1964 Ferrari 500 Superfast Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Ferrari 500 Superfast has a curb weight of approximately 1,390 kg (3,064 lbs). This weight is relatively light for a grand tourer, thanks to its use of lightweight materials in the chassis and bodywork. The combination of the car's weight and its powerful 5.0-liter V12 engine, which produces around 400 horsepower, allows for impressive acceleration and dynamic handling. The manageable weight contributes to responsive steering and agile driving characteristics, making the 500 Superfast not just a luxury coupe but also a high-performance machine designed for spirited driving and long-distance touring with ease.

The Ferrari 500 Superfast features a wheelbase of approximately 2,650 mm (104.3 inches). This relatively long wheelbase for a 1960s grand tourer contributes positively to ride comfort, stability, and high-speed cruising capabilities. A longer wheelbase typically smooths out road imperfections and provides a more planted feel during straight-line driving. However, Ferrari carefully balanced this with agile handling characteristics by optimizing chassis tuning and suspension geometry, allowing the car to remain responsive and engaging in corners despite its grand tourer size.

The Ferrari 500 Superfast, being a luxury coupe from the 1960s, was designed primarily as a 2+2 grand tourer, offering limited rear seating mostly suitable for occasional passengers or luggage. The interior width is approximately in line with the car's exterior width of 1,830 mm (72.0 inches), allowing for comfortable seating front occupants with adequate shoulder room. Headroom is somewhat pantomimed by the car's low-slung, aerodynamic roofline, measuring about 1,340 mm (52.8 inches) in height minus structural chassis components inside. This design prioritizes stylish aesthetics and low drag over roomy headroom and rear-seat comfort, making the cabin a cozy environment focused primarily on driver and front passenger experience.

Standard garage dimensions typically range around 2.4 meters (8 feet) wide and 5.5 meters (18 feet) deep, with a height of about 2.1 to 2.4 meters (7 to 8 feet). The Ferrari 500 Superfast's length of approximately 4.85 meters (15.9 feet), width of 1.83 meters (6 feet), and height of 1.34 meters (4.4 feet) mean it comfortably fits inside a standard residential garage. Its low height also poses no clearance issues. Therefore, owners should have no difficulty parking the 500 Superfast in a typical garage space without special accommodation, making it practical for everyday usability despite its grand touring pedigree.

The Ferrari 500 Superfast followed earlier models like the Ferrari 400 Superamerica and several preceding V12 grand tourers. Compared to its immediate predecessors, the 500 Superfast is slightly larger and longer, emphasizing a grander and more luxurious presence. With a length of around 4,850 mm (190.9 inches), it surpasses many earlier Ferraris which generally measured closer to the 4,600 to 4,700 mm range. This increase in size afforded more cabin space and a more imposing road stance while maintaining sleek lines. Width and height differences are minimal, but the 500 Superfast aimed to offer an even more refined and exclusive grand touring experience reflective of evolving customer demands in the mid-1960s.

Compared to contemporaneous grand tourers such as the Aston Martin DB6 or Maserati 5000 GT, the Ferrari 500 Superfast stands out with a fairly large footprint. Its length of 4,850 mm (190.9 inches) is generally on the longer side, providing spaciousness suited for a luxury tourer, while its width of 1,830 mm (72.0 inches) is about average. In height, the 500 Superfast is lower than many rivals at 1,340 mm (52.8 inches), reflecting Ferrari's focus on sleek aerodynamics and sportiness. While the Aston Martin DB6 shares a similar grand tourer status with a length around 4,880 mm, it is typically wider and taller, which gives the Ferrari a more aggressive and sporty appearance in comparison while remaining luxurious.

The Ferrari 500 Superfast, being focused on grand touring luxury and performance, has a relatively modest trunk capacity by modern standards. The rear trunk area is designed to accommodate luggage for long trips but not large bulky items. Exact figures for cargo volume are not typically published for cars of this era, but the space is sufficient for a couple of suitcases or smaller bags. The rear seats are limited and do not fold down, meaning the trunk is isolated from the passenger cabin. The emphasis was more on style and performance rather than large cargo capacity, making it best suited for touring with minimal luggage.

The Ferrari 500 Superfast is equipped with a fuel tank capacity of approximately 140 liters (about 37 US gallons). This relatively large tank size supports its grand touring role, allowing for extended driving ranges essential for long-distance cruises without frequent refueling stops. However, considering the car's powerful 5.0-liter V12 engine, fuel consumption is naturally on the higher side. The large tank mitigates this by providing endurance, allowing drivers to maximize their touring experience with fewer interruptions. This balance of performance and practical fueling was an important design aspect for a high-end GT car in the 1960s.

The 1964 Ferrari 500 Superfast is renowned for its striking and elegant Pininfarina bodywork, featuring smooth lines, a low-slung stance, and distinctive triple rear tail lights. Under the hood, it houses a robust 5.0-liter V12 engine producing around 400 horsepower, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission for a rewarding driving experience. Unlike many Ferraris of its time, it was crafted as an exclusive grand tourer designed for comfort and high-speed cruising rather than sheer track performance. Only a handful were made, emphasizing its exclusivity. The car integrates fine leather interiors, chrome trim, and advanced suspension tuning that blends sporty handling with luxurious ride quality, making it an iconic symbol of 1960s Ferrari craftsmanship.