Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.None of these Were Desigend by Jony IveFerrari is responsible for some of the most stunning automobiles ever created. Cars like the 250 GTO, F40, and 458 Italia are widely regarded as automotive works of art, helping establish the Italian automaker's reputation for combining performance with breathtaking design. But even Ferrari isn't immune to the occasional styling misstep.FerrariWhen a storied brand diverges from its design ethos, everyone notices, but not nearly as much as the Luce birthed vitriol from the masses. While the recently Luce EV has generated plenty of criticism for its almost ridiculous appearance, it's far from the first Prancing Horse model to leave enthusiasts puzzled. Not everyone can bat 1,000, not even the house that Enzo built. Here are three Ferraris that continue to divide opinion for their less-than-savory looks.Ferrari 400i (1979-1985)The Ferrari 400i is often cited as one of the least exciting-looking Ferraris ever built. Introduced in the late 1970s, the grand touring coupe prioritized comfort, luxury, and practicality over exotic styling. While there is nothing particularly offensive about its appearance, many enthusiasts consider it far too conservative for a Ferrari. The wedge-like front end, long rear overhang, and straight lines make it look more German than Italian and definitely less exotic than so many other Ferraris that came before it.HagertyIts boxy proportions, upright greenhouse, and understated lines made it look more like an executive luxury coupe than a high-performance exotic spoirts car. One look at its profile, and the straight edges make it look like it was designed by a kid with a ruler. It lacked the visual drama buyers expected from a brand synonymous with passion and speed. Don't get us wrong. It's still a Ferrari but perhaps one that's a tad embarrassing to have in your garage.HagertyAdvertisementAdvertisementIronically, its restrained styling has helped it age better than some of its contemporaries. Today, the 400i has developed a loyal following among collectors who appreciate its uniqueness and its departure from Ferrari's typical formula. Still, few would argue it belongs on a list of the brand's most beautiful creations.Ferrari Mondial (1980-1993)HagertyFew Ferraris have received as much criticism over the years as the Ferrari Mondial. Introduced in 1980, the mid-engine sports car was designed to offer something rare in the Ferrari lineup: genuine rear-seat space. Unfortunately, packaging four seats around a mid-engine layout created proportions that many enthusiasts found awkward. But it wasn't just the shape that made it strange. It was the overall "bargain Ferrari" look that made it seem like buyers were settling for something not quite exotic.Classic & Sports CarThe Mondial featured a tall roofline, a long passenger compartment, and a relatively short rear section. Compared to the sleek and athletic Ferrari 308, the Mondial appeared bulky and less purposeful. Critics often described it as looking stretched and heavy, lacking the visual balance that characterized many of Ferrari's most admired models. The side strakes were small, the tiny silver door handle looked cheap, and the tiny quad exhaust pipes gave the impression that the car was underpowered, which it was.FerrariIts reputation suffered further because early versions weren't particularly fast by Ferrari standards. As a result, enthusiasts often mocked both its performance and appearance. While later variants improved significantly, the Mondial spent decades serving as the punchline of Ferrari jokes. Most folks pronounced it, "mon-DIE-ull" instead of "mon-dee-ahl", the proper Italian pronunciation. That didn't help matters.AdvertisementAdvertisementToday, attitudes toward the Mondial have softened somewhat. Collectors appreciate its practicality, affordability, and unique place in Ferrari history. We're not guessing that anyone would take it over a 308 GTB. To this day, the Mondial remains one of the most controversial designs the company has ever put into production.Ferrari 849 Testarossa (2027-?)FerrariYes, a modern Ferrari (that's not the Luce) made it to this list. Some may love the new Testarossa, but it has become one of the most polarizing vehicles in the company's lineup. As the production model tasked with reviving one of Ferrari's most beloved nameplates, it faced enormous expectations from enthusiasts around the world. Its powerful twin-turbo V8 and three electric motors make an astounding 1,036 horsepower, but that's what it may need to overcome the looks.FerrariUnfortunately, not everyone is convinced Ferrari got the styling right. The original Testarossa became famous for its clean wedge shape, dramatic side strakes, flat and wide rear end, and unmistakable road presence. The new 849 takes a very different approach, incorporating a double wedge front end, sharp lighting elements, overly complex body sculpting, and aggressive aerodynamic features that some critics believe make the car look like a mishmash of divergent shapes. It looks more like a spaceship than a car.FerrariThe biggest issue isn't that the 849 is unattractive on its own. It's that it carries the Testarossa name and bears virtually no resemblance to the original. Fans expected a modern interpretation that captured more of the original car's visual simplicity and elegance. Instead, they received a design that embraces Ferrari's current styling language, creating a car that feels disconnected from its predecessor.AdvertisementAdvertisementDespite the criticism, there's no denying that the 849 turns heads. Whether you view it as a bold evolution or an utter misfire, the new Testarossa has already secured a place among Ferrari's most controversial, if not abhorred, production cars.Final ThoughtsFerrari's history is filled with legendary designs that have become benchmarks for the entire automotive industry. However, even the world's most celebrated automakers occasionally produce vehicles that draw out the torches and pitchforks. The 400i, Mondial, and 849 Testarossa may not be universally admired, but they demonstrate Ferrari's willingness to take risks and challenge expectations. Love them or hate them, these cars remain some of the most talked-about Ferraris ever built. Maybe the Luce trumps them all. Only time will tell.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Jun 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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