Could the J50 be the best looking Ferrari ever?

Released to celebrate 50 years of supercar sales in Japan, is this the finest Ferrari there is?

Ferrari are not known for their conservative designs. From the early days of long-nosed racers to the iconic 1961 E-Type, the Italian automaker has always pushed the envelope of car shapes and structures.

But could Ferrari’s latest offering be the most strikingly beautiful car that has ever rolled off their production line?

The J50 is intended to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ferraris being sold in Japan – much like last year’s F60 celebrated six decades of supercar sales in the US.

Based on the 488 Spyder, but borrowing style and design elements from the first Ferraris to be sold on Japanese shores, the J50 has the look of now-retro models such as the F40, F50 and 308 of the seventies through nineties – with its custom wheels, quad-taillights and a black ‘water line’.

Only ten examples of this beautiful car will be made, and all are believed to have been sold already. And, with a 20 horsepower boost on the 488’s 3.9-litre turbo V8, we’re surprised that it didn’t fly off the shelves faster.

The base model’s retractable hard top has been replaced by a removable targa roof, and new aggressive styling comes as a result of a lower-swooping windscreen and a front bumper redesigned to gulp in as much air as it can.

Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?

Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.

Click here to find out more