After the success of the limited-production 550 Barchetta, it was clear that Ferrari would reprise the drop-top, front-engined, V-12 grand tourer with its new 575M Maranello. Bringing back the emotions of the 275 GTB/4 N.A.R.T. Spider and the later 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider, the 550 Barchetta was, by any account, the most passionate and soulful Ferrari built at the time. Bestowed with V-12 power, an open top, and world-beating performance, it left its owners wanting for nothing and was destined to become a future collectible. For the 550 Barchetta’s replacement, the top-brass at Maranello knew that in order to keep its customers lining up out the door, the open-top 575M Maranello would have to retain the charisma of the 550 Barchetta yet offer something new and exciting.

Looking to make the new Superamerica more useful than its soft-top predecessor, Ferrari thought outside the box in an effort to offer its customers something truly unique. Developed specifically for the 575 Superamerica, the Revochromico rotating hardtop achieved Ferrari’s goals in terms of both usability and uniqueness. Utilizing a carbon fibre frame integrated with electrochromic glass, it also provides all the security of a conventional soft-top when in place.

Furthermore, the opacity of the Superamerica’s roof can be adjusted via a dial in the cabin to provide the occupants with varying degrees of sunlight, from the transparency of a traditional sunroof to only allowing in one percent of the available light. True, top-down motoring is only a button away, as the roof easily rotates back to rest flush with the boot lid, leaving the rear window to function as a boot lid and reducing none of the Superamerica’s available storage space.

Only 559 Superamericas were built, all of which were spoken for by Ferrari’s most devoted customers by the time the car was announced. Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, the 575 Superamerica was indeed a very special car and set to be a future collectible before the last example even left Maranello.

Delivered new through Kroymans of the Netherlands on 22 December 2005, this Superamerica shows an incredible 221 kilometres from new on its odometer and is presented in virtually as-new condition. Finished in Rosso Corsa (DS 322) over a Beige (4208) leather interior, the car was equipped with Daytona-style seats, red brake callipers, a Giallo rev counter, satellite navigation, and Scuderia shields. Its first owner was a major Ferrari collector with 20 cars bearing the Cavallino Rampante in his collection. It was acquired by its second owner in 2010 and at that time received a full service.

Having travelled only 221 kilometres in its lifetime, it can be safely said that this Superamerica is one of the lowest-mileage examples in existence. Finished in the quintessential Ferrari colours and equipped with an assortment of the most desirable options, this particular example is a must-have for any collection of limited-production Ferraris.