It could be argued that the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina offers many of Ferrari’s best attributes in one package. Its unmistakable styling designed around the roof-less “barchetta” shape meets raw V-12 performance, with the naturally aspirated 5.5-litre engine rated at 485 horsepower. The model’s stunning looks give undeniable appeal and the car was, after all, drawn up as a celebration of Ferrari’s relationship with the design house Pininfarina, which marked 70 years of operation in 2000. In that year, Ferrari celebrated its past with the company’s long-standing design partner at the Paris Motor Show as the curtain lifted on this eye-catching roadster.

While the mechanical underpinnings of the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina share many components with its slightly older coupé sister model, its transformation into an open-top Ferrari resulted in some subtle design tweaks. Notably, the rear haunches adjoining the boot lid were extended, and the angle of the windscreen on the “barchetta” car was reduced to improve aerodynamics. It was clear that Ferrari intended for this to be a car enjoyed in warmer climes as a small fabric hood was provided as standard for emergency shelter from the rain, but for a completely weather-proof solution drivers would have to fit a separate hardtop. Examples of the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina that come complete with a colour-matching hardtop are rare and the makeshift roof gives the car added practicality for driving in all weathers.

As denoted by a plaque in the cockpit of the car, this example was the 240th made in the sequence of 448 cars that Ferrari constructed of the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina. Delivered new to the Austrian market, this 550 Barchetta Pininfarina was supplied by the Ferrari dealer, Wolfgang Denzel, to its first owner, residing in Vienna, in August 2001. Since then, it has had only one more keeper, with the consigning owner—living near the Austrian capital city—acquiring the car in April 2013. The 550 Barchetta Pininfarina was built in Nero Daytona over a Nero leather interior, and is offered for sale with its colour-matching black hardtop.

Also included in the sale is the red helmet that Ferrari supplied with new examples of this car, a car cover, leather tool case, and selected printed Ferrari literature that includes a stamped service book. The book was most recently stamped in October 2021, when the car was serviced by Scuderia Gohm, an official Ferrari centre in Vösendorf, Austria. On two visits to Carplastix, the Ferrari-specialist expert workshop for plastic renovation, many of the car's internal buttons and switches were renewed in February and April 2022. The odometer reading was noted as 22,351 km at the time of its last service, while at the time of cataloguing its distance covered is recorded at 22,375 km.

The allure of any Ferrari made in limited numbers should entice collectors of the marque to look to the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina as a very desirable car. Opportunities to acquire an example such as this—with its relatively low odometer reading, black-over-black colour combination and highly practical hardtop for driving in wet weather conditions—do not come around regularly. This 550 Barchetta Pininfarina could be a savvy purchase for any sports car enthusiast, whether seeking style or for the thrill of a V-12 Ferrari.