One to Buy: ex-Gerald Barnes 1 of 1 in Rosso Dino 2003 Ferrari Enzo
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Although Ferrari’s flagship line of ultra exclusive models had never been massive sellers on account of their extremely high prices, this esteemed line was killed off after the 330 GTC Speciale and 365 California had failed to muster 20 sales between them during 1966 and ‘67.
Amid the generally poor economic conditions that followed, little thought was given to the revival of such machinery until Ferrari elected to build a car for the new Group B racing regulations that had come into effect during 1982.
The resultant 288 GTO was a homologation special originally conceived to pave the way for a racing version that would go head-to-head with Porsche’s 959. However, Ferrari ultimately chose not to re-enter the GT racing scene and instead used the competition-inspired GTO Evoluzione to pave the way for a 288 replacement: the F40.
Like the 288, demand for which had comfortably exceeded the 200-car production requirement, the F40 proved a critical and commercial success with over 1300 built between 1987 and 1992.
Having realised there was now a market for high end limited run specials priced well above its series production models, Ferrari have since introduced successor models every few years.
Next to arrive was the F50 in 1995 which, unlike the twin turbocharged V8-powered GTO and F40, used an F1-derived normally aspirated V12.
Seven-and-a-half years later, Ferrari’s fourth generation special arrived at the 2002 Paris Motor Show in the shape of the spectacular Enzo.
Originally, Ferrari suggested that the Enzo would only be offered in three colours (Rosso Corsa, Giallo and Nero). However, that decision was eventually reversed which enabled some customers to configure their car in a unique combination such as this example which will be going under the hammer at Mecum’s Kissimmee sale on January 17th.
Surprisingly, chassis ZFFCW56A230134278 was the only Enzo specified in Rosso Dino (which was combined with Nero upholstery). Ordered by major collector Gerald Barnes of Anaheim Hills, Barnes was the owner of Ferrari Maserati Southern California and took delivery in 2003.
Chassis ‘134278’ has since accumulated a little over 3700 miles and appears to be in superb condition throughout. It was most recently subject to a major service in December 2024.
