2005 Ferrari 575 Superamerica by Pininfarina

2005 Ferrari 575 Superamerica by Pininfarina
Sold for $330,000 Including Commission
RM Auction, Monterey, CA. 2014
Chassis no. ZFFGT61AX50140436
540 bhp, 5,748 cc 65-degree V-12 engine, six-speed electro-hydraulic F-1 transmission, independent front and rear suspension with coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers with adaptive damping, and anti-roll bars, and front and rear carbon ceramic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 98.4 in
•Believed to be the second Superamerica built
•Just under 2,300 miles from new
•Ferrari Classiche certified
Ferrari first used the Superamerica name on the 410 model that premiered at the Brussels Salon in 1956. From that point on, the name would be associated with Ferrari’s flagship models, the grandest of tourers that were destined for the carriage houses of captains of industry, A-list celebrities, and various heads of state. Superamericas offered world-beating performance with the highest available degree of luxury, and they became renowned as amongst the most desirable automobiles that money could buy. The final 400 Superamerica was produced in 1964, and with it, the Superamerica name ceased in usage for over four decades. It was a legendary moniker that was considered the ultimate by tifosi.
In 2005, the fabled name returned on a limited-edition convertible variant of the 575M Maranello that had been beautifully drawn by Pininfarina with lines that perfectly complemented the personality of the car. Rather than fitting the Superamerica with a conventional folding soft top, Ferrari chose a special “Revocromico” roof, which was crafted of electrochromatic glass and carbon fiber. With the push of a button, the roof would rotate away in less than 10 seconds, opening the interior to the air, with the rear window remaining in place to function as a wind deflector. If the weather was not favorable, the level of tint in the glass could be adjusted to allow the full brightness of a conventional sunroof, with as little as 1% of available sunlight, into the cabin. Unlike most retractable hardtops, the 575 Superamerica’s roof panel rested on the rear deck when in the open position, leaving plenty of room for a week’s luggage in the trunk.
This particular Superamerica is a very early production example, and it is believed to be only the second Superamerica built. Interestingly, according to documentation supplied by Ferrari in its Classiche certification binder, the car was not delivered new to a dealership, but rather to Ferrari’s North American headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, perhaps for press and promotional purposes.
For the last few years, the car has resided within a prominent Canadian Ferrari collection, where it has been well preserved and has seen only limited use. A CARFAX report, which shows no history of damage or accidents, is available and included. An RM specialist who recently had the opportunity to drive the car reported that it functioned wonderfully around town and at highway speeds and that the V-12 produced a wonderful exhaust note, as any modern Ferrari should. This Superamerica, showing just under 2,300 miles on its odometer, is accompanied by the aforementioned Ferrari Classiche certification, which certifies that it is equipped just as it was the day it left the factory.
The Superamerica certainly carries all the pomp and circumstance embodied in its predecessors, as it is a limited-production model that is versatile enough to be used on a daily basis. Its unique rotating hardtop provides its passengers the opportunity to enjoy the sunlight with the roof closed and further access can be granted with just the flick of a switch. As an early production example, this particular Superamerica has been remarkably well preserved and would surely be an excellent addition to any collection.
Robert Myrick Photography