FLAGSHIP FERRARI: This 2019 488 is at the top of the pack
September 25, 2019
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by independent automotive journalist Chris Griggs
This stunning 2019 Ferrari 488 Spider (Lot #749) with just 80 miles on the odometer will be headed across the auction block in Las Vegas with No Reserve.
When Ferrari unveiled the 488 as its new flagship for the 2015 model year, there were mixed reactions. It wasn’t over its aggressive, yet beautiful body lines that increased downforce by 50% over its predecessor while reducing drag. Nor was it over a 0-60 time of 3.0 seconds, a top speed limited to 205 mph and a lower curb weight over the previous model. In fact, it had nothing to do with the car’s performance, but rather how it achieved it.
The 488 marked the first time a flagship Ferrari model abandoned a naturally aspirated V8 in favor for forced induction, which some felt was out of character for what a mid-engine Ferrari should be. Although the engine bay now had a pair of turbo chargers complementing the performance, the DNA of the powerplant was still very much Ferrari – an aluminum 3.9-liter dry-sump V8. Good for 660 horsepower, the engine provided the classic Ferrari traits the Maranello faithful had come to expect: quick revs, high redlines and, of course, the signature sound.
Once the car was released to the public and people were able to experience it for themselves instead of reviewing it on paper, all doubts were silenced. Top Gear magazine named it “Supercar of the Year” in 2015 and Motor Trend named it “Best Driver’s Car,” in addition to numerous other accolades. When compared to rivals from Bologna, Woking and even Stuttgart, it was clear Ferrari was still at the top of the pack. Even now, as the sun sets on 488 production and Ferrari readies its successor, it’s clear that this prancing horse hasn’t lost a step.
This is illustrated well by Lot #749, a 2019 488 Spider that will be crossing the block at the Barrett-Jackson 2019 Las Vegas Auction with No Reserve. Finished in the sleek and sinister shade of Nero (black), it sports matching forged black wheels contrasted with red brake calipers. The interior follows suit with black leather seats featuring red diamond stitching and red seat belts. Having covered just 80 miles from new, this particular 488 was ordered with a substantial amount of options.
[](Lot 749 - 2019 Ferrari 488 Spider%5FEngine)Starting on the outside, it’s equipped with the exterior carbon-fiber package, which includes rear air ducts, side splitter, rear diffuser, exterior side sills and front splitter, all in carbon fiber. Additionally, it features the advanced front lighting system that allows the headlights to turn in relation to the steering angle, allowing the driver maximum visibility on corners during night driving – and so others can you coming ’round the bend. Rounding out the exterior is a set of the iconic Scuderia Shields, adorning the front fenders to ensure there’s no mistaking this prancing horse for anything but.
The carbon fiber continues into the interior with dashboard inserts and tunnel bridge, and capping it off is the steering wheel with carbon-fiber driver zone, complete with LED shift lights. The door panels are wrapped in Alcantara as well as the lower dashboard, and it features fully electric seats adorned with the prancing horse logo embroidered into the headrests, as well as a hi-fi stereo with Apple Car Play – in the unlikely event one tires of the exhaust note.
[](Lot 749 - 2019 Ferrari 488 Spider%5FEngine)Speaking of which, it’s equipped with the sport exhaust with matte black tips to stay with the sleek, sinister theme on the outside. Additional convenience and performance features include the front axle lift system, which utilizes hydraulic actuators to lift the front end in case the driver runs across a steep driveway or a tall speedbump. Helping to bring everything to a stop is a set of carbon ceramic brakes, which are claimed to decrease stopping distances from the previous model. With everything added together, this car was ordered with over $105,000 worth of options from the factory (as noted on the Window Sticker that’s included with the sale), and that’s in addition to the $280,900 base price.
[](Lot 749 - 2019 Ferrari 488 Spider%5FEngine)Most Ferrari dealers require customers to have an established history buying multiple pre-owned or “entry-level” models like a Lusso or Portofino before allowing them to be placed on a waiting list for the possible privilege to buy a 488. Unlike their rivals, Ferrari requires a commitment, or what some might call a “passion,” before they allow you to purchase one of their flagship cars. One lucky bidder at the 2019 Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction will be able to prove their passion without the wait.
For up-to-date information on this vehicle, click HERE. For a look at all the vehicles on the docket for the 2019 Las Vegas Auction, click HERE.