Superamerica | Classic Italian Cars For Sale

Following on to the uniquely colored Ferrari F575M featured on Saturday, here is a rare variant of that much celebrated V12 Ferrari, the Superamerica. This was an opened roof variant of sorts, with a glass roof that rotated at 180 degrees. The roof also employed electrochromic technology, allowing passengers to adjust the transparency of the roof panel. Ferrari made 599 of these cars and as a result, they typically bring a more princely sum on the used market than their hardtop siblings. This Superamerica for sale in California is lightly used with a little over 6,000 miles on the clock

2005 Ferrari F575M Superamerica

Rosso Scuderia Brake Calipers, Interior Carbon Trim, 'Cuoio' Daytona Style Seats, 'Cuoio' Colored Dashboard, GTC Package (Modular Rims 19"), Instrument Panel in "Rosso', 'Scuderia Ferrari' Shields, 'Beige' Piping, Rear Wall Leather Upholstery in 'Cuoio', High Power Hifi + 6 CD Changer, 'Beige Chiaro (Light Beige)' Stitching, Colored Steering Wheel in 'Cuoio'

The Ferrari Superamerica, designed by Pininfarina, combines the 12-cylinder berlinetta performance we expect from Ferrari with a very original and innovative take on the convertible concept. It is the first production car to have an innovative rotating roof movement combined with electrochronmic technology which was developed exclisively for glass surfaces with these dimensions by Saint Gobain. This roof concept, patented by Fioravanti allows the Superamerica driver to drop the top electrically in 10 seconds flat, which mades it the world's fastest convertible berlinetta (320Km/h top speed). 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).

The Superamerica was originally derived from the 575 Maranello and is available with either an F1-style or manual gearbox. The 12-cyl engine has been boosted to deliver 540 hp. Maurizio Parlato, president of Ferrari North America in 2005, announced at the New York Auto Show that 559 Superamericas would be built - 175 of them will be designated for the United States, and as expected they all sold out.

This beautiful collector is a one owner Ferrari and is ready to join your collection. Grigio Silverstone exterior with Cuoio leather interior is a true classic combination. This special Ferrari is also equipped with the GTC package which invludes Ferrari's fourth carbon fiber-reinforced solicon carbide (C/SiC) composite ceramic brake system, made by Brembo as well as a more performance-tuned suspension system, low-restriction exhaust system, and unique 19 inch wheels. The new brakes are based on the company's Formula One technology. They use 15.7 inch discs with six-piston calipers in front and 14.2 inch discs with four-piston calipers in the rear. Ferrari Certified Pre-Owned Eligible.

-Paul

As a follow on to the Ferrari F550 Barchetta we featured last week, here is that car's direct successor, the 575M Superamerica. At the time this car was released, folding hard tops were coming into their own. However, Ferrari decided to be different and opted for a glass targa roof that articulated 180 degrees to lie flat on the trunk lid. The curiousness didn't stop there. The glass employed electrochromic technology, developed by Saint Gobain, which was a first for automotive applications. This enabled the passengers to control the exact level of light they wanted to enter the cabin through the mere turn of a dial. Only 599 of these flip top Ferraris were made. This one for sale in Florida is being offered by the dealer which sold it on when it was new.

2005 Ferrari 575M Superamerica

2005 575 Superamerica! 1 of only 559 worldwide. This is a local car sold new by us. Options include GTC Package, Electric Daytona Seats, Scuderia Shields, Yellow Tachometer, Rear Wall in Beige Leather, High Power HiFi Sound System, 6 Disc Changer, Black Stitching and Daytona Inserts.

While the Superamerica offers greater all weather practicality with none of the compromises of the F550 Barchetta, I still can't help that a premium is being charged for an aesthetically less pleasing Ferrari. As neat as the electrochromic roof is, it does appear a bit awkward when the roof is lowered over trunk lid. So either you get good top down looks with the F550 Barchetta or more usability with the 575M. Personally, I'd choose the Superamerica over the Barchetta, as the flying buttresses do a better job of masking the long trunk lid. When new, these cars were around $280,000. Today, you can expect prices for low mileage examples to hover around $200,000.

-Paul