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2005 Ferrari 575M Superamerica

The Pininfarina-designed Ferrari Superamerica combines Ferrari 12-cylinder berlinetta performance with a highly original, innovative take on the convertible concept.

The Superamerica is the first production car to adopt an innovative rotating roof movement in combination with electrochromic technology developed exclusively for glass surfaces of these dimensions, with Saint Gobain.

The Fioravanti-patented rotating roof concept allows the Superamerica driver to electrically drop the top in 10 seconds flat, making it the world's fastest convertible berlinetta (320 Km/h top speed).

Derived from the 575M Maranello, the Superamerica is available with either an F1-style or manual gearbox. Its big 12-cylinder engine has been boosted to deliver 540 hp too. The new car can also be fitted with the GTC Handling package which offers Ferrari's very latest high-tech features including carbon ceramic brakes.

The Superamerica's unusual electric roof has been dubbed Revocromico to highlight the unique combination of its rearward rotation movement and electrochromic technology. It has a carbon-fibre structure and the boot capacity remains unchanged whether the roof is open or closed too. The glass rear window also acts as a highly effective wind deflector when the roof is open.

The use of electrochromic glass means that the driver can completely control the level of light entering the cockpit. There are five tint levels available and the glass can go from dark to light in under a minute, at the touch of a button.

The Ferrari Superamerica is a limited edition model and will be premiered at Los Angeles and Detroit Auto Shows next January.

by Ferrari

Spyder by Pininfarina
Chassis number: ZFFGT61A550145401

In 2002, Ferrari refined the 550 with the 575M. It was given an increase in horsepower, larger brakes, and redesigned interior. It was also the company's first vehicle with Magneti Marelli's electro-hydraulic 'F1' gearbox coupled to a V-12 engine.

In 2005, an open-top 575 M was introduced and built in limited numbers. They were dubbed the 'Superamerica.' The car had a retractable carbon fiber and glass roof panel that flipped 180-degrees rearword to lie flat atop the trunk lid. The glass featured electrochromic technology, which enabled an electrically controlled incremental transition between clear and nearly opaque. The car was also given additional bracing on the side sills and A-pillars, and the bulkhead behind the cockpit and transaxle area were strengthened and braced. In total, the curb weight was increased by a mere 200 lb.

Ferrari produced just 559 Superamericas with only 170 equipped for sale in the United States.

This example is finished in Rosso Corsa over beige leather. It was sold by Ferrari of Beverly Hills in the final days of 2005 and has been retained in the collection of its first owner ever since. The odometer shows just 165 miles. The car has its manuals, tool kit, car cover, delivery papers, and window stocker. Options include the F1 semiautomatic gearbox, Fiorano handling package with carbon-ceramic brakes, Daytona-style seats, and CD changer. The 5748cc dual overhead cam alloy V-12 engine is fitted with an electronic sequential fuel injection system which helps deliver 533 horsepower to the rear wheels.

by Dan Vaughan

Spyder by Pininfarina
Chassis number: ZFFGT61AX50140436

In 1956, at the Brussels Salon, Ferrari first used the Superamerica name on the 410 model. From that point on, the name was be associated with Ferrari's flagship models. The Superamricas offered world-beating performance with the highest available degree of luxury. The final 400 Superamerica was produced in 1964, and the name would lay dormant for over four decades.

In 2005, the name returned on a limited-edition convertible variant of the 575M Maranello that had been penned by Pininfarina. Ferrari gave the car a special 'Revocromico' roof, which was crafted of electrochromatic glass and carbon fiber. After pushing a button, the roof would rotate away in less than 10 seconds, with the rear window remaining in place to function as a wind deflector. The 575 Superamerica's roof panel rested on the rear deck when in the open position, allowing for adequate room for luggage in the trunk.

This example is an early production car that is believed to be only the second Superamerica built. 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.

In the last few years, the car has resided within a prominent Canadian Ferrari collection, where it has seen only limited use. Currently, the car shows just under 2,300 miles on its odometer.

by Dan Vaughan

Spyder by Pininfarina
Chassis number: ZFFGT61A650145715

In 1996, Ferrari introduced the front-engined, two-place grand touring cars into their lineup with the 550 Maranello. This new car was also successor to the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona. The car that followed the 550 Maranello was the 550 Barchetta, which was nearly identical to its 550 Maranello sibling, but intended as a pure roadster. This satisfied many customer's request for open air touring, but it did fall short at offering a conventional convertible top. With the 575M Maranello, Ferrari introduced a brand-new convertible-top system that offered the security of a coupe and the freedom of a convertible.

The Ferrari 575 Superamerica had a Revocromico rotating hardtop that was constructed using a carbon fiber frame that had been integrated with electrochromic glass. This setup was the first of its kind ever to be fitted to a production car. With the press of a button, the Superamerica could be transformed into a convertible. The roof would rotate back to rest flush with the boot lid in just 10 seconds. The rear window remained in place and functioned as a wind deflector.

This particular Ferrari 575 Superamerica has had just one owner since new. It is finished in Rosso Fiorano over a Crema leather interior. Currently, it has just 950 miles on its odoemter. The car has Daytona-style seats with Bordeaux piping and stitching, yellow-painted brake calipers, and the HGTC handling package. The HGTC package consists of carbon ceramic brakes with racing-specification pads and calipers, 19-inch rims, a lowered suspension, titanium racing exhausts, and faster calibration for the steering rack.

The car has a V-12 engine delivering 540 horsepower and is fitted with a six-speed electro-hydraulic F-1 transmission.

by Dan Vaughan

Spyder by Pininfarina
Chassis number: ZFFGT61AX50145099

This Ferrari 575M Superamerica, one of just 559 built, has covered less than 4,000 miles from new. It is finished in iconic Rosso Scuderia over Cuoio leather Daytona style seats accented in black. Options include the Rosso Scuderia brake calipers, Daytona seats, red instruments, Interior carbon trim, space saver wheels, and Scuderia Ferrari shields. The 515 horsepower produced from the V12 engine is sent through Ferrari's F1 paddle shift gearbox developed from their Formula 1 racing program.

Delivered new by Penske Motorcars in New Jersey the Superamerica was purchased by its previous owner trough Berlinetta Motorcars in Long Island. The original owner used it sparingly. It was sold in 2013 to the current owner through Berlinetta Motorcars.

by Dan Vaughan

Spyder by Pininfarina
Chassis number: ZFFGT61A750145724

Ferrari introduced a final version of the front-engine 575M in 2005, itself an extension of the 550 Maranello that debuted nine years earlier. The new model was called the 575 Superamerica, commemorating the manufacturer's 50th anniversary of selling cars in the United States.

The Superamerica had a convertible design (patented by Pininfarina designer Leonardo Fioravanti), which consisted of an unusual rear-hinged glass roof that rotated 180-degrees to an open position.

This example was built in November of 2005 and finished in a color combination of Silverstone over a nero leather interior. It was fitted at the factory with the Fiorano Handling Package that included a re-mapped suspension (with lowered, stiffer springs, adjusted camber and toe, and a stabilizer bar), upgraded brake pads, and a more performance-oriented power-steering governing chip. It was given yellow-painted brake calipers, Scuderia Ferrari fender shields, monochromatic Daytona-style seats with grigio chiaro stitching, interior carbon fiber trim, a yellow tachometer face, a premium audio system with six-CD changer, and F1 transmission.

It was delivered in January of 2006 and since that time has been driven just 1,747 miles. It has recently been given a full cosmetic detailing and a round of servicing, including the replacement of the Revochromico roof with a correct new factory unit (a $41,000 part).

by Dan Vaughan

Spyder by Pininfarina
Chassis number: ZFFGT61A450142019

This Ferrari 575M Superamerica Design by Pininfarina is one of 559 built and has covered less than 13,000 miles from new. It is finished in the rare color of Blue Mirabeau over beige and blue leather. Options include the carbon interior package with racing seats, special leather features and stitching, a HiFi stereo with CD changer, and the GTC package. This includes modular rims, ceramic brakes, Tubi Exhaust, and a further performance tuned suspension. Power is from a 48-valve V12 engine offering 515 horsepower and matted to an innovative F1 paddle shift gearbox developed from their Formula 1 racing cars.

The car was delivered new to Ferrari cognoscenti in Southern California and saw little use for the first two years. In 2017, it was sold to its second owner. By October of 2014 it had 11,324 miles on its odometer; by March of 2016 it had 11,931 miles, and most recently it had 12,715 miles.

by Dan Vaughan

Spyder by Pininfarina
Chassis number: ZFFGT61A950145711

The front-engine 575M was introduced in 2005, an extension of the 550 Maranello that debuted nine years earlier. The new model commemorated the extension of the 550 Maranello that debuted nine years earlier, and was called the Superamerica, evoking the name used on the vintage 340 America and 410 Superamerica models. It was given a unique convertible design, which consisted of an unusual rear-hinged glass roof that rotated 180-degrees to an open position, lying flush with the rear deck lid. This unique feature was patented by Pininfarina designer Leonardo Fioravanti, the so-called Revochromico roof was punctuated with the use of new adjustable-tint technology.

This particular example has been driven sparingly and is finished in the color combination of Argento Nürburgring over a Cuoio leather interior. It is believed to be one of relatively few Superamerica examples that were equipped with the Fiorano Handling Package, a desirable group of performance options that included a re-mapped suspension featuring lowered, stiffer springs, adjusted camber and toe, and a stabilizer bar; upgraded brake pads; and a more performance-oriented power-steering governing chip.

This example was equipped with red-painted brake calipers, Scuderia Ferrari fender shields, monochromatic Daytona-style seats with Grigio Chiaro stitching, rear wall leather upholstery in matching Cuoio, a yellow-faced tachometer, a premium audio system with six-CD changer, and the F1 paddle-shift transmission.

This Ferrari Superamerica is one of 599 examples that were built worldwide and one of 170 examples designated for the U.S. market during its one-year availability.

by Dan Vaughan

Spyder by Pininfarina
Chassis number: ZFFGT61AX50142607

Ferrari marketed the Superamerica as the world's fastest convertible car. Its design blended performance and elegance and combined a retractable hardtop that made it one of the finest convertible coupes ever constructed by the Italian marque. The Superamerica's rotating roof utilized carbon fiber and special electrochromic glass, and could quickly transform itself into a convertible with the flick of a switch. When the coupe form in place, the roof could be adjusted between its lightest clear and darkest opaque settings.

The Superamerica was based on the 575M Maranello drivetrain and equipped with a higher-output version of Ferrari's then flagship 5.7-liter V12. It developed 532 horsepower at 7,250 RPM and 434 pound-feet of torque at 5,250 RPMs.

This particular example left the factory finished in Argento Nürburgring over a Beige leather interior with Castoro (light brown) carpets. It was equipped with the 'Fiorano' Handling Package, Daytona-style seats, colored dashboard, rear wall leather upholstery, high power HiFi and six-disc CD changer, all stitching in color, and a colored steering wheel.

Upon leaving the factory, the Ferrari was sent to Continental Autosports in Hinsdale, Illinois. Currently, this Ferrari has 15,005 miles on the odometer.

by Dan Vaughan

Spyder by Pininfarina
Chassis number: ZFFGT61A050145113

The convertible rotating hardtop of the 575M Superamerica, named the 'Revocromico,' was constructed using a carbon fiber frame integrated with electrochromic glass, the first of its kind ever fitted to a production car. A dial in the cabin adjusted the opacity of the glass in the roof when the top was closed. This provided the driver and passenger to select from a range of one percent of available light at its darkest or experience the full brightness of a conventional sunroof. With the press of a button, the roof could also rotate back to rest flush with the boot lid in just 10 seconds, leaving the rear window in place to function as a wind deflector.

Powering the Superamerica was a 5.7-liter V-12 with 532 horsepower at 7,250 RPM and 434 pound-feet of torque at 5,250 RPM. Transmission options included a gated six-speed manual or F1-style six-speed, semi-automatic with paddle-shift controls.

This particular example was sold new through Boardwalk Ferrari and finished in classic Rosso Corsa with a rich beige leather interior. It is equipped with the F1 paddle-shift transmission along with several other options including interior carbon trim, GTC Package, Daytona-style seats, high power hi-fi with six-disc CD changer, Scuderia shields, piping in color upon request, rear wall leather upholstery, and all stitching in color.

The GTC Package added upgraded carbon-ceramic brakes, a more performance-oriented suspension, a free-flowing exhaust, and modular 19-inch wheels, at a price tag of $21,837.

Currently, the Superamerica 'Revocromico' has 3,873 miles on the odometer. It has a window sticker, manuals with pouch, tool roll, air compressor, car cover with bag, and its Classiche Red Book.

by Dan Vaughan

Spyder by Pininfarina
Chassis number: ZFFGT61A650143799

Ferrari built 2,056 examples of the 575M between 2002 and 2006 and 559 examples of Superamerica, and every car was spoken for within weeks of its announcement. Of those 559, just 170 examples were destined for the North American market

This particular example is fitted with the six-speed gated manual transmission and is finished in a shade of Rubino Micalizzato over Natural leather upholstery. It was completed at Maranello in July of 2005 and delivered new two months later to Ferrari of North America's corporate campus in New Jersey. By November 2005, the car was sold new to its first owner in Mill Valley, California, with whom it would remain until April 2008.

In September of 2009, this six-speed Superamerica was granted Ferrari Classiche certification, meaning it retains all of its major powertrain components. In November 2016, the car was acquired by its previous owner, then showing approximately 8,650 miles, and moved to their residence in Staten Island, New York. After entering the care of its current owner in January of 2019, the Superamerica was immediately furnished with a complete paint correction regimen and ceramic coating treatment.

Within the past six years, the car has been driven fewer than 50 miles.

by Dan Vaughan

Spyder by Pininfarina
Chassis number: ZFFGT61A550143339

This Ferrari Superamerica is finished in a special-order shade of Verde British (611) over a bespoke Crema (3997) leather interior. It has 11,870 miles on its odometer and is powered by a 5.7-liter V-12 engine that delivers 532 horsepower at 7,250 RPM and 434 foot-pounds of torque at 5,250 RPM. The three-piece modular 19-inch wheels partially obscure the yellow brake calipers and the 'GTC' package adds ceramic brakes, a sport exhaust, and a stiffer suspension. On the inside, there is carbon trim on the paddle shifters, steering wheel, doors, and console. There is a HiFi system with a six-disc CD changer and yellow speedometer.

Provenance

This Ferrari was delivered new in July of 2005 to Miller Motorcars of Greenwich, Connecticut, and was acquired by its current caretaker in February 2017.

Service

In February of 2017, the car was given a major service and thorough inspection at Ferrari of Denver, Colorado. The tension belt pulley and the timing belt were replaced, followed by air filters and a fluid change. The trunk gas struts and hood were also replaced. The Revocromico convertible hardtop was replaced in June of 2014.

by Dan Vaughan

Spyder by Pininfarina
Chassis number: ZFFGT61A650144855

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 Dan Vaughan

Debuted in 2002, the Ferrari 575M (Maranello) is a two-seat, 2-door grand tourer that is basically an updated 550 Maranello with just slight styling updates from Pininfarina. In 2006 the 575M was replaced with the 599 GTB. The model number ‘575' stood for total engine displacement in liters and the ‘M' is an abbreviation of ‘modificato' or ‘modified'.

Slight updates from the 550 included a completely renewed interior but it did feature major improvements that included larger disc brakes, and much more powerful and larger engine and a different weight distribution. The aerodynamics was much more refined and fluid-dynamics were revised also along with an adaptive suspension set-up. The Ferrari 575M offered Magneti Marelli's semi-automatic ‘F1' gearbox for the first time ever on a Ferrari V12, along with two six-speed transmissions available along with a conventional manual gearbox.

The Ferrari 575M had a max speed of 203 mph and could achieve 0-60mph in just 4.2 seconds with the semi-automatic gearbox. The 575M had an overall length of 179 inches, a width of 76.2 inches and a height of 50.3 inches.

3 years after it had been introduced, an all new GTC handling package and Superamerica version and raised the power from 515 Ps to 540 PS was developed in 2005. The Superamerica version was a limited run of 559 retractable hardtop variants of the coupe. The GTC package came with Ferrari's fourth Carbon fiber-reinforced Silicon Carbide composite ceramic composite brake system, constructed by Brembo. Other features on the GTC package included a more performance-tuned suspension system, 19 inch wheels and low-restriction exhaust system. The all-new brakes were based on the company's Formula One technology. The brakes use 15.7 inch discs with six-piston calipers in the front and 14.2 inch discs with four-piston calipers in the back. The GTC package was priced around $23,500

The 575M Superamerica was debuted in 2005 and was a much evolved convertible variation of the 575M Maranello. The Superamerica came with an electrochromic glass panel roof that was capable of rotating 180° (a production vehicle first!) and the rear to lay flat over the trunk. Marketed by Ferrari as the world's fastest convertible, the Superamerica used the higher-output tune of the V12 engine which was rated at 540 hp. The Superamerica had a top speed of 199 mph and the GTC handling package was optional. 559 575M Superamerica's were constructed, an odd production, but followed Enzo Ferrari's philosophy ‘that there should always be one fewer car available than what the market is demanding'.

Announced at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, Yoshiyui Hayash produced a one-off special 575M GTZ built by Zagato for Japanese Ferrari collector. To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 250 range, the GTZ was endorsed officially by Ferrari. The 575M GTZ included Zagato's signature double-bubble roofline and two-tone paint.

The 575-GTC, distinguished from the 575M GTC Handling Package, was introduced in 2003 and followed the success of Prodrive in running the Ferrari 550, Ferrari wanted to offer their own racing vehicle to customers. The 575-GTC's were used primarily in the FIA GT Championship and succeeded to take a single win in their first season, with another one the following year. By the end of 2005 the 575-GTC's were not as good as the Prodrive-built 550-GTS's.

by Jessican Donaldson