Description
The Ferrari 575, and its predecessor the 550 make a compelling case as two of the most beautiful “modern” Ferrari’s ever built. Their beauty is profound, and yet it seems unfathomable that this design is nearly 30 years old.
Whilst the 550 was originally launched in 1996, the 575 was released in 2002, but in its final stages of production, Ferrari would release the Superamerica. The 575’s swan song, whilst there was a drop-top 550, in the form of the Barchetta, Ferrari sought to create the ultimate Grand Tourer.
As rivals were fitting increasingly complex folding metal roofs to their convertibles, Ferrari opted for a unique solution. The “Revocromcio” roof, which is comprised of electro-chromatic glass housed in an ultralightweight carbon fibre frame, that would flip 180 degrees on itself to lie flat above the tailgate.
The roof was designed by Leonardo Fioravanti, the same man responsible for the Daytona and the 288 GTO, adding just 60kg to the weight of the base 575M. Ferrari cleverly countered this with a bump in power to 533bhp.
This 2006 example, is finished in the traditional shade of Rosso Corsa. The paintwork is in excellent condition, and is contrasted by the yellow Scuderia Shields. At the rear, you begin to notice just how different the Superamerica is from a standard 575, with the roof down, it’s clear to see just how clever the design istoo, with the rear glass remaining in place to act as a wind buffer.
Another aspect that sets the Superamerica apart from the base car is the 5-spoke split-rims. Finished in a classy silver, with a carefully polished lip, they do set the stage that this is something special. The centre caps feature yet more contrasting yellow.
The interior is just as special - Cuio Tan leather adorns the Daytona-style seats, a neat nod to the Fiorvanti himself. The hide covers nearly every tangible surface, though the top half of the dash and the majority of the steering wheel are trimmed in black leather. The centre console trims around the radio and roof control panel are finished in carbon fibre.
Pop the long sleek bonnet and you’ll find a 5. 7-litre V12 that produces 533bhp and 588nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through an F1 paddle-shift gearbox. The car has recently been subjected to a full service, that included the replacement of all the belts. It retains its original book pack and Ferrari tool kit and has covered less than 93, 000km/ 57, 500 miles. Just 559 examples were produced, and of those very few were specified in right-hand-drive.
The Superamerica takes everything that makes the 575 special, its razor-sharp handling, everyday drivability, jaw-dropping looks, and that glorious V12 and ramps up the excitement with true open-top freedom. And the wild roof, It’s not just a party trick, it’s genius, letting you go from a shaded GT to a top-down motoring in a matter of moments.
As with all our vehicles, a full digital folder is available on request containing more images, walk-around videos, and scans of the service history. The car can also be viewed by appointment at our West London showroom.
