In 14 seconds, the retractable aluminium hardtop roof of the 458 Speciale A (standing for Aperta) folds away to give unfiltered access to the wail emitted by the naturally aspirated 4.5-litre V-8 mounted just a few centimetres behind the occupants. With the motor spinning to a red line of 9,000 rpm, where its peak of 597 horsepower is produced, it is an experience made only more poignant by the fact that this car marked the final outing for an atmospheric Ferrari eight-cylinder engine before the turbocharged 488 GTB successor was introduced.

Ferrari stated that production of this track-focused convertible was limited to just 499 units. Such rarity, combined with the revered driving dynamics, and the model’s significance as the final entry in the naturally aspirated V-8 lineage, ensures that the appeal of the 458 Speciale A has only grown in the decade since its launch.

The example offered here is finished in the alluring shade of Blu Abu Dhabi, with the exterior accented by the optional Racing Bianco Avus livery that extends from the bonnet stripes, over the roof, and onto the rear decklid. As part of a generous specification that added nearly €40,000 to the original list price, the car further features Giallo Modena callipers for the carbon-ceramic disc brakes that sit behind 20-inch satin grey wheels.

While the Speciale A marked a significant 90-kilogram weight saving over the 458 Spider, this car still boasts an exquisite, leather-lined interior. The carbon-style racing seats are trimmed in Charcoal hide and feature white Cavallinos stitched into the headrests. The upper and lower sections of the dashboard, plus the centre tunnel, similarly wear Charcoal leather and are complemented by white special stitching. Notably tying into the colour theme, the tachometer was also configured in white. In addition, the 458 Speciale A benefits from front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, cruise control, adaptive headlights, plus a front-axle lift system.

Per the accompanying Warranty Card, this car was delivered new to Spain in March 2015 via C De Salamanca SA. Annual service stamps record that the official marque dealership based in Marbella exclusively maintained the Ferrari between 2016 and 2021, with the last entry noting the 458 Speciale A as showing 11,698 kilometres. Evidently, the original owner did not want to be apart from their limited-edition Ferrari for any considerable length of time. Despite returning the car to C De Salamanca SA for servicing every spring, it was also registered in the United Kingdom from November 2017—with previous MoT certificates indicating that the 458 spent time in the UK until at least the summer of 2020 between hops back to Spain.

Subsequently the Speciale A was owned in Singapore, as documented by a February 2022 invoice for a 190-point vehicle check performed by Ital Auto PTE LTD. At this time, the Ferrari importer noted the car as having only marginally risen to 11,718 kilometres. The odometer displayed 11,743 kilometres at the time of cataloguing.

Presented in a handsome colour scheme, this desirably configured 458 Speciale A is accompanied by its owner’s guides in their folio and a car cover. It now awaits a new, passionate owner to revel in its naturally aspirated glory.