PROVENANCE
David Liskin, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California (acquired new on April 2011)
Private Collector (acquired from the above circa 2012)
Current Owner (acquired from the above)

THIS CAR
Carrozzeria Pininfarina is an Italian automobile design firm and coachbuilder whose crest and script have adorned countless Ferrari models commencing in 1952 when Pinin Farina was commissioned to produce coachwork for the 212 Inter. Since that time, the only production Ferraris not designed by Pininfarina have been the 1973 Dino 308 GT4 and 2013 LaFerrari.

To pay tribute to one of the longest-running and successful pairings in the automotive industry, Ferrari introduced the limited-production 599 SA Aperta at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Designed by Pininfarina, the SA Aperta would contain many styling cues from the 540 Superfast Aperta, a one-off model based on the 599 GTB and built for an American collector in 2009 under Ferrari’s Portfolio custom design program. The “SA” stands for company principal Sergio Pininfarina and his late son, Andreas, while Aperta means “open” in Italian. In a nod to the design company’s 80th year since its founding in Cambiano, Italy, only 80 units of the exclusive model would be produced for worldwide consumption, thus making it among the rarest production Ferraris of all time.

The SA Aperta maintained the aggressive looks of the closed-top car on which it is based, but a closer inspection revealed both a lowered windscreen and ride height, helping to create an even sleeker silhouette. The rearward flying-buttress-sail panels of the Berlinetta that helped direct air and generate downforce were retained, but reshaped as they were considered vital both aerodynamically and aesthetically.

Rather than a folding soft top or electrically operated hideaway roof, the SA Aperta sported a lightweight panel that lifted off to reveal twin integrated roll hoops whose profile closely emulated that of the seat headrests. A carbon fiber roof panel was optional, as it was intended that this model be enjoyed open.

Unlike the one-off that influenced it aesthetically, the 599 SA Aperta was more closely related to the 599 GTO under the skin. A reworked version of 6.0-liter V-12 employed in the GTO – essentially lifted from the track-only 599XX and derived from the Enzo supercar – could be found under the hood, producing 670 hp at 8,250 rpm and 457 lbs./ft of torque. Mated with Ferrari’s F1-style sequential electronic gearbox, lightning quick 60-millisecond upshifts and 120-millisecond downshifts were possible. The GTO would also lend its massive Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes and magnetorheological dampers that could be adjusted on demand with a twist of the “manettino” – a steeringwheel- mounted switch that also controlled stability-control intervention and transmission shift speed. The Aperta delivered 0-60 mph in a breathtaking 3.3 seconds, and a top speed of 208 mph was quoted, the same as the GTO.

Representing an exceedingly rare opportunity to acquire an SA Aperta, the car offered here was delivered to its first owner, David Liskin of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, by Ferrari San Francisco in April 2011, before passing to a private collector the next year. Finished in simply spectacular Grigio Titanio (gray metallic) over Nero leather with red stitching, and thought by the consignor to be the only one in this color combination, this example was seemingly endowed with every available factory extra.

The interior features full power and heated carbon fiber sports seats, further use of polished carbon fiber on much of the inside trim, Bose audio, front and rear parking sensors, and a navigation system. On the outside, this car is set apart by Scuderia Ferrari cloisonné fender shields, carbon-ceramic brakes with red calipers, and five-spoke alloy wheels finished in titanium. Additionally, a carbon fiber roof panel – a $50,000 option when new – was specified.

Presenting as-new with a documented 2,498 miles showing at the time of cataloguing, this SA Aperta has a CARFAX history report and has been certified by Ferrari Classiche. Illustrating extra care, the entire front end, including bumper, fenders, and mirrors were wrapped in a protective clear bra before it left the selling dealer.

All 80 examples of the SA Aperta were sold prior to delivery, and today rarely become available for purchase. With impeccable credentials, and retaining all its original delivery accessories including books, tool kit, covers, battery tender, as well as the Classiche Red Book, this may be a once-in-a-lifetime chance to purchase a modern-day and extremely exclusive Ferrari.