The Ferrari 458 Speciale A, standing for Aperta, is a visceral celebration of open-air performance and engineering brilliance; an exclamation point at the end of Ferrari’s naturally aspirated mid-engine V-8 era. Unveiled at the 2014 Paris Motor Show and limited to just 499 units worldwide, the Speciale A represents the ultimate evolution of the 458 platform, combining the razor-sharp dynamics of the Speciale coupé with the sun-soaked freedom of a convertible.

Beneath its muscular outer form lies a masterpiece of Italian engineering: a 4.5-litre V-8, naturally aspirated and gloriously free-revving, producing 597 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 398 pound-feet of torque. This represents a 35-horsepower improvement over the standard 458 Italia, achieved through an aggressive 14.0:1 compression ratio, revised pistons, reshaped combustion chambers, and a carbon fibre intake system. Paired with Ferrari’s ultra-quick seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and boasting lightning-fast throttle response with a signature Maranello soundtrack, the 458 Speciale A rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.0 seconds on its way to a 320 km/h top speed.

Ferrari left nothing to chance in ensuring the Speciale A’s performance matched its sonic drama. Technologies borrowed from Formula 1 and the LaFerrari include Side Slip Control (SSC), which continuously adjusts power delivery and traction via the E-Diff and F1-Trac systems to enhance cornering stability and driver confidence. These systems work in harmony with recalibrated suspension and carbon-ceramic brakes to deliver astonishing agility and balance without compromising ride comfort.

The rigid aluminium chassis was reinforced to maintain exceptional torsional stiffness despite the loss of a fixed roof, ensuring uncompromised dynamics. The retractable hardtop, crafted entirely from aluminium, folds away in just 14 seconds and adds a mere 50 kilograms over the coupé— testament to Ferrari’s obsessive pursuit of weight-saving. In fact, the Speciale A still weighs over 90 kilograms fewer than a standard 458 Spider while aerodynamic enhancements, including active aero flaps and a reworked rear diffuser, ensure the car slices through the air with minimal drag and maximum downforce.

The spectacular 458 Speciale A on offer, chassis number 213868 was ordered via the Atelier programme and is finished in Rosso Maranello over Alcantara Nera trim with a racing stripe livery of Bicolore Nero Stellato, or (roughly translated to “Starry Black”). The exterior is proudly enhanced with Scuderia wing shields and extensive carbon fibre trim elements throughout. The cabin features large-sized racing seats with embroidered headrests and special contrasting stitching. The car retains its matching-numbers V-8 engine and is accompanied by its Ferrari books and manuals. Its service book notes that the car’s most recent service was performed in June 2025, conducted by Ferrari dealer Kessel of Zug. The 458’s odometer reads just 12,010 kilometres at the time of cataloguing.

Limited to just 499 examples worldwide, the 458 Speciale A delivers the unfiltered thrill of roofless driving with razor-sharp, track-honed performance for an experience few machines can match. This cherished example, combining low mileage with quintessential finishes, is poised to captivate its next caretaker with one of Ferrari’s most elemental experiences, open to the sky surrounded by a V-8 at full song.