Following the success of the all-new 550 Maranello in 1996, it was only natural that Ferrari introduce a limited-edition convertible variant, produced in the spirit of the 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider of the 1970s. Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2000, the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina (in deference to Ferrari’s long-time coachbuilder) brought the long-gone front-engined V-12 convertible grand tourer back to its lineup.

A handful of differences were instantly discernable from the coupe, as the Barchetta boasted a more aggressively raked windshield, three-piece alloy wheels, an aluminum fuel-filler door, and a re-styled rear deck that actually offered more trunk space than the coupe. This was a true roadster, its top only suitable for low-speed use when caught in surprise inclement weather, Ferrari’s own way of enticing its clients to have fun in the sun. Only 448 550 Barchettas were built, and since their initial release, they have been considered to be a true modern day collectible and a must-have for any Ferrari collection, not only for their low production and collectability, but also for their wonderful driving dynamics and the sense of theater that the Barchetta body style offers to both driver and passenger.

Built as a U.S.-specification example, rather than being ordered by a standard Ferrari client, this 550 Barchetta was sold new to the owner of Scottsdale Ferrari to be used as his personal car. As he was obviously an individual with intimate knowledge of Ferrari and the opportunities available for customization, the car was special ordered in Nero over a beige interior and was outfitted with power Daytona seats and matching black Daytona inserts, rather than the traditional bucket seats found in most 550 Barchettas. Furthermore, the car is fitted with brake calipers in aluminum, black piping on the seats with black stitching, and black rollbars. The car remained with the owner of the dealership as his personal car for 18 months before it was sold to the first private owner, who retained ownership until very recently.

Today the car is presented in immaculate condition, as one would expect for having only been driven just 1,672 miles from new. It is accompanied by an as-new, five-piece set of black 550 Barchetta luggage that has never been opened, along with the original window sticker, Bill of Sale, its original manuals, original and unused tools, as well as three sets of remotes and keys. Finally, it received a belt and fluid serviced by a Ferrari specialist in January of 2017.

Built purely for the sake of driving enjoyment and to help bring Ferrari back to its roots, the 550 Barchetta remains one of the most celebrated Ferraris of the 21st century. The inherent value of this particular Barchetta can be found in its highly unique specification and immaculate overall condition. It boasts a fascinating story and would be the ideal 550 Barchetta to add to a stable of significant Ferraris.