2001-Ferrari-550 Barchetta

Description

2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta
VIN ZFFZR52A810124245
Yellow with Black Interior

The only fully convertible version of the excellent Maranello, the Barchetta was a limited edition of 448 cars. In addition to the cut down windscreen and light weight top, the car was specially trimmed with a number of unique details, both inside and out. With the same 485hp V12 and 6-speed transaxle, the Barchetta is also rapid and balanced, making it the ultimate open modern Ferrari, and indeed, the only open twelve-cylinder Ferrari available from the factory since the legendary Daytona Spider.

This particular car is a low mileage example in a fairly unusual color for the Barchetta. Its options include shields and an extinguisher. The car also has Tubi exhaust. It has been pampered, and has recently (at 3971 miles in December of 2007) seen a major service, which included the belts, all fluids, and a recharge of the air conditioning system. The tires were also replaced at that time with new Michelin Pilot Sports.

Cosmetically, the car is of course in excellent condition. Compared to a standard Maranello, the car has a number of special features, including an aluminum fuel filler lid and modular wheels. The car shows no external blemishes aside from very light stone chipping to the front bumper. The underside of the front spoiler has a few scuffs as well. Otherwise, the exterior is unmarked. The wheels show no curbing, and the paintwork is excellent throughout. The glass and lamps are also like new.

The interior is similarly nice, and has a number of special features to differentiate this car from the Maranello coupe. The center console and instrument binnacle are upholstered with suede material, and there is much carbon fiber trim throughout. The steering wheel, instrument cluster, shifter knob, and center console feature carbon fiber, and the shells of the seats are also made of carbon fiber and are the size large racing seats. The interior shows light wear in a few places, but is on the whole excellent.

The engine compartment and trunk are both excellent, as would be expected of such a low mileage well-cared for car. The emergency top is present in its original bag, along with the cover, manual pack (which comes in a special Barchetta holder), tire kit, and tool set.

This is an appealing example of this rare limited edition model. Its low mileage, fully serviced status, and irreproachable cosmetic condition, are important positive considerations, as is the fact that this is a no-stories, no-excuses car. Moreover, Sports Car Market affirmed in the July 2008 issue that these cars are likely at the bottom of their depreciation curves, making this an excellent time to buy. With just 448 examples built, compared to over 4500 Maranello coupes, Barchettas also show excellent potential for future appreciation.