The Ferrari 360 F1 Spider recalls and re-creates the outstanding technical and stylistic differences between, for instance, the 250 GT Tour de France berlinetta and its California Spider sibling. It is a brilliant technical tour de force that in concept and construction is an artful blending of sophisticated design, sensitive styling, blinding performance and comfort coupled with exceptional rarity.

The open-topped 360 Spider is a singular example of the talents of Ferrari’s designers and the skills of its employees and suppliers. Its chassis is as strong and rigid as its berlinetta counterpart. It weighs marginally more, yet it incorporates a sophisticated power top mechanism which retracts below a twin headrest top boot cover with roll hoops and a strengthened windshield frame for occupant rollover protection. The sills, floorpan and rear bulkhead are similarly strengthened for structural efficiency and sound deadening.

While competitors tout supercharged mega-liter engines to make the astronomical power that gives overweight chassis decent performance Ferrari’s 4-valve variable length induction system with fly-by-wire throttle control integrates engine management, emissions control, traction control and the F1 paddle-shift gearbox to give 122 horsepower per liter (2 horsepower per cubic inch) and manage it so it is useful and tractable in both daily driving and high speed bursts. Its 3,197 pounds curb weight, a modest enough figure in a fully equipped and luxuriously trimmed gran turismo, is the ideal compromise between power and performance.

The reason for the Ferrari 360 Spider’s continuing popularity and desirability is apparent: it continues the tradition of exceptional two-seat Ferrari Spiders begun in the fifties. The same attributes of style, performance and comfort that appealed to Bob Grossman, Roger Vadim, Count Volpi, Francoise Sagan and Hot Rod Magazine’s Robert Petersen strike a chord with today’s discriminating buyers. It is no wonder, either, just good car sense.

This 2004 Ferrari 360 Spider F1 is powered by its 3.6-liter, 400-hp V-8 engine which is imposingly displayed below a partially clear cover engine cover and showing off its red componentry and engineering brilliance. It is fitted with the optional (and very popular) paddle-operated, hydraulically-shifted, electronically-controlled six-speed gearbox that is very driver-friendly. It is finished in Nero (black) with a black leather interior with silver accents and is further highlighted by red brake calipers with the ventilated four-wheel disc brakes, which are impressive in slowing this machine. Additional equipment includes chrome alloy wheels, radio with CD, Ferrari crests on the front fenders; power top, seats, door locks, windows, steering and the aforementioned brakes. The car is reported to have been driven sparingly and is backed by a clean Carfax. It is documented and was serviced in February 2014 and has only been driven 110 miles since, according to its caring owner.

Arguably one of Ferrari’s most important automobiles in years upon introduction, this Ferrari 360 Spider is an exceptional opportunity for an astute collector. It is no poseur. It is an authentic supercar capable of 0- to 60-mph passes in 4.6 seconds and braking back to a full stop in less than 2.7 seconds. Its top speed is in excess of 180-mph. The 360 Spider heralded a new direction in Ferrari road cars and the experience of owning one should be constantly rejuvenating and rewarding. This is a wonderful opportunity to own a signature Ferrari model of the 21st Century, an opportunity that should not be passed without serious consideration.