1992-1996 saw a return of three special things at Ferrari; first was the V12 engine to the road. Sure, the boxer 12 was a very special motor and powered some of the more memorable 1970s and 1980s Ferraris, but the 456, F50 and finally 550 Maranello saw the V12 make a triumphant return to form at Ferrari. The 550 really brought the final two items back; sure, the 456 was a great 2+2 but the 550 Maranello really reintroduced the world to the front engined Ferrari V12 GT car - something that hadn't been seen since the legendary Daytona. If those shoes weren't big enough to fill, Ferrari threw in another historic name when they chopped the top off, introducing the limited run Barchetta in 2000. In true Barchetta form, they received no hard-top option at all and the soft top that was available was only speed rated to 70 mph. It was a compromised vehicle, as any good Ferrari should be! It also got some special Speedline wheels and, outside the Enzo, was top-dog at Ferrari until the equally compromised 575M Superamerica was introduced in 2005. Today there is a lovely Euro-spec example available on Ebay:
Year: 2001
Model: 550 Barchetta
Engine: 5.5 liter V12
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 8,163 mi
Price: No Reserve Auction
CLICK FOR DETAILS:2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta
Up for sale is a 2001 550 Barchetta with 8,163 miles production number 345. This particular 550 came from Germany and then was imported into the US and was legalized. It is a Euro spec car that has a clear US title. This 550 Barchetta is number 345 of 448. This is the modern day Daytona Spyder. They are already classics amongst the modern Ferrari’s. The Barchetta represents one of the rarest Ferraris on the road today. The front engine V12 is the perfect grand touring car. If you are looking at a Barchetta, you know what these very special cars are about. Please feel free to call me with any further questions.
EBAY does not like the Euro VIN number hence the 1980 year.719-510-8080
Brett
Since most Ferraris are rare to begin with, saying this limited run Barchetta is one of the rarest points in part towards its value and desirability. While around $60,000 will fetch you a decently clean 550 Maranello, condition 1-2 Barchettas range from about $180,000 - $210,000. That's a big spread, big enough indeed to buy some other Ferraris. But this Barchetta, while out of the reach of most of us, is priced right in the middle of that spread, appropriate to where it should be. While it will remain a dream to most of us, it sure is beautiful to look at!
-Carter
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Speed limited to 70mph?! Really? Tell me, why I would buy it?
Kelly, I’m going to venture a very wild guess that if you own this car, it’s not your primary transport. Or even your secondary transport. It’s for those days when it’s sunny, 75 degrees, zero humidity, not a cloud in the sky and fuel is cheap. And your first name is “Sheikh”, “Sir”, “Duke”, or “Count”. Or, your movie/rap album is topping the charts.