The Ferrari 50th anniversary-celebrating F50 set new standards for the design of a top-shelf supercar, blending voluptuous styling with a competition-derived powertrain. Boasting lightweight carbon fibre, Kevlar, and Nomex honeycomb bodywork with a 4.7-litre V-12 developed through Formula 1 and prototype sportscar racing, the F50 could reach 100 km/h from a standstill in just 3.87 seconds and achieve a top speed of 325 km/h—stunning metrics for the era.

Only 349 numbered examples were ultimately built, adding a measure of rarity to the model’s already-superlative list of attributes. More historically evocative than the F40 or the Enzo, with its curved profiles and removable “targa” top, the F50 is that rare Prancing Horse that pleases both styling and performance purists, making it one of the most celebrated Ferraris of all time.

This striking F50 is a particularly desirable example. According to the research of marque expert Marcel Massini, chassis number 04983 is the 135th example built. Delivered new in its home country of Italy in May 1996, the F50 was finished in the characteristic livery of Rosso Corsa paint over a Nero interior with Rosso seat inserts.

The Ferrari was distributed to marque dealer Forza Spa Torino and sold to its first owner, a resident of nearby Mondovi, as confirmed by entries in the accompanying warranty booklet. In June 1997, the F50 was seen in Modena during Ferrari’s 50th Anniversary Meet. Its first owner retained possession for over 20 years until the car passed to the current owner.

In July 2018, the F50 was issued Ferrari Classiche “Red Book” certification. This indicated the presence of matching-numbers mechanical equipment, including the engine and gearbox. Service stamps in the car’s warranty booklet demonstrate a history of regular maintenance by Forza Spa Torino. In October 2023, following participation in the Cavalcade Classiche, the car was submitted to official marque dealer Scuderia Gohm for a myriad of minor measures, including work to the electrical relays, top fasteners, and various seals.

It should be noted that this F50’s authenticity is extremely well documented, with accompanying owner’s manuals (including warranty booklet and rare “Direct Line” Arc Transistance roadside two-year assistance plan booklet), previous Italian title, 2023 Ferrari Classiche Cavalcade compliance check sheet, and service invoices accompanying the “Red Book”. Furthermore, factory production stickers remain affixed to the front and rear clamshells, and the car is supplied with the proper flight case for the “targa” top.

Awarded Ferrari Classiche certification and boasting a long-term original keeper as part of a short chain of ownership, this beautifully presented F50 is a particularly desirable example that would crown almost any modern performance collection or supercar gathering.