The best of both worlds

The world’s fastest production convertible. That’s what Ferrari’s limited-edition V12 flagship, the 575 Superamerica, was hailed when it was launched back in 2005. Sure, the 199mph top speed was mightily impressive.

As was the 540bhp kicked out by the 12-cylinder engine and the incredible nimbleness that defied the car’s dimensions. But the Superamerica’s trump card, so far as we’re concerned, was its versatility – thanks primarily to that clever Revocromico roof, which turned the car from a quiet, comfortable coupé into an intoxicating convertible in what feels like the drop of a hat.

There’s an indescribably indulgent and satisfactory feeling when you drive an open 12-cylinder Ferrari. It’s pure power. Pure grandeur. A feeling that, whether you like it or not, conjures romantic images of the same models of yesteryear, which were the preserve of the Jet Set both here in Europe and across the pond in America. Just 559 of these limited-edition open-top front-engined V12 flagship Ferrari were built, christened the Superamerica after the glamorous and ultra-desirable 12-cylinder Superamerica Gran Turismos of the 1950s and 1960s. A fitting tribute indeed.

Chassis no. 141818

Delivered new to Switzerland in October of 2005, this Ferrari 575 Superamerica F1 is one of the very best specified examples we’ve encountered. Its exterior hue is Grigio Ingrid – a rare historic shade so named after the particular 375 MM Coupe Speciale famously owned by the Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman in the 1950s.

Inside, the airy cabin is equally special: sumptuous Cuoio hide over contrasting Nero carpets and dashboard. Boxes ticked on the optional-extras form included the aluminium brake calipers, red rev counter, satellite navigation, Bridgestone tyres, the upgraded hi-fi and brown stitching.

Chassis number 141818 remained on the continent until the autumn of 2011, when it was imported to the United Kingdom and registered with the number ‘RK05 EJF’. At that time the mileage was noted as a mere 543km. And in the thirteen years since, the Superamerica has only covered a further 143km – that’s just 686km on the odometer today. As evidenced in the list below, this car has been regularly maintained and always by Official Ferrari Service Centres. Most recently in June of 2024, during which the bonnet struts and headlight gaskets were replaced.

For such a low-mileage car, the condition of this 575 Superamerica is, as you might expect, near flawless. The Grigio Ingrid bodywork is unmarked, with only small sections of peeling paint on the insides of the door and boot shuts. There is some delamination to the electrochromic glass roof panel, which is a common occurrence on the Superamerica, commensurate with age.

Inside, the sumptuous Cuoio leather is almost entirely unmarked, while all the plastic switchgear is like new with no stickiness having been freshly refinished. Beneath the carpet in the boot you’ll find the complete factory leather tool kit and tyre-inflation set. The accompanying history file also contains the original leather documents pouch, complete with all the original user manuals and warranty cards, including those for the stereo and the optional navigation system.

Price: £348,000 (GBP)