From 1996 through 2006, the Ferrari F550 and F575M were admired for bringing back front-engine, V12 cache back to the house of the Prancing Horse. Before the F550 gave way to the F575M in 2001, an open roofed version of the F550 was introduced, the F550 Barchetta. A roadster in the truest sense of the word, Ferrari offered this car with a soft top, but advised owners not to exceed 70 mph with the top on. Only 448 were produced, along with 10 prototypes. Apparently the compromise of the roof up speed limit led Ferrari to take a different route with the open roofed F575 variant, the Superamerica. This was more of a targa version, however, with an interesting glass roof that articulated 180 degrees to lie flat over the trunk lid. A few more of those were produced, this time 559 left the factory. This example for sale in New Jersey is the earlier Barchetta version and is practically new with just over 3,000 miles.
2001 Ferrari F550 Barchetta
The seller of this Barchetta offered zero information about this particular car, which is a shame, given these cars are quite rare. The open roofed F550s and F575s tend to command higher values than their hardtop variants. Prices tend to range anywhere from $130,000 to $200,000 these days, depending on mileage and service history. I've never liked these open roofed variants, as they are compromised not only in usability but in the looks department. The hardtop F550 was so aesthetically pleasing that I couldn't imagine hacking the roof off. But, to each their own. Most people that would own a Barchetta have a stable of exotic iron to choose from on a day to day basis. But even if I was that wealthy, I'd still go for the cheaper and more usable hardtop.
-Paul
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It’s odd that a Ferrari dealer would list a Ferrari for sale and not provide any description of its condition or service records, especially considering that the car is 11 years old.
550 Barchetta Ferrari introduced a convertible version of the 550 in 2000 at the Paris Motor Show. The 550 ferrari can reach 161 kilometres and can accelerate to in 4.2 seconds. The most dramatic aspect of the Barchetta is its exposed top. Its structure having been especially modified to maintain strength and rigidity on par wth the 550 Maranello.
Classic Ferrari