5 Cheapest Used Ferraris That You Can Buy Right Now

Since introducing the first Ferrari-badged model in 1947, the Italian manufacturer has become the biggest name in motorsport and one of the biggest names in the world of high-performance sports cars.

For many enthusiasts, owning a Ferrari is the ultimate dream, but since a new one , or even a reasonably prestigious used model,  is extremely expensive, only some can make that dream come true.

Nevertheless, if you're one of those enthusiasts who want to make that dream come true and you don't have - or don't want to spend - a fortune on one, here are five reasonably priced used alternatives, according to sales data from classic.com.

Ferrari Mondial 8 - $40,452

Unveiled at the 1980 Geneva Motor Show, the Mondial was a 2+2-seat GT coupe (a convertible was added later) that succeeded the 208/308 GT4 as the company's entry-level model.

Donning a Pininfarina-designed body, it was produced until 1993 in four distinct series that mainly looked the same but featured mechanical upgrades.

For the average price of $40,452, you can get an example of the 1980-1982 Mondial 8.

The first iteration of the Mondial series it was only available as a coupe and came with a 2.9-liter Tipo F106B FI V8 linked to a five-speed manual.

The same engine used by its predecessor, albeit updated with electronic fuel injection, the Mondial 8's V8 was rated at a modest 214 hp.

Mainly because it was underpowered, the model was heavily criticized by the press and Ferrari fans.

That's also the reason why it's currently the least-desirable Ferrari of them all. But, on the bright side, it's also the cheapest and definitely not the ugliest.

Ferrari 400 Automatic i - $48,578

Arguably the ugliest Ferrari ever built and unquestionably the most plebian-looking model on this list is the 400i Automatic (officially called 400 Automatic i).

It debuted in 1979 as the third member of the 365 GT4/400/412 family of front-engined 2+2 grand tourers.

The model is an updated, fuel-injected version of the 400 Automatic, which was the first-ever Ferrari to feature an automatic transmission.

Though it looked pretty dull, the model featured a 4.8-liter, 311-hp naturally-aspirated V12 matted to the highly-praised GM Turbo Hydra-Matic three-speed automatic gearbox.

It also benefitted from a gorgeous full-leather interior - a vast improvement over the older 400 Automatic and GT.

Produced from 1979 to 1985 in 883 units, this classic grand tourer might not be the prettiest prancing horse, but it's rare, ultra-comfortable, and affordable.

Ferrari 456 GTA - $51,151

If the idea of an automatic, front-engine Ferrari is enticing, but you want something more modern and powerful, look no further than the 456 GTA.

Launched in 1995 as the automatic gearbox version of the 456, the GTA was a gorgeous grand tourer built until 1998 in only 403 examples.

Under the hood, it featured a 5.5-liter V12, good for 436 hp. Not only was it more powerful than the F101 EL it replaced, but the evolved engine sang an addictive tune that only twelve cylinders could produce.

Performance-wise, the 456 GTA could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 192 mph (309 kph).

When the 456 was introduced, those figures made it the world's second-fastest production four-seater, behind Porsche's legendary 959.

Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 - $68,162

The 308 GT4 debuted in 1973 and was built until 1980, when the above-mentioned Mondial replaced it.

During its first three years on the market, it was sold under the Dino brand, but from May 1976 onwards, it received Ferrari badges.

Unlike the first series of Dinos, this model received a new, transversely-mounted V8, with an output of 255 hp in the Euro version and 240 hp in the North American version.

The all-aluminum engine was mated to a five-speed manual transaxle and was equipped with dual overhead cams (DOHC) as well as four Weber carbs.

About 2,800 units were produced during the model's seven-year lifespan. Although that doesn't make it rare, the 304 GT4 represents an important milestone in the history of road-going Ferraris, being the first-ever production model to feature a mid-mounted V8.

Furthermore, the 304 GT4 was the first Ferrari production model to use a Bertone-designed body instead of one created by long-time partners Pininfarina.

Ferrari 308 GTS - $70,675

The 308 GTB series was introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 1975. The idea behind its creation was to add a more premium mid-engine V8 prancing horse to the stable.

Two years later, it was joined in the Ferrari lineup by a Targa-top version called GTS.

The GTB and GTS were the first installments of a model family that was produced until 1988 in four distinct evolutions.

Unlike the Dino 308 GT4, this model received a gorgeous Pinninfarina-designed body that, to this day, is considered one of Ferrari's most beautiful.

Initially, the bodies were made from fiberglass, but from 1977 onwards, production switched to steel, which led to a weight increase of around 331 pounds (150 kg).

Power came from a 252-hp 2.9-liter V8 mated to a 5-speed manual. It was a slightly modified version of the engine used in the 308 GT4.

Though the GTB and GTS were identical (save for the top), the latter is currently about 15 percent cheaper. The Targa top might be more desirable during the summer but is prone to leaks caused by worn seals.

These five models prove that a Ferrari can be somewhat affordable. However, keep in mind that owning one will always be expensive.

Though legendary, Ferraris are not known for being reliable cars. Furthermore, they are obscenely expensive to maintain, with parts hard to source - particularly for older models.

So, in conclusion, be careful what you wish for!