Ferrari first used the Superamerica name on the 410 model that premiered at the Brussels Salon in 1956. From that point on, the name would be associated with Ferrari’s flagship models, the grandest of tourers that were destined for the carriage houses of captains of industry, A-list celebrities, well-heeled society and various heads of state. Superamericas offered world-beating performance with the highest available degree of luxury, and they became renowned as amongst the most desirable automobiles that money could buy. The final 400 Superamerica was produced in 1964, and with it, the Superamerica name ceased in usage for over four decades. It was a legendary moniker that was considered the ultimate by tifosi.

When Ferrari reintroduced the two-place, front-engined grand touring cars into their lineup in 1996 with Pininfarina’s 550 Maranello as the spiritual successor to the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona, it was evident that there would also be demand for a convertible version of the car, just like the 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider before it. The car that followed was the 550 Barchetta, which was identical in every way to the 550 Maranello, but was intended to be a pure roadster, harkening back to some of Ferrari’s earliest models. Even though customers were thrilled with their 550 Barchettas, many felt limited by the car’s lack of a conventional convertible top, and they would only use their cars for quick out-and-back jaunts in the summertime. Looking to provide a solution to this for the convertible variant of the 575M Maranello, Ferrari devised a brand new convertible top system that would provide all the freedom of a convertible with the security of a coupe, in an effort to give customers the best of both worlds.

The most interesting aspect of the 575 Superamerica was its “Revocromico” rotating hardtop. This hardtop was constructed using a carbon fiber frame that had been integrated with electrochromic glass, and it was the first of its kind ever fitted to a production car. When the top was closed, the opacity of the glass in the roof could be adjusted via a dial in the cabin. The driver and passenger could experience the full brightness of a conventional sunroof at its lightest setting or one percent of available light at its darkest. Furthermore, the Superamerica could be transformed into a convertible at just a press of a button, with the roof rotating back to rest flush with the boot lid in just 10 seconds, leaving the rear window in place to function as a wind deflector. Of course, this did not obstruct luggage capacity, and the Superamerica’s boot could swallow up more than enough luggage for two on a weekend getaway with the top up or down.

A stunning example, this Superamerica is presented in classic Rosso Corsa set off by the rich tan leather hides with black and carbon fiber interior details. Reported by the owner and odometer as having around 7,500 miles; the Ferrari has many desirable extras that includes the aforementioned top system, F1 paddle-shift transmission, power-operated Daytona seats with embossed Prancing Horse headrests, Scuderia Ferrari fender shields, original window sticker, red brake calipers, and a six-CD changer with the “high power hi fi.”

Powered by a 5,748-cc, 540-hp V-12 engine that has the style, sound and presence Ferrari is renowned for; it is also generously fitted with the Fiorano Handling Package which gives the car a slightly sportier edge with a more aggressive steering calibration and suspension with revised springs, upgraded brake pads, a thicker rear roll bar, and red painted brake calipers, adding more performance to an already capable supercar. At the time of availability, this model was touted as the world’s fastest convertible at a 199-mph top speed. Only 559 examples would be offered; this represents one of only 170 cars for the U.S. market.

Expertly maintained at an authorized Ferrari service center, the Superamerica also has its leather manuals folder and a service records file. The owner shares that the 575M scored 100 points at a Ferrari Club of America event with over 200 cars present.

The Superamerica certainly carries all the pomp and circumstance embodied in its predecessors, as it is a limited-production model that is versatile enough to be used on a daily basis. Its unique rotating hardtop provides its passengers the opportunity to enjoy the sunlight with the roof closed and further access can be granted with just the flick of a switch. As an early production example, this particular Superamerica has been remarkably well preserved and would surely be an excellent addition to any collection.

The owner reports that 3 keys come with the car: two with remote starting and one key for valet parking.