Upon the 1996 introduction of its Pininfarina-designed 550 Maranello, Ferrari sensed customer demand for an open-top example, something which had been missing from Maranello’s line-up since the hallowed Daytona Spider. Though customers were thrilled with the resulting 550 Barchetta Pininfarina, many felt limited by the lack of a conventional convertible top and only used their cars for quick out-and-back jaunts in more forgiving weather. Ferrari, of course, responded in dramatic fashion and created a brand-new convertible top system which offered the freedom of the Barchetta with the practicality and security of the coupé.

Based on the upgraded 575M Maranello, the resulting Superamerica was immediately set apart by its Revocromico rotating hardtop, the first of its kind ever fitted to a production car. It was constructed using a carbon fibre frame integrated with electrochromic glass. When the top was closed, the opacity of the glass could be adjusted via a dial in the cabin, allowing the driver and passenger to experience the full brightness of a conventional sunroof at its lightest setting or just one per cent of available light at its darkest. Further, the Superamerica could be transformed into a convertible at the touch of a button, with the roof rotating back to rest flush with the rear deck in just 10 seconds.

The car offered here was supplied new by Maranello Sales Ltd as one of just 63 right-hand-drive examples of the Superamerica. The Ferrari was finished by the factory in sleek Nero Daytona paint with a matching Nero leather interior complete with Daytona-style seat inserts. The exterior was enhanced by the placement of Scuderia wing shields and stand-out yellow brake callipers. Importantly, the Ferrari was configured with the desirable Fiorano Handling Pack for stiffer suspension, a lower ride height, and retuned steering software.

Noted to have been delivered to its first owner in Pimlico in January 2006, the Ferrari stayed with its first keeper for four-and-a-half years. A brief sojourn on the Dorset coast followed, before being acquired by its consigning owner in March 2011. With just 20,391 miles on its odometer at the time of cataloguing, the Ferrari has been sparingly used throughout its 20 years, and especially so by its vendor who has recorded less than 1,000 miles in the last decade. Nevertheless, the Superamerica has been routinely maintained by Ferrari specialists including Emblem Sports Cars of Poole and Bob Houghton of Gloucestershire, as demonstrated by the accompanying stamped service book. The car is further offered with its Ferrari tool kit, wheel change kit, and a car cover, while the Ferrari’s history file is enhanced by a letter of authenticity from marque expert Tony Willis and a copy of its Certificate of Conformity.

Ferrari connoisseurs should not miss this opportunity to acquire a rare, UK-delivered Superamerica with such sparing use.