www.QV500.com - Ferrari F50 Part 2: F50 GT
 

F50 GT chassis 003

Intended to replace Ferrari's ageing but still competitive F40 GTE, it was widely thought that 25 of these factory built F50 GT's would be made to gain homologation into the GT1 class of international endurance racing. However, by 1997, the face of the biggest championship had undergone a drastic change, the BPR series being re-branded as the FIA GT Championship into which works manufacturer teams would be allowed for the first time. Unsurprisingly, multinational firms with massive budgets and their own agenda's quickly destroyed the outgoing series with its privateer-based ethos .
   
With Ferrari’s total commitment to F1 and a lack of suitable personnel, it was enough to convince the firm to abort - but not before the GT was able to post even quicker lap times around Fiorano than the 333 SP! After completing the prototype (chassis 001) Ferrari publicly stated that no additional cars would be built. However, two more were subsequently constructed for special customers, neither of whom were ever permitted to race them. Set-up changes saw the arrival of F1-style carbon disc brakes, fully adjustable Koni race dampers, a substantial drop in ride height and massive 20-inch Speedline wheels that required the front arches become slightly reprofiled. Using a hot Tipo F130A engine, Ferrari retained the 4.7-litre displacement of a stock F50 but GT variants were realising a mighty 750bhp at 10,500rpm. There was an increase in compression and Magnetti Marelli Competition Stage 3 engine management, 001 posting some electrifying performance figures with 0-60 taking 2.9 seconds and a 236mph top speed. There was also a new six-speed sequential gearbox coupled to a longer wearing and faster shifting carbon clutch. Outside, the bodywork was substantially altered also. A fixed Berlinetta, the GT featured a flatter rear deck than the F50 thanks to Ferrari removing the stock versions elaborate wing, replacing it with a new fully adjustable item. A roof-mounted scoop fed air to the engine, markedly larger radiator cooling vents being carved into the front lid along with a central NACA duct for the cabin.
 

F50 GT chassis 003

There was also a re-profiled front bumper and whereas two flying buttresses flanked a flush transparent engine cover on the road car, the GT featured a ventilated teardrop-style cockpit that smoothed airflow over the all-carbon bodywork. With a totally stripped out interior, the GT weighed in at just 907kg, an amazing 413kg lighter than road car on which it was based. Only three were ever completed (001, 002 and 003) none of which were ever used in competition despite their undoubted potential.
   
001 Ferrari testing and development car, sold refurbished to Art Zifiropoulo on the basis that he would not race the car and Ferrari would build no additional examples. However, two further chassis were built up by Ferrari.
002 Little known
003 Little known
 

F50 GT chassis 003