THE 500 SUPERFAST 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 Coupe Aerodinamico, 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, the 500 Superfast was built in a limited quantity of just 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…as they were when new. CHASSIS NUMBER 6033 SF The eighth 500 Superfast produced, chassis number 6033 SF was originally finished in Grigio Fumo over a Nero interior, to a rather sporting specification with three front fender air ducts, circular Carello turn signals, but no air conditioning, rear seats, or power assists for windows or steering—it was, more than most, a genuine all-out performance car. This apparently suited its original owner, Dr. Fritz Ries, who took delivery from prominent Düsseldorf, Germany Ferrari dealer Auto-Becker in January 1965. Dr. Ries was a man of taste; the 500 Superfast succeeded his previous 400 Superamerica. Auto-Becker apparently took the car back, via resale or trade, in the summer of 1968, and advertised it that August as a one-owner car with 6,400 kilometers traveled. In 1969 the car was imported to Florida, and eventually made its way in the early 1970s into the hands of Edward A. Weschler, Jr., of Nashotah, Wisconsin. It returned to Europe in 1989, but came back Stateside but a few years later. In 1996 the car passed into the hands of the present owner, a devoted longtime enthusiast and collector of Ferrari’s finest and most significant models. Substantial mechanical and cosmetic improvements were shortly undertaken by the noted Patrick Ottis & Company, with invoices and descriptions of the work included within the file. Ottis’s notes noted the presence of the original chassis and engine stamps, and recount the car as being “a good original example—not restored. Indicated low mileage is reflected in its condition. Chassis, shocks, suspension bushes etc. all original, black leather, red carpets seem original.” Further additional, documented servicing was completed by Ferrari of Central Florida in the early 2000s. The carburetors were rebuilt and a new generator installed by specialist Greg Jones in 2012, among additional mechanical sorting also documented in-file. Finally, in 2015, a meticulous restoration was undertaken in Jones’s hands, finishing the car in its very elegant original colors while preserving the original components wherever possible, with invoices and photographs in the file continuing to document the good care. In recent years it has continued to be upkept by the owners while making regular show appearances, most prominently in Southern concours d’elegance and Ferrari events. It is accompanied by tools, in addition to the aforementioned photos and files. This is, simply, an excellent example of the 500 Superfast, one of Ferrari’s most exclusive creations of an enthralling age.