The worst 5 Ferraris ever

Poor Ferraris? Well, yes. The brand may be mythical, but it has still released some shocking vehicles. Let’s be honest, though: even the worst Ferrari will always be better than the average car.

208 GTB

This is most probably one of the most beautiful Ferraris in history. And of course, it was Magnum PI’s car. The 308 GTB originally had a fibreglass body and a 255hp V8 engine. So far, so good. Then came the downfall: a heavier steel body, sloppy finishing and a transition to injection that made the power tumble to 210hp. But the worst was yet to come: the version specific to the Italian market (by now rebranded 208 GTB) has a 2-litre V8 of 155hp.

Dino 208 GT4

This one has everything to dismay fans of the brand, who swear by the two-seater V12 front-engine berlinettas designed by Pininfarina. This Dino, however, has a central V8 engine and four (small) seats and was designed by Bertone. And yet the result was quite convincing on the road... in its 308 version, that is. Again, the Italian market version is equipped with a 2-litre V8 engine and the result is clear: the 170hp of the 208 GT4 fails to live up to the Ferrari badge.

Mondial 8

It is at present the most affordable Ferrari – which doesn’t mean you have to rush out and buy it. The Mondial 8 was presented in 1980 and was the successor to the Dino 308 GT4. This time Pininfarina was back at the helm – but not at its best, as this rather bland line shows. As for the central 3-litre V8 engine, the emission standards hamper its power and make it tumble down to 215hp. Not at all reliable, not very fast, not very pretty. Stay away.

400i

As mentioned, four-seaters never won the hearts of hardcore Ferraristi. And the 400i is not going to change their minds. Once again, Pininfarina had an off day. As for the V12 engine, the transition to injection made it drop 30hp. Granted, there are still 310 left, but they dawdle in an automatic three-speed gearbox – an affront to the prestige of the brand.

348 tb/ts

On paper, this 348 tb has it all. A highly suggestive line, available in closed roof or targa, with a splendid 3.4-litre V8 engine, delivering a whopping 300 horsepower. All’s well, then? No, because the chassis ruins it all with its unstable and sneaky behaviour. The GTB/GTS versions will calm things down.