2005 Ferrari 575M Superamerica Spyder

With the arrival of the Pininfarina-designed 550 Maranello in 1996, Ferrari once again had a line of front-engined grand touring cars. A convertible version soon followed, but rather than using a traditional drop-top configuration, the Superamerica was given a 'Revocromico' rotating hardtop. It was constructed using a carbon fiber frame that was integrated with electrochromic glass, the first of its kind ever fitted to a production car. A dial in the cabin could be used to adjust the opacity of the glass in the roof when the top was closed. At its darkest setting, one percent of available light was allowed to penetrate the cockpit; when set to its full brightness, it acted like a conventional sunroof. Additionally, at the press of a button, the roof could rotate back to rest flush with the boot lid in just 10 seconds, transforming the car into a convertible. The rear window remained in place to function as a wind deflector.

The 5.7-liter V12 engine produced 532 horsepower at 7,250 RPM and 434 pound-feet of torque at 5,250 RPM. Gearbox options included a gated six-speed manual or F1-style six-speed, semi-automatic transmission with paddle-shift.

Total production was limited to 559 examples, with fewer than 200 were said to be destined for North American clients.

This one-owner Superamerica is a six-speed manual transmission example that was delivered new to the U.S. It wears Tour de France Blu over Crema Daytona-style leather seats with Blu carpeting and stitching. There is Crema leather rear wall upholstery, a Blu Scuro-colored dashboard and steering wheel, High Power HIFI stereo system with six-disc CD changer, interior carbon trim package, and Scuderia shields on both front fenders. Additionally, it was optioned with the GTC performance package (a $21,837 option) which added upgraded carbon-ceramic brakes, a more performance-oriented suspension, free-flowing exhaust, and modular 19-inch wheels.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2024