One to Buy: ex-Ross Brawn 2002 Ferrari 550 Barchetta
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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.
