Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina Is Your Gateway to a Gated Shifter

By Tony Markovich - August 22, 2016

rari

It is entirely possible that you’ve driven more in the past month than this 2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina has driven in its entire life. This limited-run 550 has seen extremely limited run on the road and sports only 1,625 miles.

Production of the special edition convertible, race-oriented 550 began in 2000 and only 448 came off the line. It’s named for the 70th anniversary of Ferrari’s famous coachbuilder and stylist. Though it comes with a soft top, the extra piece can be used temporarily, but the car was intended to prance without it. Ferrari literally calls it an emergency top.

gated

Under the front hood is a 5.5-liter V12 engine that has 485 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. That power is transmitted to the rear wheels with a six-speed gated manual and a single-plate clutch. *rewinding noise* Six. Speed. Gated. Manual. *rewinding noise* Gated. Manual. *rewinding noise. GATED! If you’ve never driven a car with a slotted shifter, just understand that it takes the driving element to another dimension.

If the Monterey Car Week bug bit you right in the butt, and you now want to buy a supercar, this is a pretty fantastic option. Even if it is $515,040.50 (£395,000).