One to Buy: Argento Nurburgring 2003 Ferrari Enzo
Having opened up a new market for limited edition mid engined flagships with the 288 GTO during the mid 1980s, Ferrari went on to create the F40 and F50 which similarly came to be regarded as instant classics.
The fourth instalment of this revered line of models arrived at the Paris Motor Show in September 2002 when Ferrari unveiled the highly anticipated Enzo.
Named in honour of the firm's esteemed founder, the Enzo was built around a state-of-the-art carbonfibre tub and powered by a normally aspirated 650bhp engine hooked up to a six-speed semi-automatic F1 gearbox.
With a top speed of 217mph and 0-62mph time of 3.1 seconds, the Enzo was the fastest Ferrari road car ever built.
Although Ferrari initially only planned to offer the Enzo in red, yellow or black, customers were ultimately able to choose from any colour in the company's range.
Despite having been one of the best suited shades for the Enzo's cutting edge all-carbonfibre bodywork, only a reputed nine examples were painted the most handsome colour of Argento Nurburgring. Of these, just one is understood to have been commissioned with Cuoio upholstery.
That car, chassis 132662, will be sold by RM Sotheby's via their sealed bid process between March 15th and 17th.
Originally delivered to a Japanese collector, chassis 132662 has covered a remarkable 227km from new and is thus offered in effectively as new condition. It is currently under temporary import into Canada having originated from Japan which means potential import duties may be applicable. If imported into the USA by a winning bidder, US federalization will be required.
Reprinted below is RM Sotheby’s description for this delivery mileage Enzo:
Chassis No. ZFFCZ56B000132662
The last known “in the wrapper” Ferrari Enzo
Only 227km (141 miles) on the odometer, coming out of single ownership from new
One of only nine Enzos finished in Argento Nürburgring 101/C; perhaps the only example with a Cuoio interior
Accompanied by its original manuals, car cover, fitted luggage, and spare key, all still in the original Factory packaging
The ultimate time capsule example of Ferrari’s last naturally aspirated V-12 supercar
Following in the vaunted footsteps of Ferrari’s 288 GTO, F40, and F50, the Enzo marked a bold new step into the 21st century for the fabled Italian manufacturer when it was released at the 2002 Paris Motor Show. Beneath otherworldly bodywork penned by Pininfarina’s Ken Okuyama lay the cutting-edge Tipo F140B 6.0-liter V-12 engine mated to a specially developed six-speed automated manual gearbox, endowing the Enzo with blistering performance worthy of the company founder’s name. Just 399 examples were slated to be built, with one additional Enzo created for Pope John Paul II in 2004.
Intending to bring as much Formula 1 technology into the Enzo as possible, Ferrari packed the model with space-age materials and innovative solutions to reduce weight and improve performance. The chassis tub was made of carbon fiber and Nomex honeycomb, tipping the scales at just 200 pounds. Its bodywork was perfected in Pinfinarina’s wind tunnel and comprised panels woven from carbon fiber and Kevlar. The aforementioned V-12—Ferrari’s largest engine since the 712 Cam-Am of the 1970s—was bristling with competition-derived components such as Nikasil-lined cylinder walls, titanium connecting rods, and a telescopic intake manifold designed to boost torque. Power was rated at 651 horsepower and 485 pound-feet of torque. The engine proved to be a legendary example of engineering from this ear of Ferrari, cementing its significance by powering Maranello’s final naturally aspirated, non-hybrid V-12 hypercar.
While the vast majority of Enzos were finished in Rosso Corsa (more than 70% of all cars built), a handful of examples were painted in other colours upon request, with Giallo Modena, Nero Pastello, and Rosso Scuderia proving popular options. Among the rarer shades was Argento Nürburgring 101/C, a color that would find its way onto just nine examples, or less than 2% of production. Looking deeper into the specifications of those nine cars, it is believed that only one Enzo—chassis 132662— also received an interior trimmed in Cuoio leather, with the majority of the other cars trimmed in Nero or Rosso leather.
Delivered new to Japan, this Enzo, chassis numer 132662, has remained largely out of sight for much of its life, having never been registered for use on the road. As a result, this striking example is presented today in factory-fresh condition, quite literally still ‘in the wrapper’, with just 227 kilometers (141 miles) on its odometer—virtually all of those miles coming from factory testing prior to delivery. The car still has much of its factory protective packaging intact, including plastic on the door sills, tape wrapped around the ignition key, and even plastic covering on the brake and gas pedals. Importantly, it is accompanied by its original owner’s manuals, car cover, spare key (still enclosed in a Ziploc bag alongside the manuals) and factory three-piece fitted luggage set which has never been unwrapped.
More than 20 years since its introduction, the Enzo is rightly considered to be one of the greatest Ferrari’s of the 21st century. Beauitfully proportioned and strikingly attractive, the model is one of Maranello’s prettiest and most purposeful modern hypercars. And though every Ferrari Enzo remains hugely collectable, it is those rare examples factory finished in colors other than the usual reds, yellows, or blacks that command the greatest attention.
Elegantly optioned in timeless Argento Nürburgring over Cuoio chassis 132662 is one of these much sought-after and perennially desirable cars. Considering its remarkable condition, still wearing much of its factory protective wrapping, this Argento Nurburging example is the ultimate prize for collectors valuing both rarity and originality.
Please note this lot is under temporary import into Canada, originating from Japan. Buyers are advised of potential import duties that may be applicable should you become the successful bidder. If intended to be imported into the U.S. by a winning bidder, U.S. federalization is required.
