Ferrari has long been infamous for its high performance, luxury, and racing pedigree. Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1947, the carmaker has built its reputation on producing some of the most desirable and powerful engines worldwide. These have not only powered Ferrari’s vehicles but have also found their way into some unexpected places. 

A History Of Collaboration

The practice of using Ferrari engines in non-Ferrari vehicles dates back to the 1960s and has continued over the decades. This cross-pollination of car DNA has occurred for various reasons, sometimes as part of strategic partnerships between manufacturers and other times as passion projects by wealthy enthusiasts or innovative engineers.

Sharing Automotive DNA

Whichever the inspiration, Ferrari’s willingness to share its power plants, albeit selectively, has led to some intriguing offspring. They often represent the best of both worlds—the heart of a thoroughbred Italian sports car beating inside a more practical, versatile, or unexpected body. 

A Peek Under The Hood

While some Ferrari purists could consider this fusion sacrilegious, it reflects Ferrari-level power in more accessible packages. A peek beneath the hood of some of these cars will reveal engines ranging from the screaming naturally aspirated Ferrari V8s and V12s to the more compact V6 units. 

Non-Ferrari Cars With Ferrari Engines

As we explore these six unexpected cars sporting Ferrari engines, we’ll see how the prancing horse’s heart can upgrade a car into an automotive legend. Each engine brings a piece of Ferrari’s racing history and engineering, often turning the host vehicle into something extraordinary.

Lancia Stratos 

The Lancia Stratos is a stunning rally-bred sports car that debuted in the 1970s. Designed by Marcello Gandini, it had a mid-mounted Ferrari Dino V6 engine that produced around 190 horsepower. This combination made the Stratos a formidable force in rally racing, where it won the World Rally Championship three times.

1964 Innocenti 186 GT 

This was a small, sporty Italian coupe built by Innocenti in partnership with Enzo Ferrari. Enzo agreed to provide a 1.8-liter V6 engine derived from the Ferrari Dino, giving the 186 GT a level of performance that belied its diminutive size. The collaboration birthed two prototypes, with just one available today. 

Asa 1000 GT “Ferrarina” 

Nicknamed the “Ferrarina,” the ASA 1000 GT was a small sports car with big Ferrari technology. It was powered by a straight-four engine derived from Gioacchino Colombo’s engine. Envisioned as an entry-level Ferrari, it was ultimately branded under the ASA name. Despite its modest size, the “Ferrarina” delivered a driving experience worthy of its Ferrari lineage. 

New Lancia Stratos 

In a nod to the original rally legend, a new Lancia Stratos was developed in 2010 as a one-off homage. This modern reinterpretation was built on the chassis of a Ferrari F430 Scuderia and powered by the 4.3-liter V8 engine. Though Ferrari disagreed with mass production, recent reports suggest it might be happening. 

Maserati Coupé 

In the early 2000s, Maserati’s Coupé featured a 4.2-liter V8 engine derived from Ferrari’s designs. This engine is also used in the Maserati Spyder and Quattroporte and is closely related to racing engines. With 385 horsepower, the Maserati Coupé delivered a pure Ferrari experience wrapped in the elegance of a grand tourer. 

Fiat Dino

Produced between 1966 and 1973, the Fiat Dino was a collaboration between Fiat and Ferrari, with the Dino name referencing Enzo Ferrari’s son. The 2.0-liter V6 in the Dino 2000 and the 2.4-liter V6 in the Dino 2400 delivered impressive performance. Its integration allowed enthusiasts to experience Ferrari engineering in a more accessible offering.