Ferrari Superamerica

Why it matters

Unveiled in 2004 and delivered from 2005, the Superamerica revived a name historically reserved for Ferrari's most exclusive grand tourers. Its defining feature was the patented Revocromico roof developed by Fioravanti: an electrochromic glass panel whose transparency could be adjusted through five levels before the entire carbon-fiber-framed assembly rotated rearward to rest over the rear deck. The operation took only seconds and preserved luggage space, turning the car from coupé to open grand tourer without a conventional folding mechanism. Ferrari strengthened the 575M structure and revised the rear bodywork with distinctive buttresses to accommodate the roof. The 5,748 cc V12 was tuned to 540 hp at 7,250 rpm—25 hp more than the standard 575M—and drove the rear wheels through either the electrohydraulic F1 transmission or a very rare six-speed gated manual. Adaptive suspension and available GTC handling components supported a top speed of approximately 320 km/h, making Ferrari's announcement of the Superamerica as the world's fastest convertible credible for its era. Production was strictly limited to 559 individually numbered examples. Its marriage of traditional front-engined V12 character, low-volume exclusivity and genuinely inventive roof engineering makes the Superamerica one of the defining Ferrari collectibles of the early 2000s.