Following the 23-year absence of a front-engined, V-12 powered, rear-wheel-drive grand tourer—a layout last seen on the 365 GTB/4 Daytona in 1973—Ferrari launched the all-new 550 Maranello in July 1996 at the Nürburgring circuit. The 550 moniker represented the total engine displacement in decaliters, with "Maranello" paying homage to the home of Ferrari. The stunning bodywork was styled by Pininfarina, and underneath the bonnet lay a 478-horsepower, 5.5-litre V-12 mated to a six-speed manual transmission. With its good looks, eye-watering performance, and excellent handling, the 550 Maranello marked Ferrari’s triumphant return to its grand touring roots.

Four years after the launch of the 550 Maranello, Ferrari decided to honour long-term partner Pininfarina, marking the carrozzeria’s 70th anniversary with the unveiling of the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina at the 2000 Paris Motor Show. Sharing its drivetrain with the 550 Maranello, this limited-edition model was a true barchetta, with no permanent convertible top provided. A cloth soft-top was supplied by the factory, but only to be used below 110 km/h, in order to protect the cabin from the elements.

This Ferrari 550 Barchetta was delivered new to Hong Seh Motors of Singapore in 2001. Finished in the classic colour combination of Rosso Corsa over a Nero leather interior, this example is extremely rare for being one of 48 right-hand-drive cars built. Never sold to a private customer, this Ferrari has remained on static display at Hong Seh Motors since 2001; today the odometer reads an unbelievably low 220 kilometres.

In preparation for Ferrari Classiche certification, the Barchetta was sent to Maranello for a complete inspection and overhaul. In May 2022, Ferrari Classiche provided a four-page quotation for the work required, all of which was completed on 15 May 2023 at a cost of €74,680. Every facet of this 550 Barchetta was inspected by Ferrari and if a component needed to be fixed or replaced, then it was done. To start, the engine oil was changed, along with the timing belt and associated bearings. The brake fluid was flushed and replaced and new pads fitted front and rear, as were the soft brake hoses and ABS/wheel speed sensors. The air conditioning system was overhauled, the compressor belt and tensioner replaced, before the system checked and then re-gassed. The gearbox, differential, and power steering rack all had their respective fluids changed. The fuel tank was cleaned out and two new pumps fitted, as well as all the fuel and vapour lines being replaced. A new alarm system was installed because the old unit was found to be faulty. Inside, the usual ‘sticky’ Ferrari trim and buttons were stripped and recoated. The exterior was given a full polish, and the alloy wheels were refurbished and wrapped in new Pirelli tyres. Following extensive preparation, the car received Ferrari Classiche certification, and was found to retain its matching-numbers engine.

This stunning 550 Barchetta is accompanied by a folio with Ferrari manuals and warranty card, one Ferrari 550 Barchetta helmet, a convertible roof, spare key, and toolkit.

Fresh from the Ferrari factory with Classiche certification, a hefty recommissioning invoice and incredibly low mileage, this 550 Barchetta is truly a concours quality example fit for inclusion in any collection of significant sportscars.