When Ferrari reintroduced the two-place, front-engined grand touring cars into their line-up in 1996 with the Pininfarina-designed 550 Maranello, it was evident that there would also be demand for a convertible version of the car. Though customers were thrilled with the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina, many felt limited by the lack of a conventional convertible top and only used their cars for quick out-and-back jaunts in the summertime. Looking to provide a solution to this for the convertible variant of the 575M Maranello, Ferrari devised the most interesting aspect of the Superamerica: the “Revocromico” rotating hardtop.

This convertible hardtop was constructed using a carbon fiber frame that was integrated with electrochromic glass, the first of its kind ever fitted to a production car. When the top was closed, the opacity of the glass in the roof could be adjusted via a dial in the cabin. The driver and passenger could experience the full brightness of a conventional sunroof at its lightest setting or one percent of available light at its darkest. Furthermore, the Superamerica could be transformed into a convertible at just a press of a button, with the roof rotating back to rest flush with the boot lid in just 10 seconds, leaving the rear window in place to function as a wind deflector.

A stunning example, this Superamerica is presented in classic Rosso Corsa and is set off by the rich tan leather hides with black and carbon fiber interior details. With less than 9,000 miles on the odometer, the Ferrari has many desirable extras, as noted on its original window sticker, including F1 paddle-shift transmission, power-operated Daytona seats with embossed Prancing Horse headrests, Scuderia Ferrari fender shields, red brake calipers, and a six-CD changer with the “high power hi-fi.”

Powered by a 5,748-cc, 540-hp V-12 engine that has the style, sound, and presence Ferrari is renowned for, it is also generously fitted with the Fiorano Handling Package, which gives the car a sportier edge with a more aggressive steering calibration and suspension with revised springs, upgraded brake pads, and a thicker rear roll bar, adding more performance to an already capable supercar.

The Superamerica certainly carries all the pomp and circumstance embodied in its predecessors. As an early production example, this Superamerica has been remarkably well preserved and would surely be an excellent addition to any collection and a delight to drive with its top either up or down.