When Ferrari reintroduced front-engine grand touring cars into its lineup in 1996 with the Pininfarina-designed 550 Maranello, demand for a convertible version was a foregone conclusion. So clients were thrilled with the introduction of the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina, yet also lamented its lack of a conventional convertible top, which relegated the svelte drop-top to quick, fair-weather jaunts during. In response to this issue, when it came to create a convertible variant of the 550’s replacement, the 575M Maranello, Ferrari devised one of the most interesting convertible tops ever created: the “Revocromico” rotating hardtop, featured on the limited-production Superamerica.

Constructed using a carbon-fiber frame integrated with electrochromic glass, it was 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 boasts a higher-output version of Ferrari’s then flagship 5.7-liter V-12. To increase output Ferrari modified the flow rate of the intake tracts and relieved 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. Though Superamerica buyers were free to select either Ferrari’s signature gated six-speed manual gearbox, or an F1-style six-speed, semi-automatic transmission, in the end, the manual proved the rarer choice, with some unofficial counts declaring a scant handful of US-market examples so equipped, making the manual-transmission Superamerica among the most highly sought after Ferraris of the 21st century.

This exceptional Superamerica certainly ranks among the most well-optioned and desirably specified examples in existence. Standing apart from its many Rosso-colored siblings, it is elegantly cloaked in Grigio Silverstone over Natural Daytona-style leather seats with black carpeting and white stitching. Further luxury appointments include Natural leather upholstery covering the rear cabin bulkhead and lower dashboard, which contrasts beautifully with the dark gray leather of the upper dashboard, steering wheel, and seat piping. An optional “HiFi” stereo system features a six-disc CD changer located in the trunk, while a characterful and distinctive pair of Scuderia Ferrari fender shields provide a loud complement to this Superamerica’s exciting suite of factory specifications.

In addition to its manual transmission, the car is equipped with the hugely desirable Fiorano Handling Package, which endows a slightly sportier edge to this already capable supercar by way of more aggressive steering calibration and a revised suspension, upgraded brake pads, a thicker rear roll bar, and red painted brake calipers.

Following delivery to Ferrari of Houston during December 2005, this Superamerica was purchased by its first owner in January 2006. By late 2008 it had been acquired by a resident of Malibu, California and indicated approximately 1,400 miles traveled, at that time.

Following eight years of carefully treasured ownership with its second owner, this car was purchased by the consignor in January 2016. As presented today, it currently shows just under 3,760 miles from new. In preparation for sale, the car was recently furnished with routine mechanical servicing.

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 comfortable and versatile enough for use on extended trips, thanks to its ingenious Revocromico hardtop. Cloaked in the stunning shade of Grigio Silverstone and equipped with the ultra-desirable six-speed manual gearbox and highly sought-after factory performance upgrades, this example will forever stand among the most envied iterations of the celebrated 575M Maranello.