After the success of the 550 Maranello, the spiritual successor to Ferrari’s 365 GTB/4 Daytona, Ferrari realized that there would be a market for a convertible version of the car, much like the fabled Daytona Spider of the 1970s. The resulting car was the limited-edition 550 Barchetta Pininfarina. The Barchetta was mechanically identical to its hardtop sibling, and it was intended to be a pure roadster. For the convertible variant of the 550’s replacement, the 575 Maranello, the factory responded to requests for a more usable top in dramatic fashion and created a brand-new convertible top system which offered the freedom of the Barchetta with the practicality and security of the coupe.

Dubbed the Superamerica, the most interesting part of the car was its Revochromico rotating hardtop. It was the first roof of its kind ever fitted to a production car, and it was built using a carbon-fibre frame that was integrated with electrochromatic glass. The transparency of the glass could be adjusted from within the cabin to allow varying amounts of light in, letting roughly the same amount of light in as a conventional glass sunroof at its lightest setting and only 1% of the sun’s rays through at its darkest. With the press of a button, the Superamerica can be transformed into a convertible, with the roof rotating back to rest flush with the boot lid in just ten seconds. Ferrari chose to produce just 559 examples, and every car was spoken for within weeks of its announcement.

This low-mileage Superamerica, showing less than 8,700 kilometers from new, was originally delivered by renowned UK Ferrari dealer H.R. Owen in London. Two years later the car was imported to the United States, where it was registered by the original owner in Connecticut who presumably owned the car for nearly 10 years. The Ferrari then traveled to Pennsylvania, where it was enjoyed by its second owner, before finding its way into a well-respected private collection from which it is currently offered.

Equipped with the desirable Fiorano Handling Package, the Superamerica presents in exceptional condition throughout. Scuderia shields along the front fenders accentuate the classic color combination of Rosso Corsa over a Beige leather interior. Entering the car, the driver is greeted with the requisite Daytona-style seats, followed by the optional yellow tachometer, indicating a heart-stopping 10,000 rpm. The consignor notes that the Superamerica has been maintained accordingly throughout its life. Of course, no Ferrari is complete without its accessories, and as such, this example is accompanied by its owner’s manuals, tools, spare keys, space-saver spare, and car cover with bag. Most important, the Superamerica is certified by Ferrari Classiche, confirming its original production specifications, and is accompanied with the ever-important “Red Book.”

Fifteen years after its introduction, the Superamerica is considered by many to be a modern classic, one that can handedly compete with many GT cars on offer today. With ample luggage space, an innovative convertible top, and a 202-mph top speed, it would be hard to find a more enjoyable car for a weekend trip.