Having revealed the hardtop berlinetta F430 at the 2004 Paris Motor Show, Ferrari unveiled the open-top Spider version in March 2005 at the Geneva International Motor Show. Though it was similar in many respects to the outgoing 360 Modena, the F430 was the necessary successor as its mechanical improvements and updated design ushered in a new era of performance for Ferrari. With its looks credited to Pininfarina and head of Ferrari design Frank Stephenson, the model’s stylish appearance took cues from the 1961 Ferrari 156 Grand Prix race car, with front intakes mimicking those of the iconic Formula One racer. Inspiration from the racetrack extended to the model’s side air intakes, its rear diffuser, and taillights styled like those on the Ferrari Enzo, all of which enhanced the aggressive stance of the F430.

It was not only the design department of Maranello that rang in changes over the 360 Modena. A brand-new 4.3-liter 90-degree V-8 engine was installed, producing 480 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 343 pound-feet of torque at 5,250 rpm. The new powertrain and exceptional aerodynamics combined to take the F430 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds and all the way to an incredible top speed of 190 mph. With five different driving modes, all accessible from the “manettino” driving switch on the steering wheel, the car was set up to handle various driving styles and environments. Meanwhile, an “E-Diff” computer-controlled, limited-slip, active differential transferred the proper amount of torque to each rear wheel under fast cornering.

This menacing F430 Spider is finished in Nero over a tan leather interior. Five-spoke alloy wheels that conceal black brake calipers complete the attractive aesthetics. The impressive V-8 engine is mated to the exceedingly rare optional six-speed manual gearbox, prized among Ferrari aficionados; it is believed that only 200 US-market examples were desirably equipped as such.

At the time of cataloguing, the Spider's odometer reads only 14,497 miles; the most recent service was carried out this year by the official Ferrari dealer, Ferrari of Long Island, New York, where the car received new fluids and filters, a brake system service, four new tires, and had the sticky buttons replaced. With its combination of fantastic looks and exceptional performance, this F430 Spider is ready to attack the most winding of roads with its top down at full speed!