Video: The Ferrari 639 is a V12 beauty you’ve not seen before

16th February 2022

Ben Miles

We recently brought you a list of what we think are the best-looking F1 cars of all time. In it we pondered whether the Ferrari 640 or 641 deserved a place on the list. There is another car in the bloodline that could make the list: the 639.

OK, so the 639 never raced, as it was just a mule for testing out the new semi-automatic gearbox design that would eventually make it into the hands of Nigel Mansell in 1989. Tested a lot in 1988 by Roberto Moreno, Ferrari struggled to get the car to work properly and never introduced it.

Now the only one in the world is in private hands and regularly exercised at various Ferrari Corsa Clienti days. And we should all be thankful for that. While it wasn’t successful enough to even make it onto the track it sounds incredible, complete with a 3.5-litre NA V12, and looks awesome. It has to be said though, it isn’t quite as pretty as a 641, so we’re happy with our decision.

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a mid-morning helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Fiat 126 rally cars will make you smile