400 bhp, 4,962 cc SOHC V-12 engine, five-speed manual gearbox, independent front suspension with A-arms and coil springs, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel Dunlop hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 2,650 mm

• One of only eight Superfasts built in right-hand drive

• Matching numbers and Ferrari Classiche certification with an extensive history file

• Very late Series I example with five-speed gearbox and A/C

• The only example originally equipped with rear seats

• Less than 13,200 miles from new

In its day, the 500 Superfast represented the pinnacle of Ferrari ownership. Offering a full 400 hp from its 4.9-litre V-12 and capable of exceeding 170 mph, the ultra-exclusive 500 SF attracted Ferrari’s elite clients including Principe Sadhruddin Aga Khan, Peter Livanos (later to own Aston Martin), Georges Filipinetti, Reza Pahlavi (the Shah of Iran) and Peter Sellers.

The 500 Superfast was a supercar in the truest modern sense of the word: impossibly powerful, beautiful and unbelievably expensive, yet perfectly suited to high-speed continental trips in true GT fashion. Introduced at Geneva in 1964, with design and body construction by Pininfarina, the 500 Superfast was built in a limited run of only 376 cars. It was a logical evolution not only of the 410/400 Superamerica but also the one-off Superfast II styling/engineering exercise of 1960. Its Type 208 V-12 engine was unique to this model with the bore-and-stroke dimensions of the Lampredi V-12, but its construction with detachable cylinder heads was more akin to the Gioacchino Colombo-designed Ferrari engines.

Enthusiasts typically divide the 36-car 500 SF production run into two series, the first having 24 cars and the second 12. Generally, the differences between the two series involve their gearboxes, pedal configurations, clutches, power steering and other items, but as with all things Ferrari, these distinctions are not always set in stone, with numerous running changes that make true “series” distinction rather debatable.

The stunning 500 Superfast offered here, chassis 6659 SF, is the 22nd example of the 24 Series I cars built, and it is also one of the eight original right-hand drive cars. While all 500 SFs are of course special, 6659 SF was special-ordered from new and remains the sole example in the world to have been equipped with rear seats. In addition, 6659 SF was factory-fitted with air conditioning, and unlike the majority of the other Series I cars, it was equipped with a five-speed gearbox.

Assigned Pininfarina Job Number 99601, chassis 6659 SF entered the Pininfarina plant in Torino on 26 October, 1964, and it was completed according to Order Number 183 from UK Ferrari importer Maranello Concessionaires. The first of September, 1965 was the official Pininfarina completion date, with the car featuring a Grigio Argento exterior finish, Rosso Franzi upholstery, and “three duct” front wings. On 21 September, 6659 SF was invoiced to Maranello Concessionaires, and it was next delivered to dealer H.R. Owen Limited in London, who sold it to first owner Sir Eric M. Miller of London, England, who paid £11,518 in total—an extraordinary sum of money in those days. The car was UK-registered as “EMM 8” to Mr. Miller, who was a noted property developer, a one-time Labour Party treasurer and a director of Fulham F.C. The registration number “EMM 8” also serves to confirm that this was in fact “Sir Eric Merton Miller.”

Following the death of Mr. Miller in September 1977, 6659 SF remained in England and was stored for many years by Ash Marshall. Later in the 1970s, it was sold to Australia and Pat Burke’s Modena Collection. Since the late 1980s, the car has been owned by a known succession of enthusiasts in Australia and the UK and finally by a property developer of South Africa and England, who had 6659 SF refurbished for £30,000 at GTO Engineering. In late-November 2005, 6659 SF was acquired by the current owner when UK-registered "KYY 500 C." At present, indicated mileage stands at less than 13,200 miles, which are believed to be accurate and original.

A recent inspection by RM Auctions confirms that 6659 SF is a very well-sorted example that remains most impressive today. The paintwork is near-perfect, having benefited from a re-spray in the last five years, and door, bonnet and boot fits are good. The glass appears to be original all around, blemish-free and excellent. The original interior is excellent with a nice patina, with minimum wear evident to both the driver’s and passenger’s seat bolsters. The walnut wood interior trim is exceptional and looks new and very nice all around. The engine bay is detailed, but not overly so, remaining honest. The chrome is very good all around, as are the window trims.

Started from cold, the engine runs on all 12 cylinders with quickly rising oil pressure, and the water temperature rises steadily and remains constant. The brakes are sharp and inspire confidence. The gearbox is easy to use, and second gear can easily be selected while still cold. The suspension is tight, having benefited from a suspension and brake rebuild by GTO Engineering at a cost of GBP 14,000, and the car drives well, providing an extremely pleasant driving experience.

When starting the car, one instantly knows that there is serious power underfoot. The engine has a deeper burble than the normal Ferrari V-12s, and a small ‘blip’ of the throttle moves the whole car. However, as powerful as it is, the 500 SF feels controllable and well mannered. In essence this is the ultimate gentleman’s GT. Driving impressions are excellent from the word go, the light clutch inspires confidence, and its larger proportions are not bothersome. The car definitely comes into its own on the open road. The interior is very luxurious, and the seats are larger than a 275. You sink into them, and the view across the wooden dash, with its big Nardi wheel, is simply magnificent. The difference in a Superfast over another contemporary 1960s Ferrari is immediately evident. The sheer size of it takes you back in time, and the beautiful aerodynamic shape looks fast even while standing still; it has an aircraft feel to it. The way the rear screen flows into the boot-lid is pure artwork, and it has a bespoke elegance.

The offering of a 500 Superfast of this calibre is a rare occurrence indeed and marks a unique opportunity for the true connoisseur. These cars are rarely offered at auction, and they were and remain one of Ferrari’s finest Gran Turismos. Blessed with completely matching numbers, retaining the original interior and certified by Ferrari Classiche, this 500 Superfast, 6659 SF, combines all the required elements of desirability, plus a five-speed gearbox and air conditioning. The only ever example originally built with rear seats, 6659 SF stands proudly as the rarest of its kind. In the realm of ultra-exclusive Ferrari ownership, it represents perhaps the crowning achievement of Ferrari Gran Turismo production on all levels and can be accurately summed up as ‘The Rolls Royce of Ferraris.’