5 freaks of the Ferrari Enzo that few know

Between 2002 and 2004, Ferrari produced one of the most important and emblematic models in its history, both for its impressive performance and for the figure in whose honor it was built. More than 20 years have passed and we want to remember five freaks, five curious details of the Ferrari Enzo that few know.

The Ferrari Enzo paid tribute to the founder of the marza, Il Commendatore, and was the continuation of the saga of supercars at the top of the Ferrari range, started with the 288 GTO, followed by the F40 and F50. The Enzo was therefore the successor to the latter.

Although it is known as Ferrari Enzo, the real name of the Italian sports car is Ferrari Enzo Ferrari, after the founder of the brand. However, initially it was called Ferrari FX, hence its successor was the FXX, a car that was not approved for the road, only for the track.

The power unit of the Ferrari Enzo was made up of a 65-degree, naturally aspirated, 6.0-liter F140B V12 block capable of generating 660 hp and 657 Nm of maximum torque. The engine was associated with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, with injection cutting at 8,200 rpm.

The low weight of 1,255 kg empty, thanks to the use of carbon fiber, aluminum or magnesium components, led the car to sign a 0 to 100 km/h in 3.65 seconds and reach a top speed of 350 km/h. A sensational performance seasoned with the spectacular and intoxicating sound of the V12 engine.

5 freaks of the Ferrari Enzo that few know: only 399 units

The exclusivity of a product is determined by different factors. In addition to the quality it must have, what makes an object exclusive is its limited production.

The Ferrari Enzo had a limited production of 399 units, although, initially, the brand planned to build 349 but, given the strong demand from its customers, it was forced to increase that figure by 50 more. This made the Enzo Ferrari quickly become an object of desire.

Inspired by Formula 1

Michael Schumacher, then a driver for the Italian team, was involved in the development of the Enzo. And frankly, the inspiration in Formula 1 is noticeable, for example, in the elongated body with a bumper that clearly evokes the f1 cars of that time.

Designed by Ken Okuyama for Pininfarina, it features a movable aileron system with variable downforce.

Its double-height hood advanced towards the front in the shape of a ‘V’ and on the sides its wide heels stood out, which formed the rear wings and offered two ventilation ducts next to the rear axle.

Another novelty of the Enzo was that, for the first time on a Ferrari model, it was equipped with carbon brakes signed by Brembo.

without spoiler

Another of the curiosities of the Ferrari Enzo is that its spectacular design lacked a spoiler, unlike its predecessors, the F4 and the F50, which did have a large spoiler at the rear.

Instead, it featured a large rear diffuser and a completely smooth top, with the engine housed under massive glass.

Only for very exclusive clients

Another factor that raises the degree of exclusivity of a product is the way it is sold. Or, in other words, the limitations established by the manufacturer to get hold of one of its units.

As happened with the Ferrari F40, to get a unit of the Enzo it was not enough just to have a very wealthy checking account, but the ‘applicant’ also had to already be a ‘good’ customer of the brand.

This means that whoever wanted to buy one of the 399 Enzo units had to own at least two Ferraris purchased directly from the brand.

The last unit was given to Pope John Paul II

The last freak of the Ferrari Enzo that we want to highlight is the unit that the brand gave to Pope John Paul II. We’ve previously noted that Ferrari limited production of the Enzo to 399 units. Well, actually, it was 400.

This last unit was manufactured with a single purpose, to give it to Karol Józef Wojtila, Juan named Pope as John Paul II, from 1978 until his death in 2005. Precisely, in January 2005, Ferrari gave him the exclusive unit, just a few months before of his death, on April 2.

It was finished in the exclusive Rosso Scuderia colour, a paint rarely seen on the Enzo and more commonly used on Formula 1 single-seaters. Additionally, it fitted unique options such as Daytona seats and a carbon rear wing, and The interior was finished in black and beige leather, with carbon fiber seats.

After the Pope’s death, the Enzo was auctioned off and sold to a collector who paid $950,000 (882,000 euros). Later, in 2015, the car was auctioned again, exceeding 6 million dollars, just over 5.5 million euros.