 GTO stands out thanks to the many cutting-edge elements that brought it to the road. It’s the road version of the experimental 599XX, and it earns its place on this list because of the way it pushes limits.
What makes this supercar an absolute thrill to drive is how responsive it is and the incredible naturally aspirated V12 sound. The chassis setup and electronic controls have been fine-tuned with innovations that deliver control and performance. It uses F1-Trac traction control, giving you that race car feel. The precise cornering makes a drive on a winding road heavenly.
Everything, from the streamlined flanks to the nose and front spoiler, is aimed at reducing drag, improving efficiency and delivering speed. At a time, it was Ferrari’s fastest road car and is still one of the very best when it comes to speed. The aerodynamic adaptations certainly don’t hurt the styling – the front grille and curved roofline make it just as good to look at as it is to drive.
Specifications
- Engine: V12
- Max power: 661 hp
- Max speed: 208 mph
- Release date: 2010
- Highlights: Maximised power at high RPM, little to no understeer and superb feedback from the chassis.
Ferrari 550 Maranello
A modern classic. In the ’90s, the Ferrari showed us that a front engine can be combined with power and refinement. Owning and driving one means being part of an exclusive club with lots of membership perks.
The Ferrari 550 Maranello was their answer to anyone who doubted that top performance only came from mid-engined sports cars. The attention to detail, particularly when it comes to aerodynamics, equals efficiency and uncompromising performance.
It’s practical, though, which means you get speeds over long distances that give you a versatile and reliable experience on the road.
Over the decade, this car has aided the likes of Eddie Irvine, Niki Lauda, Michael Schumacher and Jody Scheckter in their exploits. In 1998, it set the world speed record for a production road car.
Despite its retro nods to classic models, this Ferrari has its own identity. It doesn’t break the mould, but it certainly balances elegance and aggression in a more subtle way.
Specifications
- Engine: V12
- Max power: 479 hp
- Max speed: 199 mph
- Release date: 1996
- Highlights: So good they named it after Ferrari’s headquarters, the 550 Maranello has speed, style and class.
Ferrari F12berlinetta
This time, the Prancing Horse kicked the efficiency up a notch to deliver more power and an even better performance.
That’s all made possible by the 6.3-litre V12 engine, the active electronic differential and the dual-clutch transmission that sends power to the rear. In the era of turbochargers and superchargers, Ferrari is happy to show that there’s another way to get smooth sounds and speed.
What we love about the F12berlinetta is that the efficiency doesn’t compromise the sportiness. It’s a less-is-more approach. The looks, sounds, power and handling come together for a remarkable driving experience.
Specifications
- Engine: V12
- Max power: 730 hp
- Max speed: 211 mph
- Release date: 2012
- Highlights: An upgraded 550 Maranello and 599 GTB Fiorano, with improvements in every area that matters? Yes, please!
Ferrari 812 Competizione
By this stage, it’s clear that front-engined Berlinettas were like a love affair for Ferrari, and it reached its pinnacle with the Ferrari 812 Competizione. While the 812 Superfast is extraordinary, the Competizione takes things to a new level. The culmination of 70 years of experience on racetracks is distilled in this supercar.
This front-engine Ferrari simultaneously delivers engineering and technical solutions beyond belief and a focus on driving pleasure. It’s hard to know whether to start with form, function or overall performance as it ticks every box.
The new take on the exhaust tailpipe is a unique design solution that maintains its sound while still meeting the latest emission regulations. This supercar is a heartwarming reminder that even as the world changes, Ferrari’s creations still deliver.
Specifications
- Engine: V12
- Max power: 830 hp
- Max speed: 211 mph
- Release date: 2021
- Highlights: The impressive and aggressive look, the immense power and speed, and the nods to racing history make this an instant front-engined favourite.
Ferrari 500 Superfast
Speaking of the 812 Superfast, we couldn’t help but have a quick look back at a rare and fun front-engine Ferrari: the 500 Superfast. It built on the Colombo and Lampredi engines and delivered something special. Only 25 were made initially, followed by 12 more in the second series, which increased the speed.
The Pininfarina design, the exclusive club of owners and the unique engine, are all what earn this grand tourer an honourable mention on this list. Plus, it was a glimpse of things to come with the oval grille, twin bumpers and innovation that pushed the limits of power in a road car.
Specifications
- Engine: V12
- Max power: 394 hp
- Max speed: 174 mph
- Release date: 1964
- Highlights: It’s an intricately detailed and rare car, with an engine from two of the best designers in the business.
Ferrari FF
We finish up the list with a bit of a curveball. When you picture Ferrari front-engine models, a four-wheel drive doesn’t immediately spring to mind. When we add that it’s a four-seater, it’s clear that we’re talking about something unique: the Ferrari FF.
The Pininfarina design delivers elegance and sophistication. The F1 dual-clutch makes for a comfortable driving experience that also enhances experience. The four-wheel drive and four seats just provide extra comfort, even in challenging conditions.
Specifications
- Engine: V12
- Max power: 651 hp
- Max speed: 208 mph
- Release date: 2011
- Highlights: It’s potent, capable, creative and stylish. Not all front-engine Ferraris are Berlinettas.
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