For Sale at Auction: 2005 Ferrari Superamerica in Carmel, California

Chassis No. ZFFGT61A850142962

When the Ferrari 550 Maranello debuted in 1996, it was immediately hailed as one of the most beautiful modern Ferraris. Its design paid elegant homage to the classic 365 GTB/4 Daytona, offering breathtaking lines from every angle, inside and out. Though visually similar, its successor-the 575M Maranello-arrived with a host of enhancements. These included larger brakes, refined aerodynamics, updated suspension, a redesigned cabin, and a more powerful 5.7-liter V12 engine producing over 500 horsepower.

While the 550's only open-top version was the minimalist Barchetta Pininfarina, introduced without any real weather protection, the 575M brought something far more innovative: the Superamerica. Released in 2005, it featured a groundbreaking "Revocromico" rotating roof-an electrochromic glass panel framed in carbon fiber that pivoted 180 degrees to transform the coupe into a full convertible at the touch of a button. Drivers could also adjust the tint of the roof, varying from transparent to opaque with a simple dial. The modest increase in weight was more than balanced by the upgraded "F133 G" engine, now delivering 533-horsepower and pushing the Superamerica to a top speed of 199 miles per hour, making it the world's fastest-and most desirable-convertible upon release.

Exceptionally well preserved, this Superamerica is presented in the iconic livery of Rosso Corsa red over a Beige leather interior. The car's overall cosmetic presentation is outstanding, in keeping with its limited original mileage of only 8,968 miles from new. The car was originally delivered to Ontario, Canada and accumulated the majority of its low mileage with its first owner through 2012, before passing to the second owner in 2013, at which point the car showed 9,200 kilometers or approximately 5,700 miles. By 2017, the car resided in New York State with a New York title, having been imported to the U.S., before being acquired by its third private owner of Texas, showing a little over 8,000 miles.

The CARFAX report on the car is clean and indicates a good history of service work, and the car furthermore benefits from a recent service performed by Ferrari of San Antonio. Aside from the highly desirable original finish of Rosso Corsa, the car is clearly also optioned with Scuderia prancing horse fender shields, a Becker stereo, the sought-after 19-inch modular BBS wheels, and more. It is accompanied not only by a proper Ferrari toolkit but also a Ferrari Classiche Red Book certification, attesting to its correctness.

This rare Superamerica-one of just 170 delivered to the U.S.-remains in exceptional condition, beautifully preserved throughout, its innovative Revocromico rotating top still fully operational. Perhaps it is the Superamerica that truly bridges the gap between vintage Ferrari and the modern post-Enzo era. Powered by a front-engine V12, built in limited numbers, and clothed in Pininfarina design, this well specified Superamerica in iconic Ferrari colors is surely one of the very best of an already exceptionally rare breed.