Ferrari

One of just 43 examples equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox.

• Finished in the timeless colour scheme of Argento Nürburgring over Nero leather.

• Built by Ferrari with the highly desirable “HGTC” handling package.

• Covered just 5,091 km from new.

• Supplied new to the Kuwaiti royal family, with just three owners from new.

Following the success of the 575M Maranello, Ferrari’s engineering department set to work developing an open-topped version of the fixed-head sports car, launching the Superamerica in 2005. Despite having the appearance of a coupé with a large glass roof, it was in fact a convertible. The Superamerica became the world’s first production car to feature a rotating roof incorporating electrochromic technology, which Ferrari referred to as “Revocromico,” allowing the driver to adjust the amount of light passing through the glass from 1% up to 100%. It took just 60 seconds to change from the darkest to the brightest setting, and if the driver wanted to retract the roof, it was possible to fold it down in the same time, with the rear window acting as a built-in wind deflector.

Of the 559 Superamericas manufactured, only 43 left Maranello equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. Of that number, the example presented here is one of the most special. Delivered new to the Kuwaiti royal family, it was fitted not only with the desirable manual gearbox, but also the “HGTC”—or Handling Gran Turismo Competizione—package, which featured carbon-ceramic disc brakes, a titanium exhaust system, plus various suspension and steering upgrades. Finished in the timeless colour combination of Argento Nürburgring over Nero leather, the cabin was further personalised with carbon fibre trim, Grigio Scuro stitching, racing seats and a Rosso tachometer.

Under the care of its second owner, this Superamerica underwent a major service in August 2016. In addition, a new hardtop was installed by Ferrari of Kuwait in February 2017, along with new electric motors. Following its purchase by the consignor, the car was dry-stored and seldom used, with the odometer reading 5,091 km at the time of cataloguing. As the last front-engined, V-12, Prancing Horse-badged convertible with two seats, any Ferrari Superamerica would make a wonderful addition to any collection of significant Maranello road cars. With its low mileage and royal provenance, this example is arguably one of the best of the breed.