Highlights

- Only 257 Miles From New
- Reference Preservation Example
- 1 of 448 Produced Worldwide
- Ferrari Classiche Certified
- Accompanied By Luggage, Tools, Books, and Paperwork

Overview

Ferrari’s vast legacy of performance cars was built on the classic architecture of a front-mounted V-12 engine and rear wheel drive. The mid-engine Berlinetta Boxer and Testarossa that represented Ferrari’s top-level 12-cylinder offerings through the 1970’s and 80’s were ripe for replacement by the 1996 introduction of the 550 Maranello, the company’s first V-12 powered two-seat road car since 1973. The 550 was incredibly well-received, and the car’s advanced styling, performance, build quality, and ease of operation made it a desirable commodity among enthusiasts.

Ferrari had a well-established tradition of offering limited-production, open versions of its cars, and introduced the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina at the Paris Motor Show in 2000. Utilizing the basic architecture of the coupe, the car was a true barchetta, with no permanent top. Its windscreen was more raked and the rear bodywork was lengthened, while roll hoops provided protection for its two lucky occupants. Power was from the 5.5L tipo-F133C V-12, producing 478 hp at 7,000 RPM and enabling a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 186 mph.

Importantly, production of the 550 Barchetta was limited to 448 examples worldwide, cementing its future as a very collectible Ferrari. As with the 550 Maranello, the Barchetta was exclusively fitted with a 6-speed manual gearbox, the last V-12 model to be so specified as such standard.

The incredible 550 Barchetta offered here is a US-specification example delivered new to Ferrari of Seattle, and it has remained in Washington its entire life, currently showing a miniscule 257 miles on the odometer. The current owner bought the 550 from Ferrari of Seattle in 2007, immediately having it serviced and Ferrari Classiche Red Book certified. The original muffler was replaced by a Tubi-Style unit at this time, and accompanies the car.

Over the subsequent 17 years the Ferrari has been kept sequestered in a car capsule inside a climate-controlled warehouse. Its cosmetic condition can only be described as remarkable, with virtually no wear apparent apart from the smallest scratch under the air dam. The common Ferrari problem of sticky interior buttons and switches is prevalent here, and will need to be addressed.

While only receiving traditional service a few times, the Ferrari has been kept in running condition and driven around the building approximately every six months. In July of 2024 it was sent to Ferrari expert Joshua Orr at Veloce Service in Kirkland, WA, where it received a comprehensive fluid service. The fuel pumps were also replaced, and the fuel tank was cleaned. The factory original timing belts were inspected at this time and found to be in acceptable condition to not warrant replacement for the car’s current use. This service should be done ahead of any serious road miles and could be completed as part of the sale transaction. Additionally, the car sits on it’s original Pirelli P-Zero tires that should be replaced from a time based standpoint before any road miles.

Accompanying the 550 Barchetta are incredibly well-preserved accessories including a tool kit, flat tire kit, car cover, manual folio, a set of fitted luggage in their original storage bags, a Ferrari 550 Barchetta backpack, and two hats with the Ferrari Cavallino on the front. All of these accessories appear in as-new condition. Also included are the Ferrari Classiche Red Book in its original box and the accompanying Classiche dash plaque.

Though various models have utilized a mid-engine layout for its dynamic benefits, the V-12-powered front-engine cars are still considered by many cognoscenti as the most desirable road-going Ferraris. The 550 series set a new standard for performance capability for a V-12 Ferrari road car, and stands as an incredibly desirable model in today’s marketplace.

This Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina is a reference example of an important model, benefitting from careful stewardship that has resulted in a time-warp experience for all who view it. Its unquestioned originality and limited use should appeal to those collectors who only want the best.

Please contact Jason at +1-206-355-7727 for more information on this Ferrari 550 Barchetta for sale.