When Ferrari reintroduced front-engined grand touring cars into their lineup in 1996 with the Pininfarina-designed 550 Maranello, it was evident that there would also be demand for a convertible version. 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. Ferrari chose to produce just 559 examples, and every car was spoken for within weeks of its announcement.

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.

Of the 559 Superamericas constructed, fewer than 200 were said to be destined for North American clients. Just a handful of these were equipped with the desirable six-speed gated manual transmissions, like the example offered here.

Showing fewer than 1,300 miles at its time of cataloguing, this one-owner Superamerica certainly ranks among the most well-optioned and desirably specified examples in existence. Standing apart from its many Rosso-colored siblings, the example is cloaked in Tour de France Blu over Crema Daytona-style leather seats with Blu carpeting and stitching. Further luxury appointments include Crema leather rear wall upholstery, a Blu Scuro-colored dashboard and steering wheel, High Power HIFI stereo system with six-disc CD changer, interior carbon trim package, and Scuderia shields on both front fenders.

Performance has not been forgotten, as this Superamerica is optioned with the coveted GTC performance package. A $21,837 option, the GTC package added upgraded carbon-ceramic brakes, a more performance-oriented suspension, free-flowing exhaust, and modular 19-inch wheels.

Already proving to be highly collectable, the 575 Superamerica represents the modern, open-top V-12 Ferrari at its best with exquisite bodywork and incredible performance, yet still remaining comfortable and versatile enough for use on extended holidays. Equipped with its ultra-desirable six-speed manual gearbox, GTC performance package, and cloaked in the stunning shade of Tour de France Blu, this example will always stand out as among the most envied iterations of the celebrated 575M Maranello.