• Part of The Aurora Collection
• Produced to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Pininfarina; one of 80 limited-edition examples
• Powered by a 661-horsepower 599 GTO-derived 6.0-litre V-12 engine
• Finished in Rosso Fuoco over a Charcoal leather interior
• Odometer displays just 209 kilometres; retained by the consigning owner since 2011
• Accompanied by a digital copy of its Ferrari Classiche certification, fitted luggage set, owner’s manuals, and a toolkit

Fans of the Prancing Horse—and collectors in particular—have long been spoiled by the output of Ferrari. In the modern era especially, the firm has produced some of the most desirable, rare, and captivating automobiles the world has ever seen, from the 288 GTO to the game changing LaFerrari. But while mid-engined supercars have understandably garnered the attention of top collectors, true cognoscenti of the Modena marque will have been equally excited by the arrival in 2010 of one of the hottest and most exclusive front-engined roadsters to ever leave Maranello: the SA Aperta.

The SA Aperta was, at its heart, a love letter to Pininfarina—the design house that had contributed so much to Ferrari’s stunning back catalogue. Specifically, to father and son, Sergio and Andrea, whose initials were immortalised in the model’s name. Just 80 of these spectacular machines were created, each an uncompromising marriage of striking open-topped styling and truly brutal performance. Both streamlined and aggressive, the roadster’s lines echo that of the 599 on which it is based. But while there is undoubtedly a familial resemblance, the SA Aperta’s steeply raked windscreen and sleek rear deck with integrated aerodynamic fins and roll bars set it apart as something truly special.

The cocktail only gets more potent when you look beneath the bodywork and realise that the SA Aperta shares its major mechanical components, including engine, gearbox, and exhaust system, not with the 599 GTB, but the 599 GTO—a machine so powerful and poised that it proved capable of lapping Ferrari’s Fiorano test track a full second quicker than the lauded Enzo. This from a car with its 661-horsepower 6.0-litre V-12 engine mounted not amidships, but ahead of the driver, in the great grand touring tradition of Ferraris of the 1960s.

Thanks to its GTO-derived powerplant, six-speed F1 Superfast gearbox, and an incredibly stiff chassis that weighed just 17 kilograms more than its 599 GTB stablemate, the SA Aperta was capable of reaching 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds and of storming to a dizzying top speed of 325 km/h. All this eminently achievable with the roof down, accompanied by perhaps one of the most spine tingling and intoxicating V-12 soundtracks of the modern era.

Chassis 181258 was built to order for Sport Motor Group of Beirut, Lebanon, and delivered in June 2011. Later that year, on 24 October, the Swedish importer, Autoropa, supplied the Ferrari to The Aurora Collection. The car was attractively specified in Rosso Fuoco—a triple-layer shade popular with LaFerrari owners for its deep, lustrous appearance—over a Charcoal leather interior finished with matching red piping. Contrasting Giallo instruments were also specified, along with Rosso brake callipers. The SA Aperta was certified by Ferrari Classiche in September 2010, and a digital copy of its binder accompanies the car. Bidders should note that the printed Red Book is not present, and its next owner will need to enquire directly with Ferrari Classiche about recertification. At the time of cataloguing, the odometer read just 209 kilometres. The car is accompanied by its owner’s manuals, a three-piece fitted luggage set, and a toolkit.

The SA Aperta remains one of the most ferociously quick front-engined Ferraris ever created, in addition to being among the most exclusive machines to ever wear a Prancing Horse badge. This immaculately preserved and tastefully specified example presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire perhaps the best of its type.

This motor car has been driven for no more than 6,000 kilometres. For this reason, the motor car is considered ‘as new’ for VAT purposes and is subject to VAT on the full purchase price (both on the hammer price and commission).

Questa vettura è stata guidata per non più di 6.000 chilometri. Per questo motivo l’auto è considerata “come nuova” ai fini dell’IVA ed è soggetta a IVA sull’intero prezzo di acquisto (sia sul prezzo di aggiudicazione, sia sulla commissione).

Please note, this car is missing its factory-supplied soft-top roof.

Si prega di notare, che quest'auto non è fornita di tettuccio morbido proveniente dalla fabbrica.

To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/ve23.