REDEFINING ‘SUPER’

Initially coined for a series of show cars and concepts, Ferrari’s “Superfast” nomenclature was finally applied to a production vehicle in 1964 with the introduction of the 500 Superfast. Conceived as a luxurious, exclusive grand touring saloon, the new model was for all intents and purposes the ultimate development of Ferrari’s flagship Superamerica model.

While the Superfast coachwork was clearly developed from the outgoing 400 Superamerica Aerodinamico Coupe, the Tipo 578/65 chassis was derived from the 330 GT 2+2, ensuring the luxurious ride quality of a long wheelbase. These dimensions were maximized with the removal of any rear seating, providing a remarkably roomy and elegant interior. Luxury amenities included power windows and steering, sumptuous leather upholstery, and a teak-accented dashboard.

The Superfast’s 4,963-cubic-centimeter Tipo 208 V-12 was an extremely unique engine for Ferrari, combining elements of the Lampredi-designed tall-block racing engine and the long-running Colombo-designed short-block motor. Capable of developing 400 horsepower, this engine was described by the noted marque historian Hans Tanner as “one of the most powerful Ferrari GT engines ever constructed.”

Unveiled at the 1964 Geneva International Motor Show on chassis number 5951 SF, the 500 Superfast was built in a limited quantity of 24 first-series examples before cosmetic and mechanical alterations were undertaken for a second series of just 12 cars (bringing total production to 36 examples through late 1966). As the flagship Ferrari grand touring model of its era, the 500 Superfast enjoyed ownership by jet-set luminaries such as the Aga Khan, Barbara Hutton, the Shah of Iran, and Peter Sellers.

Claiming rarity, breathtaking aesthetics, and unprecedented road-car performance thanks to its prodigious 400-horsepower 4.9-liter engine, the 500 Superfast was the ultimate expression of the Superamerica series. The highly collectable cars are now found at the center of some of the world’s most exclusive and respected stables.

A PININFARINA-CLOTHED JEWEL

Claiming significant in-period ownership provenance that has more recently given way to a stellar concours exhibition record, this striking 500 Superfast is a ravishing example of Ferrari’s mid-1960s flagship. According to the research of marque authority Marcel Massini, chassis number 8565 SF is the 34th of 36 total examples built, although numerically it is the ninth of 12 second-series examples, and the fourth-from-last car built. Entering Pininfarina’s Turin plant in November 1965, the car was appointed with air conditioning, power windows, and power steering, and finished in Bleu Sera paint over an interior upholstered in Grigio vaumol leather.

After completing assembly in April 1966, the Ferrari was sold new to John von Neumann, the legendary racing impresario and importer who was so instrumental in popularizing European sports cars in the western United States. A peer of luminaries like Max Hoffman and Luigi Chinetti, von Neumann was a founding member of the California Sports Car Club, and a recognized proponent of such models as the 250 GT California Spider and the Testa Rossa.

In April 1973, the Superfast was purchased by “Chargin” Charlie Hayes, the eccentric racing driver who once competed for William McKelvy’s Scuderia Bear. By the end of the decade the car was sold to the Hollywood-based dealer Sal di Natale, and the engine was soon replaced with another correct Superfast motor, number 8083 (although the original engine would be reunited with the car two decades later).

In 1979, the Ferrari was acquired by Charles Borin of Calabasas, California, and he repainted the car red and reupholstered the interior in tan leather. Borin retained possession for 12 years before the car passed to its next owner in Florida.

In 1993, the Ferrari’s matching-numbers engine, number 8565, was reinstalled in this Superfast, contributing to the car’s optimal authenticity. A full restoration was conducted at this time, including a repaint of the coachwork in dark blue and trimming of the interior with cognac leather.

Sold in 2002 to Charles Morse of Seattle, Washington, the Superfast was displayed at the 2003 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, winning the Ferrari class. Ten months later the car was spotted in attendance at the Palm Beach Cavallino Classic. In January 2004, Morse sold the Ferrari to the late Dr. Ervin “Bud” Lyon of Kensington, New Hampshire, who was one of New England’s most prominent collectors. Mr. Lyon presented the car at the 2005 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where it scored 95 out of a possible 100 points during judging, and in January 2006 the car was again exhibited at the Cavallino Classic.

Later in 2006, chassis number 8565 SF was treated to a comprehensive refurbishment by the highly respected Paul Russell and Company of Essex, Massachusetts. On the back of this work, the Superfast was presented at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in March 2007, winning the prestigious Amelia Award. In September 2008, Mr. Lyon sold the Ferrari to a collector based in Oregon, who displayed the car at the 2009 Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance in Beverly Hills before engaging Francorchamps of America and Ferrari of Beverly Hills to conduct additional mechanical work.

When offered at RM Sotheby's flagship Monterey sale in August 2010, the Ferrari had reportedly accrued no more than restored 400 miles. The Superfast was acquired later that year by a Texas-based collector who drove the car very little during 12 years of ownership. Later sold to the current caretaker, the 500 SF benefits from a round of mechanical freshening during February 2024, including a rebuild of the carburetors and fuel pump. The car has since been displayed at the 2024 Cavallino Classic and the 2024 Moda Miami.

Beguiling in its color combination of midnight blue over cognac, this handsome 500 Superfast continues to display the benefits of the expert restoration by Paul Russell and its recent mechanical refresh, offering driving enjoyment or further exhibition on finer concours fields. It should be noted that 8565 SF displays mechanical stampings indicating the continued presence of the matching-numbers engine, gearbox, rear axle, and bodywork, suggesting a high degree of authenticity.

Notable for its initial ownership by the luminary John von Neumann, and offering the rarity defined as being one of 36 examples built and one of just 12 second-series cars, this luxurious grand tourer would make a sensational addition to any sporting collection, particularly suited to enthusiasts of Maranello’s peerless luxury flagship tradition.