The Ferrari F430 Spider was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2005, and it had to be special. Increased competition from Porsche, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, and Mercedes was putting pressure on a market place that had ever increasing choices.

The F430 Coupé had been released the previous year and was clearly a logical development from the 360M. Cosmetic changes performed by Pininfarina included larger air intakes to the front and sides, a redesigned tail and rear diffuser, and new swept headlights. These quite subtle changes were made using state-of-the-art computer aerodynamic simulation programmes used by the F1 team, and these changes helped to make the F430 more fuel efficient and stable whilst also reducing drag and lift.

It was, however, the engine that was all new. The compact, lightweight engine that could displace 4,308 cubic centimetres and develop 483 brake horsepower propelled the car to over 193 mph, with a 0–62 mph (100 km/h) time of 4.1 seconds. Of course, the F430 Spider incorporated all the important new technical features of the new Ferrari. The electronic differential (E-Diff) was first developed by the Grand Prix team, and the now familiar steering wheel-mounted rotary switch, the manettino, as the F1 drivers called it, allowed the car’s set up to be changed easily and quickly.

The spider only weighed 70 kilograms more than the coupé. The superb design of the electric roof allowed the engine to remain visible under its glass cover at the rear of the cockpit. Indeed, the engine can be seen in all its glory at all times. Remarkably, the performance of the spider matched that of the coupé, and the difference in torsional rigidity was negligible.

The Ferrari F430 Spider F1 offered today, chassis number 147203, was originally delivered to Benelux. It is equipped with the more desirable F1 paddle shift transmission option. The car has red brake callipers, red face gauges, Scuderia Ferrari shields on the front wings, a roll bar, racing bucket seats, and carbon inserts. Finished in the highly desirable Grigio Silverstone with a red leather interior, this F430 has completed only 14,521 kilometres since it was delivered new. This F430 Spider comes complete with all books and tools, and it remains in immaculate condition.

With design features inspired by the Ferrari 156 Grand Prix car that the late Phil Hill drove to the 1961 Formula One World Championship, this is an evocative, technologically cutting-edge sports car of the highest possible order.