A dazzling successor to the iconic 458 Italia, the 488 was unveiled in 2015 and set a new bar for V-8 performance for Ferrari. Both its interior and exterior represented a refinement of an already-stunning design while adding additional cutting-edge technology. Powering the 488 was a 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V-8 engine, generating a formidable 661 horsepower. Improved aerodynamics increased downforce by 50 per cent over the 458, with the help of variable flap geometry and scalloped side air intakes.

In 2018, Ferrari elevated the 488 lineage with the introduction of the Special Series 488 Pista. With design cues influenced by the track-only 488 GTE and 488 Challenge, the Pista is a lightweight marvel, shedding excess mass and gaining additional power. The same 488 V-8 engine now produced an awe-inspiring 710 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque—the most powerful V-8 in the marque’s history—propelling the 488 Pista to 100 km/h in a mere 2.85 seconds. Performance is further enhanced with Side-Slip Control (SSC 6.0) and Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer, a tech suite that improved brake feel under spirited driving by automatically modulating the car’s carbon-ceramic brakes for greater control and predictability. Moreover, the front of the car incorporates the S-Duct, a Formula 1-derived aerodynamic feature that increases downforce, a first for a roadgoing Ferrari.

Also released later that same year at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance was the 488 Pista Spider, a hardtop convertible variant that was also notable for being the 50th convertible model developed by the Ferrari marque. Exclusively offered to Ferrari’s most highly regarded clientele, the Pista Spider kept a lightweight spirit front of mind, with more than 90 kilograms shed when compared to its 488 GTB brother.

The example here was delivered new to Switzerland via Niki Hasler AG. Its first owner was The Tailored For Speed Collection, with handover noted as complete in November 2020, and it has been retained by its sole owner since. The Ferrari left the Maranello factory finished in Alluminio Lucido, with the racing livery composed of a central stripe marked with Rosso Portofino and Blu America colours, and Scuderia Ferrari shields on the wings. The front and side air splitters, together with the rear diffuser, are finished in glossy Blu exposed carbon fibre.

Inside the 488 Pista Spider, an attractive interior space is marked by Charcoal Alcantara and leather upholstery. This is complemented by Grigio seatbelts and Rosso details seen around the stitching and key touchpoints. The engine bay and cover are finished in a contrasting colourway of Matte Blu Carbon Fibre. The infotainment system is equipped with Apple CarPlay and the music is played through a high-powered hi-fi system, while the in-car tech extends to a reversing camera and RadioNavi system with Bluetooth. The carbon fibre racing seats are sized large. The 488 Pista Spider is accompanied by its books and manuals, which detail its consistent maintenance record with main Ferrari dealers. Its last entry was with Ferrari für Basel in December 2023. At the time of cataloguing, the car’s odometer read just 1,142 kilometres.

Offered from single ownership and lightly used during its time in The Tailored For Speed Collection, this attractively configured Ferrari awaits its next owner. It is a prime example of Ferrari’s 50th open-top model, which pays tribute to the racing cars of the past.