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The limited-run Ferrari J50 is the coolest 488 Spider you can't buy

Ferrari is really good at celebrating things. In recognition of 50 years of selling cars in Japan, the company is building a few one-off versions of the 488 Spider, called the J50. That's our kind of anniversary present. Just 10 of these cars will be built, and each will be customized to the taste of its owner. The J50 gets a 681-horsepower version of the 488's 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 and of course wraps it all in different bodywork. The interior gets some custom attention as well, with different trim but most of the normal parts from the 488 Spider. It's not shown here, but there's a two-piece carbon-fiber targa roof that stows behind the seats and is supported by the matte carbon roll hoops. Design highlights include a polycarbonate bubble over the engine, a channel that wraps the front end and the sides, a chopped windshield and side glass, and a fantastic looking rear diffuser. The front end reminds us of some old GM aero concepts, but in the best way possible. If you want one, you're probably already too late. Ferrari likely offered these to its best Japanese customers before the car was even unveiled. You have 50 years to save up for the next one; better luck next time. Related Video: Featured Gallery Ferrari J50 Ferrari Convertible Luxury Performance Supercars ferrari 488 spider

Fangio's Ferrari 290 MM should top $28 million at auction

Of all the legendary pilots that have driven for the Scuderia over the years, few carry the kind of clout that did one Juan Manuel Fangio. A five-time world champion from another era, Fangio won a couple dozen grands prix and a fair few sports car races as well, driving for the likes of Mercedes, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, and of course Ferrari. What you see here is the car that Enzo's outfit built especially for Fangio. And now it's going up for auction, where it's anticipated – with good cause – to fetch big bucks. This 1956 Ferrari 290 MM – chassis number 0626 – was designed for Fangio to drive in the Mille Miglia. It would be the last time he would compete in the event, before being scrapped the following year. Victory in the thousand-mile race once again eluded the legendary Argentinian with a fourth-place finish, achieved single-handedly. But that wasn't the end of the story for 0626. It would go on to be raced by Phil Hill at the Nurburgring, by Alfonso de Portago at the Rouen Grand Prix, by Wolfgang von Trips at the start of his career with Ferrari, and won the Buenos Aires 1000 KM in 1957. Victories like those helped Ferrari clinch the manufacturer's title in both 1956 and '57, campaigns in which the 290 MM played an integral part. One (and arguably the best) of only four examples made, 0626 was never crashed during its decorated career. After its retirement from the Scuderia, it made its way through the hands of numerous collectors and racers on both sides of the Atlantic. It spent 34 years in the Mas du Clos collection of Pierre Bardinon before being acquired by its current owner, who in turn is now putting it up for auction. It will feature as part of RM Sotheby's upcoming Drive by Disruption sale in New York on December 10, where it is expected to sell for over $28 million. That would make it the most valuable car ever handled by the venerated auction house, outshining the 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 NART Spider it sold at Monterey in 2013 for $27.5 million. Of course it's not the only lot consigned for the Manhattan event. It'll be joined by a spectacular blue 1955 Ferrari 500 Mondial that's expected to fetch around $6 million, as well as a 1962 Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato (~$16m) and a Lamborghini Concept S (~$3m), to name just a few highlights on the horizon.

Ferrari CEO could retire Friday letting Marchionne step in

Rumors once again suggest that current Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa plans to retire from the role. Anonymous insiders tell Bloomberg that the announcement could come as soon as April 15, with an announcement at the company's upcoming investors meeting. Sergio Marchionne is the favorite to become the new CEO, the unnamed sources claim. Felisa would step down as CEO after Ferrari nominates its new board of directors, according to Bloomberg. He would likely retain a seat on the board and could still do some work at the company. Felisa joined the sports car maker in 1990 as director of product development. He replaced Jean Todt as CEO in 2008. Marchionne is already Ferrari's chairman, and taking on the CEO role in addition would give him greater control over the brand's future. Bloomberg's insiders note that Marchionne's takeover isn't final yet, and someone else could conceivably get the role. The sweater-wearing exec has a clear view for Ferrari's future, though. He plans to increase volume to around 10,000 vehicles a year, but he's staunchly against building an SUV or an EV. If he takes control, expect him to work out a plan to increase the Prancing Horse's share price. At its October IPO, the stock started at $52 a share; today it opened at $41.24. Rumors about this shift have been swirling for months. For example, reports from Italian media in June 2015 suggested Felisa would retire as CEO. Subsequent rumors claimed Marchionne was the frontrunner to take over the position. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.