Ferrari and Pininfarina’s long partnership has resulted in some of the most exquisite combinations of art and automotive design. To honor Pininfarina’s 70th anniversary in 2000, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo invited Sergio Pininfarina to create a front-engined roadster that reflected Ferrari’s iconic models.
Using the 550 Maranello coupé as a base, Pininfarina revived the traditional barchetta style. Ferrari notes that the barchetta’s simple manual soft-top design helped offset the weight added by chassis reinforcements and roll bars, allowing the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina to match the weight of the 550 Maranello.
At the heart of the Barchetta is its 48-valve, 5.5-liter V12 engine, delivering 494 brake horsepower, propelling the car from 0 to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds, with a top speed of 186 mph.This advanced power unit features light alloy components, Nikasil-coated aluminum liners, and titanium connecting rods.
Ferrari’s Formula 1-inspired intake and exhaust systems maximize efficiency, while the variable intake geometry system, with 12 electro-pneumatic throttle valves managed by the engine’s CPU, ensures optimal performance at all RPMs.
With only 448 units produced, each 550 Barchetta Pininfarina comes equipped with electric windows, air conditioning, split-rim alloy wheels, and a numbered plaque signed by Sergio Pininfarina, making it a coveted collector’s item.
Photo Source: RM Sotheby’s
