[Boxer]

Lot of discussion recently on the 550 Barchetta. No mention of the other limited edition model in the range. Seems the 575 Superamerica has mostly gotten forgotten these days (despite asking prices remaining sky high). What is the view on them longer term?

[Killer58]

Lovely car Boxer, but I can't understand why prices remain so high. If it followed the typical depreciation model, it should be around $150K today. But that would price it squarely in 430 Spider terrirtory. For that matter, even California territory. So I suppose the additional 4 cylinders and the higher prices of Scuds and 16Ms are propping prices up.

I can't see paying $200+ for one. For that, I could have my Spider, a 456 or 550, a month-long holiday in Piemonte, and I'd still have cash in the bank!

[tazandjan]

Boxer- They only built 559 Superamericas and list price was north of $300,000. All the updates done to the 575M were incorporated into the Superamerica, plus the engine was hot rodded to include a shaved block (11.2:1 compression), cam advanced, and more efficient valve seating for 540 hp. The interior has way more leather than the 575M and some standard carbon fiber (instrument panel, radio surround, top control panel). All in all, a pretty complete package.

Problems with the roof have been largely resolved, and it turns out the major problem has been that the relatively inexpensive struts that assist the top motor have a relatively short life. Once those are replaced, everything works fine.

Note the engine type on the Superamerica is F133G vs F133F for early 612s, which preceded the Superamerica.

Limited production Ferraris like the Barchetta, Superamerica, and CS (with 1300 examples, not very limited) hold their values better.

Prices seem to have settled in the $175-225K range, with outlyers like the $300K recent auction price. Somewhere between a third and half of the Superamericas had the $20K HGTC package, which included CCM brakes, improved suspension, and sports exhaust.

Taz
Terry Phillips

[Killer58]

I like Taz's answer better...

[Boxer]

Taz, Great post. Did not realize that it was a different engine from the base 575. All in though, would probably rather have a 550 Barchetta.

[tazandjan]

Boxer- The Barchetta is prettier, but not as practical, especially where you live. I think I could actually design a good looking top for the Barchetta, though, that would make it much more practical. What is needed is a removable hoop between the two roll bars to give it a real top look. Not hard to do. The aftermarket tops are more attractive than the OEM top, but still look like a dog's breakfast compared to a Daytona Spider or 355 Spider top because they slump in between the roll bars.

Taz
Terry Phillips

[Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS]

Originally Posted by Killer58

I like Taz's answer better...

I would not even try. w/ smiles Jimmy

[Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS]

Originally Posted by tazandjan

Boxer- The Barchetta is prettier, but not as practical, especially where you live. I think I could actually design a good looking top for the Barchetta, though, that would make it much more practical. What is needed is a removable hoop between the two roll bars to give it a real top look. Not hard to do. The aftermarket tops are more attractive than the OEM top, but still look like a dog's breakfast compared to a Daytona Spider or 355 Spider top because they slump in between the roll bars.

Taz
Terry Phillips

Taking things positively, at least the appearance would attract attention ! w/ smiles Jimmy

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by tazandjan

Boxer- The Barchetta is prettier, but not as practical, especially where you live. I think I could actually design a good looking top for the Barchetta, though, that would make it much more practical. What is needed is a removable hoop between the two roll bars to give it a real top look. Not hard to do. The aftermarket tops are more attractive than the OEM top, but still look like a dog's breakfast compared to a Daytona Spider or 355 Spider top because they slump in between the roll bars.

Taz
Terry Phillips

I am sure you could design a much better looking top for the Barchetta. The aftermarket ones I have seen here are pretty hideous and just silly priced.

550 Barchetta is another one I missed and still regret. They were down around GBP 70-80k in 2008 but have now popped back up to GBP 160-180k. Missed out on buying Eric Clapton's 550 Barchetta by two days.

[tazandjan]

Boxer- Out of the 448 Barchettas produced, less than 10%, 42, were UK RHD. That tends to make them kind of scarce over there. The split on 550s was higher at ~15% from 457 out of 3083, so the berlinettas are 10 times easier to find.

Taz
Terry Phillips

[SCM246]

Originally Posted by tazandjan

Boxer- Out of the 448 Barchettas produced, less than 10%, 42, were UK RHD. That tends to make them kind of scarce over there. The split on 550s was higher at ~15% from 457 out of 3083, so the berlinettas are 10 times easier to find.

Taz
Terry Phillips

I too love the look of the Barchetta, but are completely impractical unless you live in S. CA or thereabouts. Black is the best color in my opinion as the "A" pillar bodywork is masked. Steve Harris Ferrari had one triple black 550 BPF for sale several years ago for $129k but it had 30k miles.

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by tazandjan

Boxer- Out of the 448 Barchettas produced, less than 10%, 42, were UK RHD. That tends to make them kind of scarce over there. The split on 550s was higher at ~15% from 457 out of 3083, so the berlinettas are 10 times easier to find.

Taz
Terry Phillips

Ironically right now a 550 Barchetta is almost easier to find than a good 550 Maranello. Since the 550 Barchetta prices spiked up to the GBP 170k range, 4-5 have come out of garages and onto the market. At best, you normally only find 8-10 550 Maranellos for sale at any time and only half would be good cars.

[tazandjan]

Boxer- With prices that high (~$275K), I can believe they are popping up out of the woodwork. At that price you could make money bringing in US models and converting them to RHD.

Taz
Terry Phillips

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by tazandjan

Boxer- With prices that high (~$275K), I can believe they are popping up out of the woodwork. At that price you could make money bringing in US models and converting them to RHD.

Taz
Terry Phillips

Taz, what is the current US pricing on a 550 Barchetta?

[tazandjan]

Boxer- Somewhere in the $135-165K range. Occasionally higher.

Taz
Terry Phillips

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by tazandjan

Boxer- Somewhere in the $135-165K range. Occasionally higher.

Taz
Terry Phillips

At those prices, it might be worth importing one from the US. Need to check VAT and import duty rates though.

[BarchettaGuy]

Originally Posted by Boxer

At those prices, it might be worth importing one from the US. Need to check VAT and import duty rates though.

Here is one example for sale.
This car is at the low end of the price range as others are in the 170's to nearing 200K.
Surprisingly, there are not many Barchetta's available for sale as there was a couple of years ago.
I think there may be about 5 or 6 that I am aware of.

2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta Convertible - Newport Beach California area Ferrari dealer near Los Angeles California

[BarchettaGuy]

2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta for Sale - 1073477 - duPontREGISTRY.com


2001 Used Ferrari 550 Maranello Barchetta at Sports Car Company, Inc. Serving La Jolla, IID 7241490

[tazandjan]

Those are all way up there in price.

Taz
Terry Phillips

[Boxer]

Thanks for posting the links. To bring one over and it to make sense financially, you would need to buy at around $120k.