1966 Ferrari Superfast

What’s in a name? Let’s examine the two simple words that make up our feature car.

Super: Very good or pleasant, excellent.

The dictionary says, the adjective super is an abbreviated use of the prefix super-, which comes from the Latin meaning “above,” “over,” or “beyond.” Super is another way to say “the best” — you are above the rest.

Now, the second word. Fast: Moving or capable of moving at high speed.

These two words are individually part of our everyday life like super-market (or Super-Man if you happen to live in Metropolis). Fast friends, fast food (or the opposite fast; no food).

In 1964, Ferrari took those two words and put them together to name and describe their latest creation—and there was no hyperbole in the use. The car was Super and Fast. It still is.

The Pininfarina-penned 500 Superfast made its debut at the 1964 Geneva Salon, a mere two months after the last 400 Superamerica was delivered. The 500 took GT styling cues from the Superamerica 400 and 410, but the exotic looks of the earlier cars were toned down a bit. Utilizing a long nose, and long Kamm-type tail, unlike its predecessors it had a more traditional roofline with a larger greenhouse and slightly longer wheelbase.

It would prove to be the last of Ferrari’s low volume production coupes.

The final interpretation of Ferrari’s America series the 500 Superfast was a super-coupe that lived up to its name. Power came from a highly developed 5-liter Colombo V-12 using the same dimensions as the Lamprerdi long-block engines used in the 410 Superamerica, but incorporating removable cylinder heads. Putting out 395 horsepower and 350 ft-lbs of torque, this big power unit gave the Ferrari a top speed of 175 mph and a 0 to 60 time of 7.8 seconds.

It could also be called super-rare as only 37 cars were built between1964 and 1966 and as our example is a 1966 Series II it is even more rare as only 12 were built. At the time, the Superfast was the most expensive, fastest, and most exclusive road going Ferrari you could possess. You were a top tier client if you ordered yourself one of these. You would also be laying out funds equivalent to the purchase price of two Rolls-Royce. The Shah of Iran had two—Peter Sellers, Barbra Hutton and Jon Von Neumann had to make do with one each.

Ferrari created roughly one example a month to allow time for customization requests to be carried out.

The Superfast has a multi-tubular chassis similar to the 330 GT 2+2, the first of the cars had a four-speed gearbox plus overdrive. The Superfast also had an independent suspension utilizing unequal length wishbones and coil springs with telescopic shocks up front, while the back end featured a live axle, leaf springs and telescopic shocks with coil springs. There were disc brakes at all four corners with separate front and rear hydraulic circuits.

After the first 25 were produced, several changes were made on what would be the Series II. Externally, the 11-louver air vents on the front fenders were replaced by a 3-vent set. Ferrari also upgraded the final cars with a 5-speed synchromesh gearbox. Even though the cars had the designation of either Series I or II, each car was a special order so they were all unique examples of the model. During the period, Ferrari was making the switch to alloy wheels, but the Superfast rolled on Borrani wire wheels throughout its entire run.

The inside is as lush as other exotics of the time. Many noble cows and trees made the ultimate sacrifice to allow this Ferrari its beautiful and rarified interior of leather and wood. It helps to remind you where some of your money was spent. Make no mistake, this is not a Spartan interior, it’s a place where a gentleman can eat up the miles on a cross continent tour with ease.

Some of the Superfasts had “semi-useable” rear seats while others opted for a luggage shelf. After all, which is more important for a long weekend getaway, children or your dinner jacket?

The Superfast is not a small car so in period it was not considered an enthusiast’s machine, nor was it considered a hardcore sports car like the 250 short wheelbase. It was not for Johnny hot rod, it was the car of kings. But there is still very much a sporting feel to it. You have the big 12-cylinder motor to sing you an Italian aria and you still get to choose your own gears at your own time and there is a marvelous wooden wheel to get a grip on that is attached to a worm and sector steering rack that has a great feel to it. You have a powerful, stable, but heavy platform to work with. You won’t recreate Claude Lelouch’s “C’etait un Rendevous), (it wasn’t made with a Ferrari anyway,) but your trip to the south of France or across the U.S. will be done in a fast, masterful way and the soundtrack will be just as lovely.

In the pantheon of machines that have come out of the factory in Maranello, the Superfast should hold a place high on the list of road-going cars.

It may not have the star power of the 250 GTO, even though it is equally rare. It’s not as sexy as a California Spider, but it still carries Ferrari attitude. It’s not tech driven like all modern Ferraris are, it’s a completely analog machine, the last of the truly bespoke Ferraris.

It has 12 cylinders up front, it has three pedals by your feet, and five speeds within arms reach. It has Italian flair, presence and style.

All the things that make up a true Ferrari.

SPECIFICATIONS

VALUATION

Current value:  $3,000,000-$3,200,000