What cars symbolize Ferrari to you?

As a complete newcomer to the Ferrari brand, it's only recently that I've even become aware that front-engine Ferraris exist. To me, Ferrari has always been symbolized by the mid-engine V8 sports cars. Probably because as a kid in the 80s, we all knew the 308/328 from "Magnum PI", and we all knew the (V12) Testarossa because, well, how could you not? In later years, if you asked me what cars Ferrari is known for, I would have replied with those models, and of course the 458/488/F8. Those cars, to me, symbolize Ferrari: midengine cars designed with performance as the ultimate goal.

(Of course, I was aware of the F40, Enzo, and LaFerrari as well, but those hyper-rare cars exist to me only in magazine articles, as I've never seen any of them tootling down the 101 freeway.)

I was vaguely aware of the Ferrari California, but that's about it. Until I walked into my local Ferrari dealer, if you had shown me any of the front-engine cars but without the prancing horse, I wouldn't have had a clue that they were even Ferraris. The FF, 599, 612, GTC4, 812, F12, etc etc...they just never registered on my radar.

So I'm curious. To you, which cars most symbolize Ferrari?

 

First- Welcome to the world of Ferrari- Second, the humility and willingness/desire to learn is refreshing

A LOT of knowledge on here- From my lens in response to your question I think it has to do with age, influence and research. Pretty much everyone on here was influenced much as you were- could have been TV/movies- could have been where you grew up- could have been generational- regardless, something piqued your interest and passion. That "entry point" will always be there and probably will remain "what symbolizes Ferrari"- but then you learn. For me- much like you- my poster cars were 308s, Countach's, Testarossas- it wasn't until I went deeper thar I was exposed to 250 GTOs, 275 GTBs, 250 Testa Rossa's, 250 LMs etc. Which then became the symbols of Ferrari.

You can ask 10 people and will get 20 answers- For me there are two- 1) The 275 GTB to me symbolizes 12-cylinder, front-engine mastery- It is the most beautiful Ferrari ever created IMHO- 2) The F40- to me it symbolizes mid-engine Ferrari greatness and the turning point.

That's my take- you will get a very wide spectrum of input. FWIW I suggest reading some of the myriad of amazing books out there that chronicle Ferrari the man- Ferrari the company- Ferrari the race team etc. It's a fascinating journey and will deepen your appreciation of the Marque.

Cheers

 

For me - I'm 54 - the most Iconic Ferrari's are:

1. 250 GTO
2. 330 P4
3. 330 GTC
4. Dino 206
5. 308 GTB

 

F40

 

Red 308/328
Black Daytona
White Testarossa

I was born in 1973 - saw them on “Magnum PI” & “Miami Vice” ... first impressions and all ... wouldn’t mind a white Testarossa parked in my garage

MDS

 

Each and every rear mid-engine model.

 

Depends largely on the era you grew up in. For me - 550 Maranello (front engine NA V12), and 360 Modena (mid engine NA V8).

The beginning days of all the nannies and options before they got completely out of hand.

 

Front engine V12. Whichever. Pick your favorite.

For me, I'd take a 599 GTO...T

 

It’s like asking to pick your favorite child



though I know many are ready to blow off the new grand kids…

 

Red 308 GTS
Red 250 Testa Rossa

There is this new car company also called "Ferrari" and they make lots of fancy cars too, but they don't make the cars I think of as "symbolic" or iconic.

 

There are two that always pop to the top of my list, and both of them are 250’s. And unless I have an extremely wealthy uncle on his death bed that I have never met, they will always be unobtainable, but a wonderful dream.

The pontoon fender Testarossa, and of course, the GTO.

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Agreed. There's no beating those two.

 

Very good choice indeed - I know it will look like pontificating (thankfully I'm not easily ashamed ) but for the sake of accuracy I think it should be Testa Rossa in two words in this case...

 

The photos make it clear.

 

If you took a poll with the general public a 308 GTS hands down would win. That is the epidemy of a Ferrari to most. Of course in Rossa Corsa.

 

Prior to 2005 (the first time I drove one as I was buying a step up car to get away from Corvette ownership), it would have been those featured in TV and movies. After that, when the veil came down and I knew they were cars in most ways similar to other cars, then nothing added to the symbolism.

 

Im 53

308
Boxer
Daytona
Testarossa
F40

These are what first come to mind when i think "Ferrari'. Doesnt mean they are my favorites, but they are whats ingrained in me.

 

I wholeheartedly agree with previous posts!

For me while not dismissing those already mentioned:

308
250 (12 cylinders!)
512 TR
F40

And I’ll add this with Michael at the wheel…F2004:

 

Oh my gosh, that 'pontoon' car is the most beautiful thing on wheels I've ever seen!

 

V12 front engine all the way!

 

F40-f50-enzo-la ferrari-scuderia-speciale-f12

 

Ferrari race cars…

F1 (esp Schumi era)
250 series (TdF/TR/SWB/GTO/LM)
F40 GTE (LM)
Challenge series (esp 348/355)
Other endurance winners (330 P/4, 458 GT3)

 

Having grown up in the '80s, this is spot on. I'd include the 328 with the 308. After these, technology started to change the marque. (Yes, a 458 is "better" than a 308, but the 308/Boxer was/is iconic. Even the brand new Lotus Emira seems to borrow from the 308.)

 

3x8

 

I would say the 308, 328 and testarossa for sure. As a kid I had posters of those cars all
Over my room when u think Ferrari you go back to that era.


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