To Be OFFERED AT AUCTIONEstimate:
$240,000 - $260,000
- Ferrari Classiche Certified
- Retains its original chassis, engine, and gearbox
- Finished in classic Rosso Corsa over Beige
- Showing less than 8,700 kilometers from new
- Features desirable Fiorano Handling Package
- One of just 559 produced worldwide
After the success of the 550 Maranello, the spiritual successor to
Ferrari's 365 GTB/4 Daytona, Ferrari realized that there would be a
market for a convertible version of the car, much like the fabled
Daytona Spider of the 1970s. The resulting car was the
limited-edition 550 Barchetta Pininfarina. The Barchetta was
mechanically identical to its hardtop sibling, and it was intended
to be a pure roadster. For the convertible variant of the 550's
replacement, the 575 Maranello, the factory responded to requests
for a more usable top in dramatic fashion and created a brand-new
convertible top system which offered the freedom of the Barchetta
with the practicality and security of the coupe.
Dubbed the Superamerica, the most interesting part of the car was
its Revochromico rotating hardtop. It was the first roof of its
kind ever fitted to a production car, and it was built using a
carbon-fibre frame that was integrated with electrochromatic glass.
The transparency of the glass could be adjusted from within the
cabin to allow varying amounts of light in, letting roughly the
same amount of light in as a conventional glass sunroof at its
lightest setting and only 1% of the sun's rays through at its
darkest. With the press of a button, the Superamerica can be
transformed into a convertible, with the roof rotating back to rest
flush with the boot lid in just ten seconds. Ferrari chose to
produce just 559 examples, and every car was spoken for within
weeks of its announcement.
This low-mileage Superamerica, showing less than 8,700 kilometers
from new, was originally delivered by renowned UK Ferrari dealer
H.R. Owen in London. Two years later the car was imported to the
United States, where it was registered by the original owner in
Connecticut who presumably owned the car for nearly 10 years. The
Ferrari then traveled to Pennsylvania, where it was enjoyed by its
second owner, before finding its way into a well-respected private
collection from which it is currently offered.
Equipped with the desirable Fiorano Handling Package, the
Superamerica presents in exceptional condition throughout. Scuderia
shields along the front fenders accentuate the classic color
combination of Rosso Corsa over a Beige leather interior. Entering
the car, the driver is greeted with the requisite Daytona-style
seats, followed by the optional yellow tachometer, indicating a
heart-stopping 10,000 rpm. The consignor notes that the
Superamerica has been maintained accordingly throughout its life.
Of course, no Ferrari is complete without its accessories, and as
such, this example is accompanied by its owner's manuals, tools,
spare keys, space-saver spare, and car cover with bag. Most
important, the Superamerica is certified by Ferrari Classiche,
confirming its original production specifications, and is
accompanied with the ever-important "Red Book."
Fifteen years after its introduction, the Superamerica is
considered by many to be a modern classic, one that can handedly
compete with many GT cars on offer today. With ample luggage space,
an innovative convertible top, and a 202-mph top speed, it would be
hard to find a more enjoyable car for a weekend trip.To view this
car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit
the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo20.