The Sound of Excellence
About a month ago I went to the local Ferrari dealer with a group of friends. One of whom, referred to the trip as our “Entourage” moment. We’re all pretty young guys, almost as tight a group of friends as possible. That one guy happens to be the lone Ferrari owner of the group. Sure, we’d all like to share that distinction but we’re pretty happy.
Inside the dealership we order the parts we came to pick up, and get a tour of the new facilities shortly after, including the pretty slick service area. One car that was presently being looked at was a yellow Ferrari 355. I look on and happen to make a comment that the Ferrari 355 is, in my opinion, the best sounding car of all time.
The part manager happened to agree and shared a few thoughts on the matter. But it wasn’t so much what he said, it was more the take away. Sure, making a bold statement like that isn’t out of the ordinary but I think I can back it up.
A few ground rules…
1. Hyper cars are not included.
The reasons for that are pretty simple. Most hyper cars are hyper ridiculous. For this to work, cars that cost anywhere between $500,000 and up can’t be included. Obviously a Ferrari FXX, F40, Enzo, McLaren F1, Koenigsegg CCX, Lamborghini Reventon, Bugatti Veyron, etc. would top the rankings. So, those are out the window. Pretty simple.
2. Age does not count.
I personally don’t care about modern day emission standards, rules or regulations. I’m all about saving the environment and doing my part, but those regulations have basically ruined the sheer rawness from the supercar.
3. I’m not about American Muscle
And I just opened a big can of worms with that one. But I’m just not a big fan of cars that are so loud it hurts your inner ear drum. I appreciate a proper exhaust note that makes you turn your head, not plug your ears. Louder is not better.
4. Has to be stock
Performance exhausts, removed cats, whatever it might be can’t be included. This list is all about how it came from the factory.
So with no further ado… here’s my list:
Number 9: TVR Tuscan
The car that bumped the Dodge Viper from the list. There’s some similarities except for the fact the TVR will break down quite a bit more from the Viper. So why is it on the list instead of the Viper? Well, I see Vipers all the time. I’ve never seen a TVR on the road. For that reason alone: TVR wins.
Number 8: Audi R8
How can an Audi be on the list? Crazy, I know. But the Audi is here for one reason alone: Tony Stark is the shit. What does that have to do with this list? Nothing really. I just wanted to include the car for that reason alone.
Number 7: Ariel Atom
I got up close and personal with the Ariel Atom a couple of weeks ago at the exotic cruise in Toronto. It might be the ultimate guy’s toy. Say what you want about supercars, but at least your wife or girlfriend will want to be seen and sit in the car. The Atom basically says that you don’t give a shit about your significant other, you just want to have fun. And with that whine of a supercharger on that tiny Honda engine, the Atom sounds great.
Number 6: Corvette ZR1
A Corvette is a Corvette is a Corvette, except when it’s the ZR1. Why the double standards? The ZR1 isn’t just a slightly modified Corvette, it’s a beast. Sure it shares the same platform as the baby sister but this big brother moves like a wildebeest. It’s a relative newcomer to the list here so don’t hesitate to YouTube it.
Number 5: Aston Martin Vanquish
James Bond would be proud. Yes, I’m listing the Vanquish and not the DBS. Why’s that? The DBS is too quiet now and I blame the noise regulations first and foremost. You’d think the governments would be more willing to help out one of their own but I guess not. The Vanquish is a unique car, combining the raw sound of a V12 with the refinement of a super luxury car. That combination makes for one of the best sounds ever, but not good enough to crack the Top three.
Number 4: Lamborghini Diablo
The one car on the list that I had on my wall growing up. The Lamborghini Diablo looks great but really excels in the “I don’t give a crap about anything besides putting on a show” category. Just listen to a 6.0 start up, rev a few times and then take off. You’ll instantly see why it’s in the top five.
Number 3: Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale
The first Ferrari on the list, and what a Ferrari. The Challenge Stradale might be the best looking Ferrari of all time, has the raw performance to back up the looks and a sound that seemly strikes a nerve at the heart of any one that hears it. There’s almost no other car that has the complete package and definitely no other car that can make you weak in the knees. But it is not quite the best sounding car of all time.
Number 2: Ford GT40
Despite not being a fan of American muscle, the Ford GT40 deserved a spot on this list. I was seriously debating whether it deserved to be number one, but it fell short. The GT40 is a throwback to an age where performance reigned supreme and combines the rawness with the exotic sound befitting a supercar.
Number 1: Ferrari 355
And here we land, exactly where I knew we’d end up. The Ferrari 355 is without a doubt the best sounding Ferrari and car of all time. From the moment the car starts up to when it’s turned off. The Ferrari 355 will tingle every nerve ending in your body, pause for a second and resume where it left off. Sure the looks of the car has aged over time, being the last true boxy Ferrari has made, but it will still turn every head as it drives by and scream: “Yeah I’m a Ferrari, look at me.”
And really that’s a dream all in itself.