Tony’s Take: Over at The Truth About Ferrari, Farago’s busy slamming the Ferrari Purosangue as “a dog’s breakfast.” So which car is Ferrari’s most beautiful 12 cylinder automobile?
The Ferrari 550 Barchetta open-top roadster! The “little boat” was Maranello’s first drop-top after the Daytona Spyder (famously faked in Miami Vice). It has perfect proportions, exquisite details, performance to die for (hopefully not with) and more curb appeal than anything on Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles.
One year ago, you could’ve purchased a near perfect 550 Barchetta for $450k. Six months later, a low-miler hammered in the low-sixes. Ferrari made just 448 examples. Undervalued? You betcha! But not forever. Mark my words: these are for-sure multi-million dollar cars by 2027.
This one, not so much. The fact that it’s a low mileage (4,753) one-owner example is a huge plus. The fact that the owner resprayed his pride and joy Ferrari yellow is a major minus. Not to mention sticky buttons and paint chips. Bottom line: RM Sotheby’s millenium falcon needs a whole lotta love. [ED: Ferrari-speak “love” is another word for big bucks and plenty of patience.]
As much as I love, love, love the 550 Barchetta, as much as I predict it’ll become a force to be reckoned with in future auctions, I don’t see this car bringing north of $300 November. Downside: The top is ugly as sin and useless over 40 mph – assuming that matters.
| Make | Ferrari |
| Model | 550 Barchetta |
| Year | 2000 |
| Vin | ZFFZR52C000124064 |
| Total Produced | 448 |
| Number of Owners | 1 owner |
| Mileage | 4,753 miles |
| Condition | ★ ★ ★ ★ |
| Price When New | 258k + Inflation Calculator |
| Highest Previous Price | $665k (3/4/2022) |
| Auction House | RM Sotheby’s |
| Auction Date | 5/10/22 |
| My Prediction | $250 – $300k |
| Hammered At | 258,600 |
