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Temporary UK Import
See UK Registration/Import Status Guide in catalogue.

Although the popularity of limited-edition models has gained traction among high-end automotive brands, Ferrari is no stranger to the practice. Showcasing the marque’s commitment to craftsmanship, performance, and innovation, each specialty model attracts their most elite clientele, allowing the brand to build its highest performance and most bespoke creations in scarce numbers. Ranging from cars such as the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Competizione to the more recent “Icona” Series Daytona SP3, each consistently adds to the desirability of the brand in their own unique way.

Featuring their archetypal front-engine 5.5-liter V-12, the 550 Barchetta was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2000 to commemorate Pininfarina’s 70th anniversary. The “Barchetta” name, meaning “little boat” in Italian, harks back to the marque’s open-top, sports-racing Barchettas of the 1950s. To achieve the essence of open-top motoring, a raked windscreen and individual roll bars were added, in turn creating a timeless, sporty appearance. Rather than opting for a complex retractable hardtop, an emergency accessory soft top was chosen, ensuring that the Barchetta maintained the exact weight of the original coupe. Consequently, the 550 Maranello’s exceptional performance capabilities were preserved – keeping an impressive 0–60 mph acceleration time of just 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 187 mph, a mere one-tenth of a second difference from the Maranello coupe.

The example offered here is the 138th of only 448 made in 2001, as noted by the factory-affixed, individually numbered placard between the driver and passenger seats. Finished in classic Rosso Corsa (Racing Red) over Nero (Black) upholstery, this 550 Barchetta was purchased new by a Hong Kong-based enthusiast. According to official Ferrari dealer H. R. Owen, it was subject to servicing at Naza Italia in Malaysia between 2012 and 2021. The 550 Barchetta was acquired by the current owner via Girardo & Co. in 2022. At the time of cataloguing, it displayed just 565 km and presents in original condition. Along with its factory certificate of origin, warranty, and service book, it retains its original Pirelli P Zero tires, spare tire, and helmets – which are often lost – in their original bags.

As the final limited-production, open-top Ferrari to sport the gated manual gearbox, the 550 Barchetta is poised to continue its rise in notability among collectors. With near-delivery mileage, this time capsule is ideal for the those who would like to add an icon of open-top V-12 motoring to their collection.