Ferrari and Pininfarina saw in the new millennium by tipping their caps to the past. Unveiled at the 2000 Paris Show, the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina was a celebration of the famed Italian coachbuilder’s 70th anniversary, with the car designed to be reminiscent of some of the pair’s greatest hits such as the 166 MM, 250 GT California and 364 GTS/4 Daytona.

Based around a strengthened version of the chassis found in the critically acclaimed 550 Maranello coupé, the open-top Barchetta Pininfarina gained a cut-down windscreen and distinctive rollover hoops. In the event of rain, owners had to make do with an emergency manual soft-top as Ferrari wanted to keep the weight down. Those efforts meant the 4,474-cc, dry-sump, V-12 engine and its 494 brake horsepower could launch the car to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds before running onto a top speed of 186 mph.

Production of the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina was limited to just 448 units, all of which were built in 2001. This example is the 159th constructed and is even more exclusive since it one of just 42 cars that were configured in right-hand drive. It was specified in the classic Ferrari colour combination of Rosso Corsa over a Nero leather interior. The car’s appearance further benefits from the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina’s distinctive two-piece alloy wheels, carbon fibre racing seats, Scuderia shields mounted on the front wings, and red brake callipers. Meanwhile, an interior plaque celebrates Ferrari winning the Formula 1 World Championship in 2000.

This car was supplied new to the UK, imported by Maranello Concessionaires. It was sold by the official Lancaster Ferrari Colchester dealership, with the first owner taking delivery on 26 July 2001. Thereafter, it would be serviced by JCT600 Leeds before receiving regular care at Graypaul Nottingham, both of which are marque specialists. In November 2009, this Barchetta Pininfarina was certified by Ferrari Classiche, receiving its prized “Red Book” in recognition of retaining its matching-numbers engine and transaxle.

Treated to further regular maintenance at Graypul Nottingham, this car returned there most recently in April 2024 for a service as part of maintenance work that totalled £4,777 (invoices available to view on file). With an odometer that displays only 4,299 miles at the time of cataloguing, this car is accompanied by a Ferrari folio, tool kit, fire extinguisher, convertible roof, plus invoices.

As a limited-edition, open-top Ferrari powered by a V-12 mated to a six-speed gated manual shifter, the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina makes for a highly attractive purchase for any collector car enthusiast, especially when presented in a timelessly appealing colour configuration such as the example offered here.