The name chosen for the 458 Speciale speaks for itself. Upon its unveiling by Ferrari at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, it was described by the manufacturer as the fastest, most advanced mid-engined V-8 model it had ever built. Indeed, the Speciale housed the most potent version of any normally aspirated V-8 motor in Maranello road car history.

Ferrari’s in-house Styling Centre studio collaborated with Pininfarina to shape the body panels for improved aerodynamics. Meanwhile, gains over the earlier 458 Italia included forged wheels, a vented bonnet, finned side sills, a taller rear spoiler, and redesigned bumpers. Using processes and machinery then deployed by the Ferrari F1 team, engineers fine-tuned the Tipo F136 4.5-litre V-8 with top-of-the-line components and a lofty 14:1 compression ratio. Ferrari claimed it held the highest output per litre of displacement of any naturally aspirated engine in a production vehicle at the time.

Other hardware upgrades gave the 458 Speciale the quickest steering response and highest lateral acceleration of any production Ferrari. Active aerodynamic elements further improved the driving dynamics, with flaps in the front and rear automatically changing position to either improve drag or downforce as needed. An ingenious software algorithm in the all-new Side-Slip Control (SSC) system worked with the upgraded adaptive magnetic dampers, F1 dual-clutch transmission, and E-Diff rear differential to create seemingly supernatural responses and predictability at the limit, making ordinary drivers feel as skilful as Championship winners.

This exquisitely specified 458 Speciale presents in incredible condition, with only 373 kilometres showing on its odometer at the time of cataloguing. The exterior sports a wonderful two-tone colour scheme, with a Nero B/B base topped by a roof and engine cover finished in Argento Nurburgring Metallic. The Ferrari’s exterior was specified with Scuderia Ferrari shields on the wings and various body elements in exposed carbon fibre, including the air vents flanking the headlights and rear diffuser. The high contrast interior—fitted with a rear roll cage—features bright red leather across much of the surfaces, black seat inserts, racing harnesses, and headrests embroidered in Bianco stitching. Lastly, a three-piece luggage set sits atop the parcel shelf. Sold new through Nikki Hassler AG in Switzerland in June 2015, the Ferrari is accompanied by a service booklet documenting yearly visits back to the dealership for servicing from new until 2022, then once more in July 2024.

Potentially an excellent acquisition for any collection, this supremely configured 458 Speciale presents in “nearly new” condition thanks to its sparing use on the road. It is also the perfect companion for the matching-specification 488 Pista offered from The Untouched Collection as part of the Monaco auction.