Ferrari Enzo 2003, Itália

Ferrari Enzo 2003, Itália
Fotografia

If one manufacturer can claim to have created the definitive mold for a modern evolution of consistently amazing hypercars, it must be Ferrari. From the competition-bred 288 GTO and F40 of the late 1980s, through the voluptuous F50 of the 1990s, Ferrari combined unparalleled performance and breathtaking designs to build small batches of impeccable road machines for ultraexclusive buyers. These were undeniably the most formidable production sports cars of their day.

After F50 production concluded in 1998, the die-hard tifosi dreamt of what exotic machine Maranello would create next—and what form it would take. Speculation was rampant over whether the next model would employ a rear-mounted V-8 or V-12, and if the packaging would be spartan and purposeful like the F40, or luxurious and evocative of vintage designs like the F50.

In mid-2002, then Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo ended the wait with the introduction of the forthcoming Ferrari Enzo. Though the model’s name required no explanation, he reasoned that after Ferrari had named cars for historically important locales like Maranello and Modena, the time had finally come to honor the company’s founder. He also clarified that the new model would have a strong connection to Formula 1 racing, as the manufacturer had just won the 1999 and 2000 Manufacturers’ Championship and the 2000 Drivers’ Championship. Michael Schumacher was, in fact, just getting started on his historic dominance of F1, a still unequaled feat of five consecutive championships.

Formally debuting at the 2002 Paris Motor Show, the Ferrari Enzo delivered on the promise of its design brief. Like a Formula 1 car, the Enzo utilized futuristic materials to achieve maximum weight savings, with a foundational chassis tub made of carbon fiber and Nomex honeycomb weighing just 200 pounds. Aluminum subframes were then mounted on the tub, and these laid the groundwork for the mounting of Pininfarina’s unique coachwork.

Penned by designer Ken Okuyama, the Enzo’s external design mimicked the shape of an open-wheel race car, though as if wrapped in a skin extending over the fenders and cockpit. Aerodynamically perfected in Pininfarina’s wind tunnel, the body was composed of panels woven from carbon fiber and Kevlar. Nineteen-inch alloy wheels, anchored by 15-inch Brembo carbon-ceramic disc brakes, and unique scissor doors, respectively, completed the Enzo’s chassis and cabin, finishing a car that was highly technological and endlessly fascinating.

Into this phenomenal marriage of chassis and body a new purpose-built engine was placed behind the driver, continuing the manufacturer’s long-running configuration for sports prototypes and hypercars. The concurrent 90-degree V-8 was essentially extended by two cylinders on each side and altered in angle, creating the 65-degree Tipo F140B V-12 engine. Displacing almost six liters, the F140 was the largest engine built by Maranello since the 712 Can-Am race car of the 1970s. It was packed with racing components such as Nikasil-lined cylinder walls, titanium connecting rods, and a telescoping intake manifold designed to boost torque, ultimately developing 651 horsepower and 485 foot-pounds of torque, earth-shattering numbers even by today’s standards. The F140’s evolutions would go on to power the 599 series, the F12berlinetta, and the LaFerrari.

With power transmitted via a six-speed dual-clutch transaxle that was actuated with column-mounted paddle-shifters, the Enzo reached 60 mph from a standstill in just 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 218 mph. Production was eventually capped at 400 units, so this was a car whose engineering was also matched by its rarity. As unique and captivating today as it was in 2002, the Ferrari Enzo continues to hold sway with collectors, unmistakably carrying the mantle of Maranello’s defining millennial hypercar, the genetic link between the sensuous F50 and the hybrid LaFerrari.

This Enzo, chassis number 132654, finished in Rosso Corsa over a red leather interior, was originally sold through Wide World of Cars in Spring Valley, New York. The first owner retained the car for just over a year, covering less than 1,000 miles. In 2004 it was sold through Lake Forest Sportscars to its second owner, an Illinois resident. In the fall of 2005, the Enzo joined the renowned Lingenfelter Collection. Shortly after joining the collection, the car was sent to Cauley Ferrari in West Bloomfield, Michigan, for a service that included the installation of an upgraded Tubi Extreme exhaust, a popular modification among owners. As a part of the collection, it has been looked after by Lingenfelter staff and stored in a climate-controlled building. Today it is offered with less than 1,700 miles and is accompanied by a window sticker, service records, books, tools, charger, and the original exhaust.

An icon of the Montezemolo era, the Enzo proved to be not only the benchmark for an industry, but continues to be the benchmark for Ferrari itself as the company progresses further into the 21st century. Standing tall amongst such vaunted brethren as the 288 GTO, F40, F50, and now the LaFerrari, the Enzo represents the ultimate iteration of the naturally aspirated, limited-edition Ferrari hypercar, combining the very best components and technology the world had to offer. Offered from the prestigious Lingenfelter Collection, this Enzo will surely not disappoint.