Beschreibung:

"The 550 Barchetta Pininfarina was designed to recall the glories of successful road racers of the past, such as the 166MM, and thoroughbred front-engined 12-cylinder Ferrari roadsters of the calibre of the 250GT California and 365GTS/4 Daytona. Ferrari has always created very special runs of cars, and the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina was developed with the aim of being a unique Ferrari - one that deliberately seeks to be more provocative and less rational than the rest of the range." - Ferrari. The long association between Ferrari and Pininfarina has been responsible for the creation of some of the most sublime fusions of art and automotive technology, and to mark the world renowned Carrozzeria's 70th Anniversary in 2000, Ferrari supremo Luca di Montezemolo invited Sergio Pininfarina to submit designs for a front-engined roadster embodying the spirit of past Maranello classics. Choosing the 550 Maranello coupé as the basis, the maestro proposed a return to the traditional barchetta style. In Ferrari's own words: "Functional and unadorned with a simple manual soft-top, the barchetta-style solution has enabled Ferrari's engineers to offset the additional weight gained by reinforcing the chassis and fitting rear roll bars. Consequently the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina weighs no more than the 550 Maranello." The heart of any Ferrari is its engine, and the Barchetta Pininfarina's 48-valve, 5.5-litre V12 is the same as that of the 550 Maranello, developing 485bhp at 7,000rpm. All main engine castings of this state-of-the-art power unit are in light alloy, the aluminium wet liners are Nikasil coated and the connecting rods are titanium alloy. The design of the inlet and exhaust systems is derived directly from that of Ferrari's Formula 1 engines, providing the optimum balance between volumetric and combustion efficiency. Variable intake geometry helps increase both torque and maximum power. One expects nothing less from Ferrari. The production run was limited to just 448 cars, each individually numbered and carrying a plaque inside with its own serial number and Sergio Pininfarina's signature. The result was an instant classic, with production reserved for a handful of faithful Ferraristi. This example, chassis number '124097' is the 119th of the 448 cars produced and was built to the order of the present owner, a well-known European Ferrari collector. The car is presented in 'as new' condition, having covered just 1,758 dry, accident-free kilometres since leaving the factory. Handsomely finished in Blu Pozzi with black leather interior and contrasting fawn stitching, it is Swiss registered and is offered with a set of fitted luggage, four point harnesses, silver brake calipers (all extra cost factory options), matching Barchetta crash helmets, all books and manuals and the original purchase invoice (showing the cost price as CHF. 344,665). Offering exceptional value for money and superbly specified, this Ferrari Barchetta will make someone very happy this Christmas!