SILVER AERO: This Ferrari 550 Barchetta is made for the open road

December 19, 2018
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Written by independent automotive journalist Roger C. Johnson

This pampered 2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta (Lot #1377) has only been driven 28,000 miles in its life. It will be crossing the block at No Reserve during the 2019 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction.

We all know that the early long-nose, front-engine 12-cylinder Ferraris were some of the most glorious motorcars ever made. It was their purely logical body style that just always looked perfectly spectacular and unpretentious at the same time. But don’t mistake this 2001 550 Barchetta two-seater roadster (Lot #1377) for an introvert, because it has 485 horsepower on tap to make its presence known to one and all. That’s why this car was unveiled for the first time in July 1996 at the famed Nürburgring racing circuit in Germany.

Only 448 examples of this model Ferrari were produced, and they commemorate the Pininfarina design studio’s 70th anniversary. It’s the first new front-engine Ferrari since the fabulous 365 GTB/4 Daytona, almost a quarter-century before. That makes this Barchetta even more desirable and collectible.

The 5.5-liter engine is an all-alloy 4-cam, 65-degree V12. Nothing but the best pieces here. Even the connecting rods are made of a special titanium alloy designed to keep them at ease during those long trips up and down the engine’s impressive rev-range. A 6-speed manual transaxle puts the power directly into the hands of the driver, and at the same time improves the car’s fore and aft weight distribution. Multi-system electronics are impressive even by today’s standards.

What we have here is a sophisticated Ferrari-factory hot rod, from its structure and suspension to the custom-like interior and its delivery of total performance. That performance amounted to quarter-mile blasts of 12.5 seconds with speeds in the 117-mph range. Part of this Barchetta’s aero-package was a windshield that was trimmed down to slip through the air more gracefully, which beautifully supported the car’s already atmosphere-friendly body lines.

Since this model was designed purely for open-air motoring, minimal consideration was given to inclement weather conditions, so an elementary soft-top is provided. The idea behind this virtually zero-weight top was to keep the car’s total weight the same as its sister ship, the 550 Maranello coupe, after the addition of the roadster’s frame supports to offset the lack of a roof structure, and those impressive individual roll bars.

With a suggested top speed of 185 mph, this roadster is equipped with 18-inch magnesium alloy wheels and vented disc brakes to complete that part of the performance equation. A double wishbone suspension arrangement incorporates coilover springs and shocks all around. Anti-sway bars at both ends keep everything on a level playing field during brisk excursions. Variable power-assist and rack & pinion steering practically sense your every input.

Finished in Grigio Alloy silver, the exterior contrasts perfectly with a black leather interior that’s functional, efficient and plush – but in a traditional manner. Special-ordered power seats engineered to comfortably support two of the luckiest people in the world await you. This car also features adjustable pedals, automatic temperature control, keyless entry and a security system.

This pampered machine has only been driven 28,000 miles in its life and has recently been treated to concours-caliber detailing. It’s hard to imagine it ever looking newer than it does right now.

Whenever the term “grand touring cars” was spoken, the subject vehicle was always a sleek open-air machine that could transport two people to paradise and back quickly, safely and in the style of the lucky few.

If you have some grand touring in your own plans, this No Reserve 2001 550 Barchetta crossing the auction block in Scottsdale is ready to go right now. Just crank up its V12, strap yourself in and aim this Silver Aero towards the destination target of your choice.

For up-to-date information on this vehicle, click HERE.