One to Buy: ex-Ross Brawn 2002 Ferrari 550 Barchetta
After more than two decades during which Ferrari’s flagship 12-cylinder two-seat production model had used a mid-engined layout, the Italian company reverted to a classic front-engined configuration for the 550 Maranello launched in 1996.
A little under four years later, an open top 550 was added to Ferrari’s line up. The resultant 550 Barchetta Pininfarina broke cover at the Paris Motor Show in September 2000. Production was limited to just 448 units of which 42 were ultimately built in right-hand drive.
The Barchetta moniker was chosen to best reflect the new car’s uncompromising nature – it featured a cut-down windscreen, leather covered roll over hoops and a streamlined rear deck, but perhaps most notably just had a flimsy canvas roof only recommended for emergency use.
As per the fixed head 550 Maranello, the Barchetta looked especially good in sophisticated metallic colours like this Argento Nurburgring example currently on the market with Rory Henderson in London. Supplied new by Graypaul in January 2002, it was further configured with Blu Scuro upholstery and Aluminium brake calipers.
In 2010, the 550 was acquired by former Ferrari F1 Technical Director, Ross Brawn, who had been one of the key figures behind Scuderia Ferrari’s five back-to-back F1 titles of 2000 through 2004.
At the time of purchase, Brawn GP (born from the ashes of the defunct Honda F1 team) had just been sold to Mercedes-Benz following its historic 2009 Formula 1 Driver and Constructor Championship-winning double.
A renowned collector of fine motor cars, Ross Brawn retained his silver 550 until 2022. Today, the Classiche-certified 5100 mile car is offered in immaculate condition with a fully documented history.
Reprinted below is Rory Henderson’s description:
One of just 448 cars produced and one of only 42 UK, RHD examples
Formerly owned by Scuderia Ferrari Technical Director, Ross Brawn
Tastefully specified in Argento Nurburgring over Blu Scuro
Ferrari Classiche Certified
Asking Price: GBP 285,000
The Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina is a limited-edition roadster produced by Ferrari in the early 2000s. It represents a significant chapter in Ferrari’s history, blending the company’s racing heritage with luxurious design.
The model was first introduced in 2000 as a tribute to the legendary design house Pininfarina, which celebrated its 70th anniversary that year, and was based on the Ferrari 550 Maranello, a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive grand tourer.
The 550 Barchetta Pininfarina is notable for its open-top design, harking back to the classic roadsters of Ferrari’s past. “Barchetta,” which means “little boat” in Italian, is a term traditionally used by Ferrari for its open-top sports cars.
Ferrari produced only 448 units of the 550 Barchetta, making it a highly sought-after collector’s item. Each car is individually numbered, adding to its exclusivity.
The example presented here is one of only 42 cars that were produced in right hand drive configuration for the UK market. Supplied new in January 2002 by Graypaul Ferrari, this 550 Barchetta was tastefully specified in Argento Nurburgring over Blu Scuro leather interior. Other options include; Aluminium Brake Callipers, Coloured Upper Dashboard (Blu Scuro), Leather Roll Bar (Blu Scuro) and Scuderia Shields.
In 2010, the car was purchased by Ross Brawn, the former Technical Director of Ferrari’s Formula One team. Brawn would be the longest owner of the 550 Barchetta, enjoying and regularly maintaining the car for over a decade, until he sold the car in 2022.
Offered today with just 5,100 miles, the Ferrari is accompanied by its original owner’s manual, leather book pouch, Ferrari torch, black canvas roof, tyre inflator, tool kit, original Ferrari car cover and two sets of keys. An extensive history file also accompanies the car, along with the with the important Ferrari Classiche Certification.
A rare opportunity to purchase a low mileage, UK supplied 550 Barchetta with excellent provenance.
