This car, when new, was described in the motoring press as a “South Beach dance club with a steering wheel.” Such is the excitement generated by this dry sump, fuel-injected 4.3-liter, 483-hp DOHC V-8 powered beast. To drive it, you should be prepared to live large. The F1 designation is related to the Formula One-style six-speed auto-clutch manual paddle-shifter that enhances an already incredible driving experience. The transmission has an oil pump and oil cooler to maximize its operating efficiency. On the steering wheel is a rotary control switch that governs the electronic differential settings and is noted on the car’s window sticker as “feedback controls.”

This Ferrari is beautifully presented in Silverstone with Bordeaux leather interior that has optional power-operated Daytona seats, optional piping in black and Ferrari Prancing Horse logos embossed in the headrests. The car’s interior is fitted with carbon fiber trim elements and the optional two-tone dashboard. The sound system features a factory AM/FM radio with CD changer. The analog tachometer is distinctive with a red face, while the balance of the instrumentation features black gauges in a driver-friendly arrangement.

Optional Scuderia Ferrari crests are found on the front fenders. Additionally the four-wheel ventilated disc brakes have red calipers, ABS and noted as having the optional Carboceramic system that cost an additional $16,808 when new. The wheels are ball polished 19-inch factory options. Automatic climate control, Xenon headlights, power rack-and-pinion steering, power windows, power locks and heated exterior mirrors are also found on the Ferrari. The window sticker reveals that this F430 F1 Spider was originally delivered to Ferrari of Newport Beach and that it was ordered with approximately $50,000 in optional equipment; along with the aforementioned extras, the Ferrari was ordered with run-flat tires, rear parking sensors, “Radionav” system with Bluetooth, plus other unspecified options that totaled and additional $6,159. This platform easily reminds us of the reasons we fell in love with Ferrari’s from the first time we laid eyes on one – some things are timeless, in motoring, it is Ferrari.