Ferrari have been producing memorable vehicles for over 65 years now but one of their most iconic creations was also one of their most short lived. The Ferrari F50 was produced for just two short years between 1995 and 1997 but it left an indelible mark which has seen it become one of the most eagerly sought after cars of all time.

In that brief period, only 349 cars were made and as a result, sales are scarce and you can expect to pay a premium for one of Ferrari's rarer models.

The car itself was made for launch in 1995 to specifically celebrate the company's 50th anniversary but its roots were held in the Ferrari 333 SP which was a Le Mans prototype which provided the engine for the new Ferrari F50. All the power of the car can therefore be felt in that engine – a 4.7 litre, 60 valve, naturally aspirated V12 which was itself derived from a Ferrari Formula One Car of the early 1990's.

A mid engine, rear wheel drive vehicle, the F50 translated all of that power into impressive results. It could achieve 0-60 in just 3.7 seconds while the vehicle had a top speed of 194 miles per hour. Its streamlined design and lightweight frame were contributory factors in those statistics but the F50 still had that solid look that everyone associates with the famous marque.

Another touch that helped to make the car instantly recognisable as a Ferrari came in the colouring. Of the 349 models that were ultimately made, 302 came in the classic Rosso Corsa shade of red. In addition, 31 were in yellow, four silver and four black while a further eight were made in the darker Rosso Barchetta.

The company had wanted something special with which to celebrate their 50th anniversary and with the F50, they certainly had it. This was a stand-out car for the Italian factory but even by Ferrari's standards, the price of the vehicle put it out of the reach of all but the super-rich.

When the make was released in 1995, the very first models cost between USD$ 480,000 and $555,000 on the road and the market for this very exclusive vehicle has remained expensive but buoyant ever since. The company's original intention always was for this to be a limited edition car and the cost has always matched its comparative rarity.

Plans were also set in motion to use the car as a GT version in the world of motorsport. However, while initial testing suggested that the F50 was a faster and potentially more promising car than the Le Mans inspired 333 SP, the development programme to turn it into a powerful racing competitor was eventually wound down.

The legacy of the Ferrari F50 remains however as one of the most desirable cars that the stable has ever produced. Its exclusivity was ensured with a limited edition production of less than 350 models and this rare beast is highly sought after by classic vehicle enthusiasts across the globe.