Introduced four years after the Ferrari 458 Italia as a 2013 model, the 458 Speciale is indeed special. Though quite similar in appearance to its predecessor, the mid-engine supercar benefits from numerous advancements that elevate its performance to another level.

Ferrari Style Center collaborated with Pininfarina to redesign most of the body panels for improved aerodynamics while leaving the overall aesthetic largely unchanged. Using processes and machinery employed by its F1 team, Ferrari upgraded the F136 4.5-liter V-8 with enhanced components and a lofty 14:1 compression ratio. Capable of revving to a screaming 9,000 rpm, it was the most powerful naturally aspirated V-8 the automaker had built to that point. Ferrari claimed it held the highest output per liter of displacement of any naturally aspirated engine in a production vehicle at the time.

Other hardware upgrades gave the 458 Speciale the quickest steering response and highest lateral acceleration of any production Ferrari. “Active” aerodynamic elements further improved the driving dynamics with flaps in the front and rear automatically changing position to either improve drag or downforce as needed. An ingenious software algorithm in the all-new Side-Slip Control system worked with the improved adaptive magnetic dampers, F1 dual-clutch transmission, and E-Diff rear differential to create seemingly supernatural responses and predictability at the limit, making ordinary drivers feel as skillful as championship winners.

This exemplary 458 Speciale presents as new, with only 5,106 miles showing on the odometer at cataloging time. It is finished in Blu Tour de France with NART livery stripes and Giallo Modena brake calipers. It was specified from new with Scuderia Ferrari shields on the fenders and various exterior elements in exposed carbon fiber, including the front spoiler, air intakes and aero flaps, rear diffuser, and lateral sill fins. The tan interior features special-order contrast stitching, seat inserts, seat belts, embroidered logos, and leather steering wheel and dash, all in shades of blue to complement the exterior. A yellow tachometer dial coordinates with the brake calipers. Factory navigation with Bluetooth, front suspension lift, and rear parking cameras and sensors aid daily driving and maneuvering.

Sold new in Philadelphia, the car appears to have remained in the Northeast for some years before traveling to Florida, where it was later acquired by the consignor in January 2024 with only 5,015 actual miles logged on its title. Service invoices on file from Ferrari of Naples and Ferrari of Palm Beach indicate that the car has been well looked after with routine maintenance and other minor repairs duly addressed.

Although an excellent choice as a collection piece, being in superb condition and driven sparingly, this 458 Speciale would be an ideal companion on Ferrari Tour events or track days, where its impressive capabilities may be explored in full.