The 2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina arrived at the turn of the millennium as a visceral tribute to the open-top racing legends of Ferrari’s golden era. Introduced at the 2000 Paris Motor Show, this limited-production variant transformed the acclaimed 550 Maranello into a focused, roofless speedster designed for the purist. This specific example, chassis ZFFZR52B000123683, represents an extraordinary find for the connoisseur, having remained under the stewardship of its original Milanese owner since its delivery by Rossocorsa in April 2001. With a gated manual transmission and a naturally aspirated V-12, it captures the final chapter of Ferrari’s analog dominance before the widespread adoption of automated systems.
Raked Glass and Rosso Corsa Silhouette
Visually, the Barchetta is distinguished from its coupe sibling by a more aggressively raked windscreen and the complete absence of a conventional folding top, opting instead for a rudimentary emergency soft-top. The rear deck was entirely restyled, featuring twin roll hoops and a distinctive profile that flows into a surprisingly spacious luggage compartment. This eleventh production unit is finished in the quintessential Rosso Corsa paint, accented by two-piece alloy wheels and the timeless Pininfarina “f” branding on the lower rocker panels. Having covered only 7,188 kilometers from new, the paintwork and exterior trim reflect the climate-controlled preservation typical of a single-owner Milanese collection.
Gated Shifter and Nero Leather Cabin
The interior environment is a focused blend of grand touring luxury and competition-inspired minimalism, featuring Nero leather upholstery over deep Nero carpeting. In place of the standard Maranello seating, the Barchetta was equipped with racing seats that offer enhanced lateral support for spirited cornering. The centerpiece of the cockpit remains the iconic gated shifter for the six-speed manual gearbox, providing a tactile mechanical connection that is increasingly rare in modern supercars. Additional refinements include the original Ferrari-branded leather folio containing the factory books and manuals, along with aNumbered Certificato d’Origine that confirms its early-build status within the 448-unit run.
V-12 Authority and Rossocorsa Maintenance
At the heart of the Barchetta is the legendary 5.5-liter V-12 engine, a front-mounted powerhouse that returned Ferrari to its traditional GT roots. This naturally aspirated unit provides a linear power delivery and an unmistakable high-frequency exhaust note, factory benchmarked at 485 hp/492 PS and 419 lb-ft/568 Nm of torque. Mechanical integrity has been rigorously maintained by the Milanese concessionaire Rossocorsa, with recent 2025 service records documenting a comprehensive timing belt replacement and general maintenance. The combination of front-engine balance and a rear-mounted six-speed manual transaxle ensures a weight distribution that remains a benchmark for grand touring dynamics.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 5.5L Tipo F133 V-12 |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual |
| Chassis/Platform | F133 (Barchetta) |
Scarcity and Competition in the V-12 Market
The 2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina occupies a unique market niche, often compared to the subsequent 575 Superamerica and the earlier 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider. While the Superamerica offered a clever rotating hardtop, the Barchetta’s lack of a permanent roof makes it a far more exclusive and uncompromising collector item, restricted to just 448 units globally. Its unique selling point in the current 2026 market is its analog nature; unlike its rival, the Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster, the Ferrari offers a gated manual as standard, a feature that has seen values skyrocket as modern enthusiasts seek out more engaging machinery.
Single-Owner Pedigree and Collector Potential
Acquiring a limited-edition Ferrari from its original owner is the pinnacle of blue-chip investing, particularly when accompanied by impeccable documentation like the Automotoclub Storico Italiano Certificato di Relevanza. This example’s history with the Rossocorsa dealership ensures that its ultra-low mileage is backed by expert care, including the vital 2025 belt service. As the 550 series approaches its 30th anniversary, the Barchetta variant remains the most sought-after iteration of the platform. For the burgeoning collector, this Milanese survivor offers a rare combination of low use, classic colors, and undisputed provenance that ensures long-term value retention.
A Purist’s Vision of the Open Road
This 2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina is a masterclass in limited-edition engineering and Italian style. Between its gated manual gearbox and its single-owner history, it stands as a definitive representative of Ferrari’s modern classic era, ready for the world’s most prestigious concours lawns.
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Source: rmsothebys.com
