Developed with the help of Ferrari’s legendary Formula One driver Michael Schumacher and first shown to the public at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, the 430 Scuderia succeeded the Challenge Stradale as the road-going variant of the F430 Challenge race car. Improvements over the standard F430 coupe were instantly apparent, both upon first inspection and behind the wheel.

Extensive use of carbon fiber, a Lexan rear window, titanium springs and wheel nuts, and other weight-saving measures reduced weight by 221 pounds versus the standard F430. Ride height was lowered 15 millimeters, while revised bodywork—larger front bumper inlets and reprofiled front chin spoiler, lower sills, rear lip spoiler, and rear diffuser—improved downforce without increasing drag. Software tweaks reduced shift times of the F1 automated manual transmission—dubbed “Superfast2” in this application—while stopping power was improved with the addition of standard carbon-ceramic brakes.

Output of the 4.3-liter V-8 engine increased to 503 horsepower and 347 pounds-feet of torque—a gain of 20 horsepower and 4 pounds-feet over the standard F430. Ferrari’s race-bred “E-Diff” electronically controlled differential and “F1-Trac” traction control system helped make the most of all the power, while a revised manettino—a dial on the steering wheel that controls driving parameters—was further honed for track driving, replacing the previous “Ice” setting with one allowing traction control to be disengaged while leaving stability control on.

Ferrari developed new wheels and carbon-fiber wing mirrors for the 430 Scuderia and applied a unique shade of gray to the front mesh grilles, headlights, and optional racing stripes. On the interior, the central tunnel and door panels were made of carbon fiber, while certain parts of the bodywork were left exposed, as were the aluminum floor plates, with their distinctive traction pattern. All-new seats provided extra support and were lined in Alcantara with 3D-mesh cloth inserts.

This 2009 Ferrari 430 Scuderia was delivered new to Ferrari of Beverly Hills in Southern California. According to the window sticker, it left the factory finished in Nero (black); options include Bata upholstery, yellow brake calipers, Alcantara upholstery, period Ferrari iPod connectivity, a racing stripe, special features, and tone-on-tone stitching, totaling just over $19,000. This 430 Scuderia has been driven sparingly, showing just 644 miles on the odometer at time of cataloguing.

Over a decade and a half after its initial introduction, the 430 Scuderia has aged exceptionally well, and its performance is still thrilling. With approximately 644 miles from new, this nicely optioned example would be a wonderful modern Ferrari to drive and enjoy.