The Ferrari F50 is the Goldilocks Supercar: Just Right - ISSIMI DRIVES

Derek Tam-Scott is an outspoken critic of many (perhaps even most?) supercars but his experience with the Ferrari F50 is different. Existing somewhere between the unforgiving nature of the Lamborghini Countach and the far too fast to properly use on the road character of modern supercars, the F50 is among the most enjoyable Ferrari road cars for the last 40 years. Employing F1 technology for the road such as a composite chassis, stressed member naturally-aspirated 8500 RPM V12, 6-speed manual transmission, and complete lack of driver aids, the F50 is a thrilling yet still surprisingly easy to drive supercar that truly is super.
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[@Indskret]

Glad that the F50 is slowly getting more recognition, at least the one it deserved.

[@iluvcakes19]

Don't think it ever lacked recognition. It's just that like the F40, the F50, is so darn exclusive.

[@XLTBlarg]

I always loved the F50. After the 360 Modena this is my favorite.

[@UFO721]

If a market value of +3 million isn’t recognition then I don’t know what is!

[@grimm6jack]

@@UFO721 Make it close to 5 million now...

[@Ovadose850]

The F50 was always my favorite car of all time ever since I was a child in the late 90s. I had the poster on my wall, I had the scale model, I had the supercar books which gave the performance specs & I still remember them 0-60 in 3.7 seconds, top speed 202 mph, 4.7 liter naturally aspirated V12. I played the video games & drove this car over & over again Need for Speed Hot Pursuit & HP2, Project Gotham Racing 1 2 & 3, & all the Forza Motorsports. A true automotive work of art in my eyes, I love the absolute shit out of this car & always will 👍

[@noncog1]

And the f50 gt is a whole other level above. F50 gt is one of the greatest cars ever

[@jdsk8914]

The F50 is the grail for me. Gorgeous car 😍

[@R8andGT3Fan]

I was going to write a comment, but you said exactly what I was going to write. I remember the speed in km/h because that's how it was written on my poster: 325. I decided that cars that couldn't reach 325 were sh*t, so the F40, reaching 324, didn't deserve my respect. 🤣🤣🤣 Of course I had no internet so I didn't know about the EB110 or the McL F1 top speeds... 🙈

[@jdsk8914]

@@R8andGT3Fan on NFS2 it would default to 325...but if I got a bit a decline/slope I'd see 328 :P

[@mopsnuf]

I'm still coming to terms with knowing a lot about many vehicles' dynamics through video games. Of course it is not real and my real life experience in any serious machinery has been rather limited, but I catch myself arguing for example a GT3 versus a F430 in conversation, feeling highly connected to their limit behaviours. Shifting feel, materials, smell, and view outside to name a few play a crucial role in experiencing a car of course, but through many hours of gaming I feel like I've got a window into a very special world. And I don't think we're at the point where this is taken seriously, nor am I fully confident I do so myself!

[@noobasdfjkl]

This is Derek's best job presenting every. He's really gotten a lot better in front of the camera, and what a video to do so with. I've always loved this car.

[@istvanlorinczi2817]

Carmudgeon really made him a better off-script presenter

[@gmain1977]

@@MrSonUMad what you talking about he sounds fine

[@danielmurphy601]

It’s hard to speak on camera because usually everything you say repeats back 😬

[@bennguyen6827]

I disagree. His best performance was when he went shirtless for Jason HAHAHA

[@gouldnj]

This car seemed to be a victim of “Clarkson syndrome”, where he said something and then every auto journalist of the day parroted him like he was auto Jesus and good cars died. Now we see those cars being restored and driven without his ridiculous British slant and the truth being told. Thanks for this, this car is pure sex on wheels.

[@matteightytwo]

There was that and it was also a very different time. This was a follow on from the F40, an utterly bonkers car, a very hard act to follow and this was a plainly different car It happened with the E30 and E36 M3 for example too

[@pereldh5741]

Haha so true. Its also his fault everyone knows about the Lancia 037 and no-one (-ish) about the Delta S4… 😒

[@jameswillard1]

Clarkson just said things to be controversial, if people liked a car (997 Turbo) he hated it, on the other hand he called the LFA the greatest car ever when literally every review at the time said it was a world class engine in a lackluster car. I lost all respect for him when he did a review on the R35 GTR gushing about how amazing it was and then did another review a few months later completely trashing it 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@coreygolphenee9633]

I still want the f40 more, the driving position construction everything about is a 500hp go kart, the ultimate dream

[@R8andGT3Fan]

@@jameswillard1 What a disgusting person...

[@thomasxl200]

Heard you talking about the F50 on the last Carmudgeon Show and I wasn't expecting this to pop up right after! Awesome job as always Derek.

[@Specproof]

I absolutley adore the F50 since my childhood. I personally prefer it to the F40, Enzo and other top tier Ferraris, mainly because of the looks and "underdog" status.

[@thegirthquake8574]

I agree with Hyphen on this-- the F40 vs F50 comparison was always apples and oranges-- The F40 was a turbo go-kart for racing jockeys. It was fun in it's own brutal way, whereas the F50 always gave the presentation of "This car is for the driver to FEEL-- to be apart of the experience".

[@-POISON-]

The most beautiful Ferrari, in my opinion. And a true legend.

[@sarahdell4042]

The F50 was a large motivator for me. I had a model as a kid, along with various publications on the car. I was obsessed. It was always a target for the future. I’ve been fortunate to own a few Ferraris over the years, but nothing F50 level. Sadly, they are well out of reach now. Beautiful video.

[@tommyfreckmann6857]

Which models have you owned?

[@nicholastzilinis3832]

you have kidneys dont you? I mean you can still drive on dialysis if you sold them for an f50 lol

[@JoeEngineer]

I have to admit when this first came out, I was conflicted on the front end styling, but in this world of overwrought design where even a RAV4 has a rage face, the soft rounded corners of the F50 have grown easy on the eyes. The fact that it is a great driving experience is the cherry on top. So. Much. Want.

[@ClinicalDecisionYikesYT]

So many words typed, but so little said. If you’re an engineer, you must be incredibly useless.

[@TractControlOff]

Absolutely well said. For me, it's the pinnacle supercar from an era when this car was possible. And love the looks or not, every owner I've spoken with who has owned both prefers driving this to the F40.

[@TheFpsStealth]

Easily Ferrari's best ever car, and will sadly never be beaten. Great video.

[@longtailgt]

Back in the late 90s/ early 00s, this car used to be my absolute favourite in, and because of, NFS II and when I finally had access to the internet many years later, I was gobsmacked to find out how many people disliked this car (and particularly Clarkson's opinions on it) because I couldn't believe how a car I loved so much and thought so highly of, could be thought of completely the opposite by the public. But after all this time, I'm so happy to see the F50 finally getting the appreciation it always deserved!

[@thegamingguy1]

Derek is like a friend you never talk to but every time you see each other it's just like old times 🙂

[@puddud4]

Wow! This is my favorite one yet! Derek has improved so much over time. The fact that he's able to deliver his message on the spot and while driving is incredible. His ability to so quickly come to these conclusions highlights how much of professional he is. Super excited for whoever gets to own this car. Even at $4 million this is an astonishingly special car. Shout out to the cameraman. With cars this valuable I assume they can't use mounts. They still managed to really show up for this car. Major props

[@edholmwood]

As always a thoughtful and comprehensive review. Very entertaining.

[@colapone1895]

I never cared about the bad criticism the F50 got, I admired it because, it just was an absolute Machine, connected directly through no electrics or anything, just you and the car, and honestly being a car enthusiast, in the words of Clarkson, "a V12 strapped to your back" Honestly intrigues me weirdly to like it more because, well, who doesn't love a V12?

[@wombatsauce]

Great video! I miss those roads.. Always been a fan of the F50, and had no idea it would be so rare. I've only seen one myself, some twenty-five years ago, in a garage at Los Gatos Ferrari. Used to work nearby and would stop occasionally to just stare at the cars. One day I saw the rear quarter and unmistakeable wing of the F50 inside of a presumably off-limits area. I couldn't resist... I was just standing staring and heard a rather stern voice "HI WHAT ARE YOU DOING!" Not really so much a question.. I stammered that I just wanted to look so the fellow was kind enough to let me walk around it, while talking about a few things - mostly the incredible cost of the tyres. I asked if he runs it or has driven it and he said "sure yeah, I could start it up right now!" I asked if he would and got a quick "NO." and then it was time to leave. Will never forget.

[@iulian2548]

Really nailed it. Imagine what was going on at Ferrari after Enzo's departure and the F40, they come up with this. If I could drive a car of choice, this is it. The ultimate underdog.

[@marcoskatsuragi]

When I was a kid, I always heard that the F40 was better than the F50 and that the F50 had been a disappointment. I never understood this, I've always been a big fan of the F50, the sound and concept of this car. Excellent video.

[@yargable]

Got a ride in one of these that my mechanic owned many years ago... he let it warm up for a few minutes and then ran it through redline in 1st and 2nd. Unforgettable experience... you can feel the engine vibrating through the entire car and the torque/sound of the V12 close through the last 2k RPMs is phenomenal.

[@racingmaniacgt1]

F50 is kinda interesting. I think from the Evo reviews in the early-mid 2000s when they were collecting the then famous Ferrari "F" cars (288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo, etc) the surprise was always the F50. I feel like people of a certain age(maybe Derek's age) probably all remember the car as not as fast as F40 and just kind overshadowed by its era and the purity of its design concept just doesn't dominate the conversation, but as time went on and cars sorta evolved, the pureness of the formula(no driver aids, manual, race car like construction and engineering) I think shined through. Carrera GT basically is the same formula and it came later and actually got a much more favorable reception in its time. I think Chris Harris's F40 and F50 video also adds to that image shift for me as well.

[@r129r16pfl]

From all the special F cars, F50 is the only one who checks all the boxes. 1. n/a V12 2. manual gearbox 288/F40 has the geated shifter, but lacks the all mighty n/a v12 Enzo/LaF has the V12, but lacks the gearbox...

[@1erickf50]

@@r129r16pfl Let me add one more box: 3. Targa top (by default) The LaFerrari had to wait about 3-5 years before the Aperta was released.

[@TheCabrooster11]

I’ve never understood why the F50 wasn’t lauded in the same way as the 288GTO or F40 I’ve always thought it was amazing to look at and the larger capacity N/A engine would make it wonderful to drive, thanks to Derek and this great drive video I now know that I’m not alone in my opinion.

[@beanmachine3112]

This is one of the best car reviews I've ever seen - it helps that this is one of my favorite cars ever as a 90's kid. Amazing work Derek!

[@jameseli5782]

I love this series. Beautifully photographed, great writing and the commentary is well presented. Excellent work!

[@SmallBlogV8]

This was my childhood dream car, thanks in part to NFS II. I'm glad it seems to have aged so well. That long nose would be a problem on the sort of roads I'd want to take it to, though!

[@jdsk8914]

The F50 showcase on NFS 2 was so awesome. The way it power slides 😍

[@jordanbandak7440]

Please don’t stop doing these movies. They are exceptional! Where else can plebes see and hear cars like these? The only downside is that now I have a deep want for so many of these machines. I’m convinced the 90s will go down in history as the golden age of driver’s cars. Goldilocks as you say.

[@christophercatto7184]

2:48 is one of the best parts to really enjoy the engine sound with the short pauses for gearchanges. what we lose with DCT gearboxes is that momentary pause, which to me is like the short moment of instrument tuning you get in an orchestra before they start to play. In the search for perfection (in gearchanges) I think paddle gearboxes lose a lot of analogue interaction with a driver.

[@KoenigF50]

Still my all time favorite supercar. I remember reading a magazine article where Luca di Montezemolo listed the Mercedes SL as sales competition for the F50 : )) Had the poster on my bedroom door for a decade. This was the best shot video I've ever seen on an F50. The production was amazing, your presentation was great. Thank you for this video and I hope the car finds a good home.

[@Kamukix]

Agreed, it's still my favorite supercar of all time. It is perfect 👌

[@z32luvr]

Great points. I love a car that demands you to drive it. The same reason I love my Honda S2000.

[@alexargow3802]

Favorite car since 10 years old. Absolute masterpiece!!

[@PaulStewartAviation]

Really enjoyable! The F50 was my childhood hero car growing up.

[@Aadyi]

Very pleasant video with great insights into one of my childhood all time favorites! Thanks ISSIMI!

[@misterstone5237]

This has been the best honest review I've ever seen of this car. Lovely cinematography and presentation! Thank you!

[@Oldmurray9323]

Awesome work, but if I can make one request. The first person view that you guys use at the end of your hagerty videos where camisa drives on the winding road is great and gives a real sense of what the car is doing as you see the direction changes with how much steering angle you give. this would have made this video a bit better since its a "drive"

[@neoanderson7]

Truly envious of you being able to sample such a beauty. I've always wanted one. Since it's debut, I knew it would fit me and my driving style like a glove. At the time it was this and the McLaren F1. However, the F1 seemed truly unobtainable. The F50 was still something slightly more obtainable (relatively speaking of course..). Time marches on.. now look at things... I swear, if I had the 3-4milUS to obtain such a thing, I would pick one up without flinching. Alas.. the universe is a cruel mistress... At least I know there's 1 more human who understands this phenomenal beast! 😎

[@jasondeol3]

This is why the first gen Murcielago with a gated manual is the perfect supercar. It presents the early tech that the F50 didn’t have, but still encapsulates the same driving soul. The F50 really is amazing though.

[@christopherrempel8168]

Great job Derek. Couldn’t agree more (having not driven an f50). Totally under appreciated.

[@GeorgeLupica]

Whatever whoever said. I had two models, the Red one and the Silver one. To this day I think they both look great and my only worry regarding it would be which color to pick...

[@brembopollypor9965]

Simply lovely 🙂But to me a naturally aspirated engine with all its power up top, which I also love, is more like a 2-stroke than like a turbo. Modern turbo's have lots of low down grunt, whereas 2-strokes are more like nothing.....nothing......zingggggg. Ever ridden a Yamaha RD500 or Suzuki RG? Great fun! Porsche's Vario-cam Plus, where you suddenly get extra intake valve lift is another good example of that 'coming on the cam's' feeling.

[@DouglasJWalker]

I have always loved this are and what a real treat that you did this review. More vids please!!

[@adogmcdizzle]

Stunning exterior shots and setting

[@jdsk8914]

Excellent narration and driving 👏 F50 is gorgeous 😍

[@TGoff-fz7yh]

Gawh, so well spoken and depth of knowledge that just flows as you drive. Impressive.

[@SavageListener]

I have a 1:18 die cast of this exact car. It's one of the best designed supercars I've seen. It has all the outrageous design cues that are elegantly executed from every angle. Real functioning vents in perfect proportions and such a natural flow in body design. Kudos to the designers.

[@WithCarePlz]

I think the dichotomy of the car you’re seeing in 2022 is due to most things you’ve heard driving-wise about the F50 are on 30 year old tire compounds. Modern tire compounds transform the handling and ride of older sporty cars

[@markseabrook5279]

Just found Derek. ‘Love the presentation and the learning curve

[@cruc1anberg]

Great work. I wish I knew your channel before, but I am glad to know it now. Good luck 🍀

[@evanfinch4987]

The F50 was made--in my opinion--in the era where the interface between man and machine was best. I love your video.

[@JustinSeara]

THIS is what a Ferrari is all about

[@GuilhermeAtencio]

One of my favorite cars and one of my favorite car people. Thank you.

[@elmadi7391]

Heavenly sound, thank you for your video 😍🇮🇹

[@michaelgakanga]

What wrongful journalism can do to a car by swaying the masses in the wrong direction. Glad to hear a presenter as discerning as you actually give the car as well as others the praise they deserve. You just keep nailing the reviews and I can’t be more happy

[@1erickf50]

I suspect that wrong journalism was on purpose so that only the top rich were able to know what the F50 experience really was

[@andrehooker3229]

F40 - race car for the street F50 - elegant beauty and grace

[@davidsahlem3149]

watching this video makes me miss driving through woodside and la honda to the beaches in the bay area!

[@jonathanblake5844]

Absolutely amazing channel and content!

[@WordToMomsYo]

Gorgeous film.. well done!

[@johnshaw3208]

Well said. It's not about the numbers, but the experience.

[@R3LF13]

These videos are so well produced and I love Derek as a presenter - both his style and his perspective. I never really liked this car as a fan because I thought it was ugly, big, and heavy compared to the F40, which I love, but watching this and getting Derek's take, I get it. I still like the F40 better, but I appreciate it more. Great job, Issimi!

[@lcowboy8918]

Love seeing cars like this driven!

[@ericcarabetta1161]

Best Ferrari of all time. It's unbelievable to me how underappreciated this car is, it's so much cooler than the much more common and overrated F40.

[@adogmcdizzle]

Coming back 16-months later and this remains a fantastic film

[@ConstanceMists]

My favorite Ferrari production car of all time. I don’t know if there will ever be another design that can evoke so many feelings. As close to perfection as Ferrari has ever come in the modern era

[@chevyfan029]

This reminds me of old /Drive videos from 10 years ago. Great production work

[@bbkerrC4S]

Go Derek Go!!! Great vid!

[@craigk.5823]

You just have to love the roads used in this review. It is so much more believable when the car is driven on the type of roads it was designed to attack.

[@donaldmokgale3123]

Brilliant review! Thank you

[@hypercarinvitational6731]

beautiful commentary Derek, nice video!

[@NoahBB]

Great video. Something about the filming really captures the presence of the car perfectly.

[@Poorschedriver]

Truly remarkable Hyphen. It's amazing that you and the team just keep raising the bar. I've always felt that the F50 was an unsung hero and it's so refreshing to hear that my suspiscion was correct. I love the idea that there exists a supercar that it's McLaren stupid fast, that can actually be exploited, and is truly analog. IMO I don't think any car offers the analog experience of an F1 or CGT, with less power which enables you to more comfortably explore the performance enevelope. It's nice to have to rev the engine and work for it rather than get smashed with a ton of torque.

[@tarynwebster2883]

Great job Derek!

[@drexwlwlwlwlwlw]

Awesome choice of camera focal length by the videographer, the onboard gives an amazing sense of speed!

[@zee00717]

Exquisite. Bravo, DT-S.

[@MrElnuno]

Wonderful video my friend. Top notch production, of course an amazing car (one of my 3-car-garage cars) and awesome scenery.

[@WardoUSA]

Might be my favorite car ever. The lack of exhaust sounds still get me every time I see a new video.

[@DJ80s]

I was 16 years old just getting my driver's license when I read about this car in Motor Trend. Back then when it was released, they highlighted how rare and limited Ferrari made it, and how fast it was. Brand new in the mid '90s it cost half a million dollars. I can't imagine how expensive they are today.

[@EnthusiastsGarage]

I don't think I've seen movie theater quality editing in an automotive review video before. Very well done.

[@MattH-wg7ou]

One of my all-time favorites.

[@kevmagill5163]

To hear Derek perfectly describe everything I've thought and hoped about one of my favorite Ferraris is soul affirming to this car nut...it sums up the, " this is quintessential Ferrari Supercar", ethos. Awesome car, awesome review!! I'm now furiously scrolling to see if BTS with DTS has driven my other favorite Ferrari...the 288 GTO.

[@air-headedaviator1805]

Gotta wonder of I’ll ever get a chance to engage with such a car, cause you make it sound like a must honestly

[@casualobserver77]

My all-time favorite car. F50 = my dream

[@simonsnethen4162]

DTS is exceptional at describing how the driving controls interact with you. I’ve never heard someone take their time describing that medium so well.

[@divid3dbyZero]

My first poster car! Love this machine!

[@Kashi941]

I love the F50. The V12 has such an absolutely pleasant sound which I can just not describe. Especially as it is mated with a manual gearbox .I don't get why it got so much hate. I absolutely love the line of the side and the rear, not to mention that beautiful looking spoiler. An absolute dream of a car.

[@obi-wankenobi7160]

How does this video only have 54k views? One of my favorite videos on YT other than his review of the F1

[@honey6446464]

My absolute dream car sins I a have seen the first pics of it in the early 90‘s. Had a poster of it on the wall and is still have the 1/12 Modell of it in the living room. ❤❤❤

[@rahulsudhir666]

Another fantastic piece Hyphen! The fact that Ferrari refused to let journos test it properly really soiled the F50's reputation. It was so awesome when Chris Harris was given both the F40 n F50 by an owner who specifically insisted that he ring them out and that he'd be disappointed if he didn't put it sideways all throughout Portimao. The owner even supplied an additional set of tyres so that there was no compromise! I wish more owners would drive these majestic machines and share them with the world instead of locking em up in a basement hoping they keep appreciating in value. Thank you Hyphen for sharing this example with us and thanks to the owner!

[@tiredoworking9350]

Nice job, DTS. Sharp.

[@CptBaconNipple]

Colorgrading and cameraplay in this video are fantastic. Could you give me a brief tutorial on the settings you used and what software you used to edit? This style is the film style I'm trying to get on my college projects!

[@AndrewNguyenOfficial]

Growing up, I drooled over a handful of cars; the McLaren F1, Lamborghini Diablo SV, Jaguar XJ220, and this. The F50 is absolutely beautiful and still catches my attention like it was the first time.

[@ask4george1]

I've always wanted to drive that car. I have a 2006 Ferrari F430, which I love, but getting a chance behind the wheel of that car would be epic !

[@gr0schibre572]

The video is a masterpiece. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@SharpTurnStudios]

Hyphen has found his element! Also, having never driven a single Ferrari, if you offered me the keys to any production prancing horse from the past 30 years, I'd pick F50 nine times out of ten.

[@Wirenfeldt1990]

If Cammisa wasn’t there he’ll be piiiiiissed by the time the next Carmudgeon show rolls around..

[@ralphbryant8178]

That last statement I agree. I believe cars should give a accessible experience no matter the intent

[@tips4truckers252]

First video of yours i seen good review

[@pereldh5741]

You’re the new king of car youtube Derek

[@Edgedrifle]

The fact Derek is truly driving the car is awesome

[@NigelMarston]

I didn't like the F50 at the time of release but it's worn really well and I think it's one of the best cars of its era now. Maybe that's my evolved/aged taste or my evolved sense of appreciation of the engineering that went into the F50. At the other end of the ($£) scale, I had a TVR Cerbera 4.5 which had a similar lack of low-end torque but built beautifully the more and more you squeezed out of the accelerator. It made for a very benign drive in town but a top speed of a little over 190mph. It also meant, you never felt scared to really push it knowing it was quite predictable (engine wise - handling needed sorting before the same could be said of that). The F50 has a lovely analogue approach which is sadly missing from today's star-cars. They seem more video game than drivers cars now. This is a great series of videos - amazing that it's free content. Liked and subbed..!!

[@alexmartinez280]

The first dream car of mine since it’s debut in 95. I got the 1:16 scale model hoping for the full size car one day soon.