Ferrari 550

Barchetta

• Number 329 of only 448 ever produced
• Very limited open top manual V12 Ferrari
• Only 12.790km

There’s a love affair in the automotive world that’s as legendary as it gets—Ferrari and Pininfarina. This dynamic duo has been crafting stunning automotive masterpieces since 1951, but they truly outdid themselves with the creation of the 550 Barchetta. Celebrating Pininfarina's 70th anniversary in 2000, the Barchetta isn’t just a car; it’s an audacious tribute to the iconic Ferrari 166MM, and it’s here to break the mold! With only 448 units produced, this exquisite front-engine V12 open-air Ferrari struts onto the scene, showcasing a sleek, snipped-down windshield and a silhouette that screams “Roadster!”

Chassis number 124307, affectionately known as number 329, first graced the roads in Gummersbach, Germany, on August 27, 2001. Delivered to distinguished collector Mr. Hermann Eschmann, this stunning beauty boasts an exceptionally rare Grigio Titanio Metallic exterior paired with an elegant Blu Scuro full leather interior, striking the perfect balance between bold design and refined luxury. Later on in its life, this beautiful roadster was further cherished with the purchase of the €12.000 ‘high-speed’ cloth roof to complement the standard accessory cloth top, ensuring this roadster is ready for any adventure!

With a mere 13,000 km on the odometer, this beauty is in impeccable condition! The Grigio Titanio paint gleams like new, while the Speedline alloy wheels are flawless. Slide into the gorgeous bucket seats, and you’ll feel like you’re stepping into a cockpit designed by aerospace engineers. The dashboard? Zero sticky buttons, cracks, tears, or discoloration, and it’s lined with a heavenly mix of carbon fiber, leather, and Alcantara. The carbon fiber trim shines so deeply it could probably double as a mirror. The bucket seats have zero damage on the side bolstering and absolutely no signs of rough handling. every single gauge, button and switch is in phenomenal condition and works like a charm. And both soft tops shine in a deep black with no damage or blemishes whatsoever.

Accompanying this automotive gem is an extensive collection of documentation that would make any car collector weep with joy! At the heart of it all lies the coveted ‘Ferrari Classiche’ red book and badge issued by Ferrari SpA in 2023, certifying the matching numbers for the chassis, body, engine, gearbox, and even the Bilstein suspension. The two leather-lined pouches contain everything a discerning collector could wish for, including the owner’s manual, service book, and even a Ferrari-branded flashlight! The second pouch, uniquely stamped as 329/448, houses the original vehicle identification and the certificate of originality from Ferrari Deutschland, along with a delivery letter signed by former Ferrari CEO Luca Di Montezemolo. This is not just documentation; it’s a treasure trove!

Now, let’s talk about the exhilarating experience of driving the Barchetta! Nestle into those carbon fiber bucket seats and feel the rush of adrenaline as the 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 roars to life with every turn of the key. The symphony of the intake and its sports exhaust is absolutely otherworldly! With a generous torque delivery and an exhilarating 7,000 RPM crescendo, you’ll feel like you’re channeling your inner Michael Schumacher. The throttle response is instantaneous, making it feel like the car reads your mind, while the satisfying “clack” of the gear lever sliding into place adds to the thrill. The car feels smaller than you’d expect, and despite the factory added chassis reinforcements and roll bars, it weighs no more than the 500 Maranello. You’ll notice its perfect chassis calibration in the corners, where the perfect amount of body roll allows for precise cornering and predictability. The Bilstein suspension, while on the stiffer side, protects against the harshest of bumps and provides outstanding feedback when diving into tight corners. The brakes provide excellent and progressive stopping power, and the steering feels tight on center and provides excellent communication.

In the realm of automotive artistry, the Ferrari 550 Barchetta stands as a monument to passion and precision. This isn’t just a car; it’s a piece of history, a limited production manual, V12-powered open-top Ferrari with just 13,000 km on the clock. Its unique color combination and meticulous documentation make it an exceptional investment for any Ferrari aficionado. Whether you’re a collector or someone who appreciates life’s finer things, the 550 Barchetta is ready to steal your heart. Come visit us at RNR Classics, and let the allure of this stunning roadster sweep you away. Your next thrilling adventure in automotive excellence awaits!