The terms “cheap” and “Ferrari” do not usually go together. The Ferrari brand is known as the pinnacle of sports car performance, and it does not come cheap. For those who have the means and the taste for something a little more exotic, some Ferrari models provide a fairly reasonable deal.
When it comes to cheaper used Ferraris, “buyer beware” is an understatement. Reliability and maintenance costs are always a concern when buying an old Ferrari. However, owning a Ferrari can be a fulfilling experience if you have the means and stomach for it. We’ve compiled a list of new and used Ferrari models that offer great value in the world of exotic cars.
Cheapest Ferrari Models (New)
2023 Ferrari Portofino
Base price: $226,000
The Portofino is a retractable hardtop convertible that serves as a worthy successor to the Ferrari California T. It has a 3.9-liter V8 twin-turbo engine that is capable of producing 651 lb-ft of torque and about 612 hp of power.
With features like an 18-way power seat adjustment system and a 10.2-inch (259 mm) infotainment display, the cabin offers a premium level of luxury. It is an ideal open-air tourer from Ferrari. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (96 kph) in 3.1 seconds, with a top speed of 199 mph (320 kph).
2023 Ferrari Roma
Base price: $222,620
The vehicle is visually appealing, with a minimalist grille (by today’s standards) and a shark-nose front end. It’s slender, long, and such a distinct Ferrari that it makes a true auto enthusiast’s heart race.
The specifications and details of the vehicle even make it better. The vehicle has a 3.9-liter V8 turbocharged engine with updated camp profiles and a speed sensor that raises the maximum rev limit by 5,000 rpm. In other words, this is an Italian Stallion who truly can perform. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (96 kph) in 3.1 seconds and has a top speed of 199 mph (320 kph).
2023 Ferrari F8 Tributo
Base price: $302,500
The F8 Tributo replaces the 488 and is already on sale at Ferrari stores. The 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 engine generates 568 lb-ft of torque and 710 hp of power. The peak torque occurs earlier in the rpm range than the 488.
Although the F8 Tributo uses the same platform as the 488 GTB, it has a different appearance due to the aero kit, headlights, taillights, and body. It has a peak speed of 211 mph (339 kph) and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (96 kph) in 2.9 seconds.
2023 Ferrari 812 GTS
Base price: $404,494
It is a grand tourer with a stunning 789 hp of power, a sleek Italian body, and one of the best chassis you can ever drive. This is Ferrari’s most recent super-GT, featuring a 6.5-liter V12 engine positioned in the front midsection and rear-wheel drive. It has four-wheel steering, innovative active aero, and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (96 kph) in 2.8 seconds and has a top speed of 211 mph (339 kph).
Cheapest Ferrari Models (Old)
Ferrari 400i (1979–1986)
Price Range: $60,000 – $100,000
The Ferrari 400 series was originally presented at the 1976 Paris Motor Show and went into production three years later. The 400i was equipped with a powerful 4.8-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine that could produce 306 hp and 289 lb-ft.
It was available with either a five-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission. The 400i was a Pininfarina design that shared many design cues with the contemporary executive sports sedan, including a plethora of luxury-oriented features.
Ferrari 308 GTS (1977–1988)
Price Range: $70,000 – $120,000
The Targa-topped 308 GTS made its debut at the 1977 Frankfurt Motor Show. Visually, it was quite similar to its 308 GTB Berlinetta except for the black-finished solid removable glass-fiber roof panel and the satin black-finished hinged opening louver panels above the rear quarter windows.
The 308 GTS was fitted with a five-speed manual synchromesh transmission and a transversely mounted, normally aspirated 2.9-liter V8 engine that generated 240 hp. The vehicle also had a steel body with an aluminum front lid, while cars sold in the United States have larger bumper assemblies and rectangular side marker lights on the wings.
Ferrari Mondial (1980-1993)
Price Range: $35,000 – $70,000
The Ferrari Mondial had a production run of 13 years and was available in a variety of versions. In 1982, the original 2+2 Mondial 8 received an update with a new quattrovalvole (four-valve) V8 engine. The modification gave the Mondial’s performance a real bounce. Motor magazine tested the 1982 four-valve Mondial, which reached 60 mph (96 kph) in 6.4 seconds and 100 mph (160 kph) in 16.2 seconds.
The Mondial Cabriolet made its debut in 1984 and was Ferrari’s first convertible since the Daytona Spyder. The Mondial 3.2 debuted in 1985, with the redesignation indicating a larger, stronger V8—the same 270-hp 3.2-liter engine as in the 328 GTB and GTS.
The latter also included two other noteworthy improvements: the engine and transmission were housed on a separate subframe, and the wheelbase was extended by about 4 inches (100mm) to improve interior packing and space. The Mondial is unique in that it is the final V8, rear mid-engined, 2+2 Ferrari ever produced.
Ferrari 348 (1989–1995)
Price Range: $35,000 – $75,000
The 348, introduced in 1989, represented a significant departure from Ferrari’s successful road-going, mid-engine sports car series, and it superseded two of the most popular Ferrari models in history: the 308 and the 328. The 348 was offered in three body types (targa, convertible, and Berlinettetta) and was elegantly furnished with air conditioning and a plethora of power equipment, making it far more refined than its predecessors.
The majority of magazines and testers deemed it to be the greatest vehicle among the highly skilled group, including the NSX, 911, and Lotus Esprit. The main issue with the 348 was its unstable “on-limit tail-out widow-making behavior,” which turned off a lot of potential buyers (both then and now).
On the limit, the car was not only tricky but also aggressive, which worried people. It became one of the most controversial Ferrari road cars ever produced as a result. The Ferrari 348 was, in reality, “clearly the worst product Ferrari had developed for some time,” according to former Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo. However, this adds to its appeal as a collector’s vehicle.
Ferrari 456 GT (1992-2003)
Price Range: $50,000 – $100,000
The Ferrari 456 GT was produced by Pininfarina. It made its world premiere in Europe in 1993 and went on sale in the United States in 1995. This front-engined 2+2 grand tourer was designed to replace the 365 GT 2+2 / 400 / 412 series and was powered by a 436 hp 5.5-liter V12 engine connected to a six-speed transmission. This allowed the 456 GT to go from 0 to 60 mph (96 kph) in just over 5 seconds and reach a top speed of 186 mph (299 kph).
All of this performance could be governed by a cockpit with Connolly leather seats for four. It has every feature anticipated in a $245,000 (brand new) vehicle, including a cockpit-adjustable suspension. Shortly after Ferrari introduced the 456 GT, the 456 GTA was introduced, with the “A” indicating a four-speed automatic transmission.
Ferrari debuted the 456M GT and GTA, the model’s first significant update, in 1998. This “Modificata” included an updated interior, minor power gains, and structural upgrades around the hood and nose. The 456M GT was in production until 2003 before being replaced by the 612 Scaglietti in 2004.
Ferrari 360 Modena / Spider (2000-2004)
Price Range: $70,000 – $110,000
As Ferrari’s entry-level model, the 360 included significant technological advances that made it superior to the F355 series it replaced. Unlike the English-made aluminum sheet and tube chassis, the car’s all-aluminum chassis included many complex castings. The 360 Modena’s chassis was approximately 25% lighter than the F355’s due to the use of aluminum for the frame.
All variants share the same new V8 engine, which has a 3.6-liter size, a flat-plane crankshaft, titanium connecting rods, and 400 hp. Although the power-to-weight ratio appeared to have increased slightly over the F355, in reality, it was greatly improved. This was attributed to the combination of a lighter vehicle and more power. The 0 to 62 mph (99 kph) acceleration time improved from 4.6 to 4.3 seconds.
Ferrari 355 (1995-1999)
Price Range: $45,000 – $120,000
More valves usually translate into more power, and with the Ferrari F355, going from four to five valves per cylinder pushed the limits on performance. The 3.5-liter V8 engine produced 380 hp and accelerated from 0 to 60 mph (96 kph) in under 5 seconds. The F355’s angular lines were evocative of Ferrari’s wedge-shaped style from the 1970s and 1980s.
For those seeking a Ferrari that combines traditional design elements with a few contemporary comfort features, the F355 may be the best option. Whether it’s a coupe, spider, or convertible, the F355 is gorgeous from every perspective. Purchasing a Ferrari F355 with a manual transmission grants you entire control over the 8,250-rpm powerband, allowing you to be the maestro of a beautiful automotive symphony.
Ferrari California (2009-2014)
Price Range: $80,500 – $128,000
The Ferrari California is a cheap exotic vehicle with a retractable roof convertible and a contentious history. The California was the first road car to have a front mid-engine, breaking with Ferrari’s custom of producing cars with rear mid-engines.
Even though California possesses performance specs that rival those of many exotic cars, hardcore Ferrari fans view it as a “fake Ferrari” because of the engine arrangement. While the more powerful Ferrari California T is unlikely to be among the cheapest Ferrari models for sale, that doesn’t mean you can’t hope for the best.
The “T” in “California T” refers to the turbo, specifically twin-turbo. The forced induction engine in the base model California produces a whopping 61% more torque (357 lb-ft vs. 557 lb-ft) and 22% more horsepower (453 hp vs. 553 hp) than the naturally aspirated engine.
FAQs
Are Ferraris expensive?
Indeed, Ferraris are expensive. But, despite their high prices, having a Ferrari is an experience worth having.
Where can you find the cheapest Ferraris?
The Czech Republic, France, and Italy are a few of the top markets to search for a cheap used Ferrari.
Conclusion
Ferraris are unique and expensive to get your hands on, but some cheaper models offer the same level of luxury without breaking the bank, such as the Ferrari Mondial, Ferrari 308 GTS, and Ferrari 400i.
Some of these vehicles are great in value and provide distinctive features and classic looks, making them tempting options for Ferrari lovers. So, whether you’re a seasoned auto collector or a new Ferrari enthusiast, the affordable Ferrari of your dreams can be within reach. Why dream when you can drive, after all?
