Few configurations capture the spirit of Ferrari quite like an open-top, front-engined V-12. From the iconic California and Daytona Spiders to the limited-production 550 Barchetta and 599 SA Aperta, convertible 12-cylinder grand tourers occupy a revered place in the marque’s storied legacy. Unveiled in 2021 and limited to a stated 599 examples worldwide, the 812 Competizione A—with the “A” indicating Aperta for open—stands as the latest and most advanced expression of this enduring tradition.

Developed as the droptop counterpart to the 812 Competizione, the Competizione A offered, upon its debut, the most powerful naturally aspirated V-12 engine Ferrari had ever produced in a road car. Displacing 6.5 litres and revving to an exhilarating 9,500 rpm, the engine delivers 819 horsepower with breath-taking immediacy. That propels the car from 0 to 60 mph in 2.85 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 211 mph.

The 812 Competizione A’s re-engineered chassis incorporates independent rear-wheel steering, an enhanced brake cooling system, and a revised aerodynamic package highlighted by a carbon fibre blade element across the front cowl. This feature not only conceals and enlarges the engine bay’s air vents to reduce drag and improve cooling but also contributes to the car’s striking visual presence. As air flows over the open cockpit, two aerodynamic apertures positioned between the rear dual flying buttresses manage airflow from both side and top. This dual-purpose design improves high-speed comfort while significantly enhancing overall aerodynamic efficiency. The result is a machine that is not only blisteringly fast on road and track, but is also remarkably composed and refined.

All of this engineering culminates in an open-top experience that elevates the 812 Competizione A to a class of its own. With its removable carbon fibre roof panel, the driver is granted unfiltered access to the V-12’s spine-tingling soundtrack, merging the rawness of a track weapon with the elegance of a grand tourer. The design, penned under Flavio Manzoni’s direction, is an unflinching statement of modern Ferrari form. It is sculptural and aggressive with ingeniously integrated aerodynamic features.

Chassis number 298253, offered here, was one of the 599 examples of the 812 Competizione A built by Ferrari, with even fewer configured in right-hand drive. The car was taken to the United Kingdom by Stratstone Ferrari Colchester and registered for the road on 30 September 2023. The 812 Competizione A has stayed with its sole retaining owner from new, with whom it has been used extremely sparingly. At the time of cataloguing, the odometer read just 273 miles. Please note, in the care of the consigning owner, the Ferrari was registered on a private number plate that will be retained by the vendor.

A product of Ferrari’s prestigious Atelier personalisation programme, the attractive specification of this example befits the handsome and subtle styling cues true to a limited-edition Prancing Horse. The exterior is finished in the custom colour pairing of Grigio Competizione with a Giallo Triplo Strato central stripe with Nero outer edges and complemented by a Charcoal Alcantara interior. A generous options list further enhances the appearance of the car, which is enriched by glossy Black brake callipers paired with Matte Black alloy wheels, airbrushed Scuderia shields on the wings, and yellow colouring to the font and stripe on the Pirelli P Zero tyres.

Extensive application of carbon fibre, both inside and out, further accentuates the sporting character of the 812 Competizione A. The lightweight material is used for the hardtop cover, front air intakes, rear diffuser, under door cover, inner door handle, centre console, and dashboard inserts. The interior of the Ferrari is customised with a Cavallino set into the headrests with rare Nuovo Giallo (0700E) stitching, Giallo Triplo Strato details on the F1 paddle-shifters, and yellow rev counter. A passenger display is set into the dashboard and the car is equipped with Apple CarPlay.

While seldom used, chassis number 298253 benefits from main dealer servicing, with its first service fulfilled by Stratstone Ferrari Colchester in October 2024. Since then, the Ferrari has been driven a mere 120 miles. Accompanying the car offered at auction is a battery trickle charger, books and manuals, indoor car cover, and tool kit.

Standing as an iconic homage to Ferrari’s great open-top sports car tradition, the 812 Competizione A encapsulates its maker’s 70 years of experience designing the greatest open cars honed on the world’s most famous race circuits. It is a thoroughbred Ferrari to deliver the perfect blend of performance, form, and functionality, aimed at Maranello’s most passionate collectors and connoisseurs. This first ever offering of the model at auction in the United Kingdom presents an unrepeatable opportunity to acquire part of modern Ferrari history.