A one off swimming horse

Arno XI Classic.

Arno XI Classic.

In the 1950s Ferrari constructed a crazy V12-powered race boat.

Thomas Roussel Arno.

The Arno XI was built in-house by Ferrari in 1952 and it was developed in partnership with speedboat racer Achille Castoldi, who pitched the idea directly to Enzo Ferrari.

The idea of building the racing boat was to set a speed record in the 800-kg class.

Ferrari fitted a V12 F1 engine from the 1951 375, then retrofitted with twin superchargers reportedly making just a smidge over 500hp.

1953 Timossi-Ferrari Arno XI racing hydroplane.

As a result, the Arno XI smashed the record, hitting a top speed of 150.49 mph.

Ferrari hydroplane.

Which is still the record for the 800 kg class to this day.

The only Ferrari-powered boat is up for grabs

Seeking something fast, furious and stylish to whizz you across Lake Como, from your palatial residence to an opulent dinner at the Villa d'Este?

We've got you covered.

You may not know it, but Ferrari once powered a hydroplane back in the 1950s. The craft was designed by Cantieri Timossi for racer Achille Castoldi, whose ambition it was to beat the World Speed Record on water in the 800 kg class.

Castoldi approached Enzo Ferrari who accepted to supply a modified 4.5L V12 engine and a few of the Scuderia's engineers for the endeavor.

The 3-point hydroplane was built from hardwood and covered in mahogony veneer. Naturally, the upper body was painted in scarlet red and emblazoned with Ferrari's famous 'Cavallino Rampante'.

Castoldi's efforts yielded a record top speed of 150.40 mph and that 1952 milestone still stands to this day!

Anyone interested in owning this one-off swimming horse - or 'Cavallino da nuota', head over to du Pont Registry for more details.

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