Ferrari F50 (1997)

The F40 production line came ceased in 1992 and Ferrari self-imposed an exodus from the supercar scene for three years until the F50 arrived, returning the prancing horse to the pinnacle of ultra-high performance motoring. Launched during March, 1995, at the Geneva Salon, the F50 was only ever built as a limited edition model, with just 349 being manufactured by the time production ceased in 1997, all of which were left-hand drive when they left the factory.

Whereas its predecessors had ultimately been derived from Group B sportscar rules, the F50 was created without a set of regulations to influence its final form. Contemporary F1 concepts and technology heavily influenced the design process, and at its heart was a normally aspirated V12 engine derived from 1991's beautiful 642 F1 car. Something else that further differentiated the F50 from the 288 and F40 was its dual configuration, the bodywork featured a removable roof panel that meant owners could convert their car from a Berlinetta to Roadster in moments. Never before had a 200mph Spyder been openly available direct from a manufacturer, the F50 setting a trend that has since continued with the likes of Pagani's Zonda, the Porsche Carrera GT and Lamborghini's recent V12 models.

The F50 was officially only available in five colours, Rosso Corsa, Rosso Barchetta, Giallo Fly, Nero and Argento. However, some cars were finished in special order shades and although there were no options as such, customers could decide whether or not they wanted black-finish headlight surrounds. The cockpit was equipped with heavily bolstered composite seats trimmed in Connolly leather, body-colour coded centres having been a no-cost upgrade. Fully adjustable pedals and seats allowed practically everyone to tailor a perfect driving position, F1 thinking having been clearly evident from the combined digital/analogue instrument binnacle and acres of bare carbon fibre.