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.

The Superamerica boasted a higher-output version of Ferrari’s then flagship 5.7-liter V-12 by modifying the flow rate of the intake tracts and relieving back pressure in the exhaust system. The updated engine produced 532 horsepower at 7,250 rpm, while torque remained an impressive 434 pound-feet at 5,250 rpm. The Superamerica was offered with either a gated six-speed manual or F1-style six-speed, semi-automatic transmission with paddle-shift.

This Superamerica, sold new through Boardwalk Ferrari, is presented in classic Rosso Corsa a rich beige leather interior. The V-12 engine is backed by an F1 paddle-shift transmission. It was specified with many desirable options, including interior carbon trim, Daytona-style seats, GTC Package, Scuderia Ferrari shields, piping in color upon request, rear wall leather upholstery, high power hi-fi with six-disc CD changer, and all stitching in color.

A $21,837 option, the GTC package added upgraded carbon-ceramic brakes, a more performance-oriented suspension, a free-flowing exhaust, and modular 19-inch wheels, adding to the performance of an already capable supercar. It should be noted that this Superamerica’s “Revocromico” rotating hardtop is delaminating, and due to parts availability the current owner elected to have the top covered with a black wrap. With 3,873 miles on the odometer at time of cataloguing, this Ferrari is accompanied by its window sticker, manuals with pouch, tool roll, air compressor, car cover with bag, and its Classiche Red Book.

Like many of the most collectable supercars, the Superamerica is revered for its all-around ability, equally capable of attacking a lap time on a circuit as whisking two occupants plus luggage down the Rivier—either top down or top up.