The Ferrari 575M Maranello was introduced in 2002 as the replacement for the hugely successful 550. The 575 was produced in much smaller numbers than the 550 and was the first Ferrari V12 to offer Magneti Marelli’s semi-automatic (Electrohydraulic manual) ‘F1’ gearbox a technology that Ferrari had developed in Formula 1. Updates from the 550 included a renewed interior, but with substantial improvements mechanically, including bigger brake discs, a larger and more powerful 5,748cc engine which produced 515bhp.
In 2004 Ferrari released a limited run of 559 examples of the striking and innovative convertible, the Superamerica. Drawing its name form the iconic Pininfarina designed Lampredi V12-powered GT cars of the 1950s and 60s, the 199mph 575M Superamerica retained the coupe’s mechanicals together with its general design while featuring the a unique pivoting photo-chromic roof. The work of Pininfarina chief stylist Leonardo Fioravanti, creator of the legendary 365 GTB/4 “Daytona”, it was the first roof of its kind ever fitted to a production car, and was built using a carbon fibre frame integrated with electro-chromatic glass.
The transparency of the glass could be adjusted from within the cabin to transmit varying amounts of light, letting in approximately the same amount of light as a conventional glass sunroof at its lightest setting and only 1% of the suns rays at its darkest. With the press of a button, the Superamerica can be transformed into a convertible with the roof rotating back to rest flush with the boot lid in just 10 seconds, leaving the rear window in place to function as a wind deflector.
The Ferrari 575 Superamerica F1 offered here at Hofmann’s is a 2006 “06 Plate” finished in Rosso Scuderia with Nero Black leather interior. Having covered a mere 13,856 miles this stunning example was supplied new by Graypaul Nottingham and boasts a comprehensive service history most recently a major annual 2 service and belts carried out by Maranello in Egham at 13442 miles.
