Ferrari 575 Superamerica by Pininfarina 2005 - World Of Classic Cars -

Ferrari 575 Superamerica by Pininfarina 2005

Ferrari first used the Superamerica name on the 410 model that premiered at the Brussels Salon in 1956. From that point on, the name would be associated with Ferrari’s flagship models, the grandest of tourers that were destined for the carriage houses of captains of industry, A-list celebrities, and various heads of state. Superamericas offered world-beating performance with the highest available degree of luxury, and they became renowned as amongst the most desirable automobiles that money could buy. The final 400 Superamerica was produced in 1964, and with it, the Superamerica name ceased in usage for over four decades. It was a legendary moniker that was considered the ultimate by tifosi.

Ferrari 575 Superamerica by Pininfarina 2005

In 2005, the fabled name returned on a limited-edition convertible variant of the 575M Maranello that had been beautifully drawn by Pininfarina with lines that perfectly complemented the personality of the car. Rather than fitting the Superamerica with a conventional folding soft top, Ferrari chose a special “Revocromico” roof, which was crafted of electrochromatic glass and carbon fiber. With the push of a button, the roof would rotate away in less than 10 seconds, opening the interior to the air, with the rear window remaining in place to function as a wind deflector. If the weather was not favorable, the level of tint in the glass could be adjusted to allow the full brightness of a conventional sunroof, with as little as 1% of available sunlight, into the cabin. Unlike most retractable hardtops, the 575 Superamerica’s roof panel rested on the rear deck when in the open position, leaving plenty of room for a week’s luggage in the trunk.

Ferrari 575 Superamerica by Pininfarina 2005

This particular Superamerica is a very early production example, and it is believed to be only the second Superamerica built. Interestingly, according to documentation supplied by Ferrari in its Classiche certification binder, the car was not delivered new to a dealership, but rather to Ferrari’s North American headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, perhaps for press and promotional purposes.
The Superamerica certainly carries all the pomp and circumstance embodied in its predecessors, as it is a limited-production model that is versatile enough to be used on a daily basis. Its unique rotating hardtop provides its passengers the opportunity to enjoy the sunlight with the roof closed and further access can be granted with just the flick of a switch.