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This stunning Ferrari 575 Superamerica Italian Sports Car was the fastest convertible in the world at the time.
Introduced in 2002, the Ferrari 575M replaced the fabulous 550 Maranello. Although the 575M retained the classic silhouette of the Pininfarina design, its re-engineered V12 powerplant, packed more Italian horses. Before ending production in 2006, Ferrari unveiled the convertible version of the 575M called the Superamerica at the 2005 Detroit Motor Show.
Once again, the prestigious name that harks back to exceptional V12 Ferrari’s of the 1960s, marked a return to the Italian automaker's lineup. Unlike the complicated soft top design of the 550 Barchetta, the Superamerica featured an ingenious ‘Revochromico’ pivoting glass panel roof.
Moreover, Ferrari marketed the 575M Superamerica as the World's fastest convertible. Developed by designer Leonardo Fioravanti, in collaboration with French glass specialist Saint Gobain, the folding roof concept was the first of its kind fitted to any production car. No doubt, the Ferrari Superamerica looks stunning with the top down or up.
Some, however, have criticized the design as being less attractive than the Coupe and even less so than the 550 Barchetta it replaced. However, with a limited run of 559 examples, and only 43 with the manual open gate transmission, it's arguably the most sought-after of the 575 models.
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The Ferrari 575M Superamerica retained much of the Coupe’s mechanicals and featured that majestic 5.75 Liter V12 engine under the hood. Interestingly, the naturally aspirated power plant had the same configuration as the 612 Scaglietti.
However, Ferrari raised the power of the engine in the Superamerica to 533 horses and 434 lb-ft of torque. What’s more, the Italian convertible accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.0 seconds with the F1 sequential gearbox and 4.3 for the manual. No doubt, the Superamerica became the fastest convertible in the world, boasting a top speed of 199 mph.
Weighing in at 4200 lbs, the 575M Superamerica was 115 pounds heavier than the Coupe. As aforementioned, the Superamerica was available with either a lightning-fast F1-style, six-speed sequential gearbox or an open gated six-speed manual. Indeed, the manual gearbox was much preferred by purists, though today, have become scarce.
Equally rare were Superamerica’s fitted with the handling GTC pack. This, however, gave the car a sportier edge by adding a ceramic composite braking system, performance suspension, and unique magnesium alloy wheels.
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Aesthetically, the Superamerica is a stunning-looking design by Pininfarina, maintaining most of the architecture of 575 Coupe. Hinged just behind the seats, the glass panel rotates 180 degrees, folding flush. Moreover, Ferrari incorporated a carbon-fiber structure around the roof that turns on a single axis taking no more than ten seconds to fully open.
Once down, the small rear window cleverly acts as a wind deflector. With or without a roof, the Ferrari 575 Superamerica always retains the same loading capacity for luggage. However, this removable roof has another interesting feature that allows the driver to adjust the level of light entering the cabin.
Using electrochromatic glass technology, the Superamerica has five tint levels that can transform from full light to total opacity in under a minute. The fascia of the Superamerica is much sleeker in appearance. With its signature four horizontally aligned exhaust pipes and gorgeous 20-inch alloys, the prancing horse retains much of the 550M’s character.
Indeed, the cohesive lines of the exterior work well with the roof up or down. Furthermore, the superb cabin of the Superamerica comes with sumptuous leather, with all switchgear within easy reach of the driver. As with the Coupe, the dials come grouped together and dominated by a large Tachometer.
The Italian leather bucket seats provide superb comfort and support for traveling long distances. In addition, the steering wheel with alloy paddle shifters provides that racing sensation. Leather adorns the cabin of this GT Ferrari, which uses high-quality materials put together exceptionally well.
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As with most V12s, the engine wakes up with the buzzing of the starter motor before firing up with a ferocious boom. Once you get moving, you find the noise under hard acceleration mesmerizing with that atmospheric V12 chorus. Moreover, with the roof folded down, the true symphony of the Italian sports car resonates in the cabin.
The acceleration of the Superamerica is blisteringly quick, particularly with the F1 sequential box, and the steering feels razor sharp. The handling pack, however, sharpens up the experience and provides the extra stopping power the car needs. The Ferrari 575M Superamerica is, undoubtedly, an exclusive and characterful Italian masterpiece. More of a classic Italian V12 GT than a ferocious road racer like its successor, the Ferrari 599.
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Prices of the Superamerica are skyrocketing due to its exclusivity. Indeed, only 170 examples were originally destined for the North American market at the time. The price of a new Ferrari 575M convertible, in 2005, was around $315,000.
According to classic.com the average price of a used Ferrari 575M Superamerica is around the $290,000 mark, that’s almost three times more than the 575M Coupe. Surprisingly, the rarer six-speed manual versions of both Coupe and convertible command a higher premium. Moreover, the prices of a manual Superamerica have often reached one million dollars!
Waheed is an automotive writer and enthusiast with a vast knowledge of the motor industry. Having acquired a passion for cars at a very young age, he knows pretty much all there is to know about classic German sports cars.