Why the 458 Speciale is one of the best modern Ferraris

This Ferrari masterpiece deserves every awe it receives.

Ferrari has an immense pedigree of incredible cars with countless breathtaking creations that demonstrate speed, luxury, engineering prowess and design beauty, and highlighting a car as one of the best Ferraris is no easy task. The Ferrari 458 Speciale is one of those cars that has managed to be among the crème de la crème and considered one of the most powerful cars of all time. But what makes it special isn’t as simple as being the fastest, the most powerful, or the most expensive.

But that’s exactly what makes it a car that will always be special and remembered. As top speed and performance records continue to eclipse one another, especially as electrification has taken statistics such as horsepower and torque to a whole new level, the Ferrari 458 Speciale remains one of the greatest moments in Ferrari history, and whether in tangible or intangible ways, its eternal legendary status is undeniable.

For those unfamiliar with the Prancing Horse’s heritage, it may be difficult to understand why prices for the Ferrari 458 Speciale remain so incredibly high over time, but those who are familiar consider it a modern gem. Why is the Ferrari 458 Speciale so special, no pun intended? One of the most important reasons is that it is the end of an era.

The Ferrari 458 Speciale was the last and arguably largest Ferrari to be powered by a naturally aspirated V8 engine. The 4.9 liter engine produced 597 horsepower and 398 lb/ft of torque, enabling the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 202 mph. Its lap time at the Fiorano Circuit was just half a second slower than that of the F12berlinetta and its V12 engine, and its revised design, focused on aerodynamics and improved performance, was the result of a collaboration between the Ferrari Styling Center and Pininfarina.

While the exact number is not known, an exclusive, limited number of 458 Speciale coupes were made, but even more exclusive is the Ferrari 458 Speciale A. The A stands for “Aperta” and means that this version of the 458 Speciale was a Spider that reached a slightly lower top speed of 200 mph (320 km/h) with its open top. Only 499 examples of the 458 Speciale A were made, making it even more exclusive and desirable.

With its rarity, its incredible performance and its status as the ultimate naturally aspirated V8 Ferrari, the 458 Speciale will always be one of the greatest Ferraris to ever take its place in the Prancing Horse stable. If you are interested in owning one, it would certainly be a great addition to any Ferrari collection or exotic car collection. Check out some of the best Ferrari 458 Speciales for sale below and click below to view all Ferrari 458 Speciales for sale.