I rarely write about modern cars. But there are some cars where the moment you discover and read about them – you know they are going to be a future classic.
Such is the case with the Ferrari 575M Superamerica with manual gearbox.
(Credit: RM Sothebys).
Ferrari introduced the 575 Maranello (M) in 2002 with a bigger engine displacement than the previous model, the 550 M. Built between 2002 and 2006 the 575 Maranello was made in relative large numbers – an estimated 2000 cars were built.
While the 575 model was collectable with a manual gearbox, it is in 2006 where Ferrari created a true masterpiece: The 575M Superamerica.
Made in only 559 pieces – all of these cars are collectable in their own right. But out of 559 examples – only 43 of them have manual open gate gearboxes. This car despite being only 12 years old is as collectible as they get.
You are looking at the next million dollar Ferrari*. Let me explain why.
(Picture Credit: RM Sothebys).
To understand the 575 Superamerica you have to appreciate the history of Ferrari. Because the name and inspiration from this modern car came from the original model the Superamerica 410.
In the 1950s America was Ferrari’s best export market and to further capture this booming market, Ferrari introduced the 410 Superamerica in 1955.
The Superamerica was the most expensive Ferrari made at the time (I have seen sources claiming it cost 2x a Gullwing 300 SL) and only reserved for the best customers of the brand. Each Superamerica was unique and was completely customised so that no two cars are a like. Famous customers of the Superamerica included Agnelli, the Shah of Persia and the President of Mexico.
Built in three different series only 37 examples of the 410 Superamerica were made before Ferrari replaced the 410 with the 400 Superamerica in 1959. Below a third series 410 Superamerica auctioned by RM Sothebys for $5m in 2017. For me and many other Ferrari collectors the 410 Superamerica remains one of the most elegant and beautiful (not to mention exclusive) Ferrari ever built.
(Credit: RM Sothebys).
Now that we established where the name Superamerica comes from and its origins – lets fast forward to 2006.
Ferrari was almost finished with the 575 model but wanted to bring something special out for its customers who were not happy with the 550 Barchetta**which had a soft roof top. So, it came up with a stroke of design genius: It created the worlds first rotating hardtop out of carbon fibre. And named it:
The 575 M Superamerica.
(Credit: RM Sothebys).
The unique value proposition of the 575 Superamerica lay in its dual purpose and rotating carbon fibre roof.
The engineering of the roof was incredible:
For example you could adjust the amount of light coming in the cabin when the roof was closed. You could make it completely transparent or only let 1% of light come in – all from the switch of a dial. Additionally, when the roof rotated (by pressing a button inside the cabin) – the rear window remained in tact and would act as a wind deflector. Lastly because the way the roof folded, when down, it would not take up any luggage space (which was located in the back of the car).
It was an awesome piece of design innovation.
(Credit: RM Sothebys).
Another view of the unique roof of the Superamerica.
The design of the 575 Superamerica was Pininfarina – the most famous design house for Ferrari since the 1950s.
(Credit: theawesomer.com).
Below the concept of the how the rotating roof works. It is more of a targa than pure convertible.
(Credit: RM Sothebys).
The end result is that Ferrari customers who owned a 575 M Superamerica had both a convertible and a closed car with a hard top.
Powered by a V12 and 540 hp, it was a fast car that offered a perfect combination of sportiness, but also a weekend cruiser capable of going to the south of France from Switzerland with enough luggage space for two. Below the V12 engine putting out over 540hp.
(Credit: RM Sothebys).
Not all 575M Superamerica are created equal
When the 575M Superamerica’s came out most customers wanted an F1 paddle gearbox. Very few choose a manual version.
This of course makes the 43 cars that are manual today a rare asset and these are the most collectable today. Prices for 575M Superamerica with 6 speed manual gearboxes are 20 – 30% higher than those with an F1 transmission. Already in 2015 a manual gearbox car traded for over USD 800’000 and the next year a nice one sold for USD 680’000. Most recently in July of this year one sold for €860’000. And just at Pebble beach another sold for nearly $1m ($913k) at Gooding & Co. Prices are clearly on the rise for this model.
I have never seen a 575 Superamerica with F1 gearbox change hands for anywhere near that amount. Manual cars, for obvious reasons, are the ones that are collectible (see below).
(Credit: RM Sothebys).
Owner remarks and feedback
I spoke with two owners of a 575 M Superamerica and wanted to include their feedback.
There was another reason to own the manual version rather than F1 version of the 575 M Superamerica (besides the fact that the manuals are more fun to drive and rarer).
Apparently the F1 gearbox was a nightmare. It suffered from constant electronic and electrical problems. And what about the unique carbon fibre roof? While it was very cool and all owners loved it – it would sometimes not close when the weather was very hot (said one owner who is based in California). Heat would cause the roof closing motor to malfunction.
Another problem with the roof was delamination- layers of the roof material would separate (see actually picture of a 575 M Superamerica that has this problem)* – the exact cause of this was not clear (could be electrical but also through impact of open roof driving). In fact the problem was so wide spread that in many areas of the US – Ferrari had a recall of all 575 Superamerica roofs.
So while the 575M Superamerica is a great car, it was not without faults.
*(Picture credit: Cobraowner /Fchat).
Closing remarks
If you go back in time and look at the most collectable Ferrari road cars – they all share the same attribute:
They were great all round cars. They could be driven on the track and also for a Sunday cruise. This is why cars such as the 250 SWB and 250 GTO as well as 275 GTB remain so desirable today.
The 575M Superamerica fits into that very category in my opinion. It could be driven aggressively – but it also could be used as a weekend getaway car and driven leisurely to the south of France for a weekend. And much like the greats of the past (250, GTO, SWB and 275 GTB) it also carried a V12 front engine.
I also think the carbon fibre roof that flips back is an incredible piece of design.
Yes it is not perfect, as discussed above, but it offers so much versatility for the driver – it feels like an open convertible but is secure like a coupe when closed thanks to the hard top. And this roof top is unique – completely out of carbon fibre and electrochromatic glass – it was a worlds first!
The 575 M Superamerica with a manual gearbox is a unique car for Ferrari. It really is. And much like the original Superamerica, it was intended to be a super rare and special car. Only 43 examples were made.
But unlike the original Superamerica, the modern Superamerica carries an attribute that is vital to a new generation of collectors: It is very drivable.
A lot of people ask me what modern car or Ferrari could become a future classic. This Ferrari 575M Superamerica with manual gearbox would be my answer. It is only 12 years old and has already proven to be a modern classic.
In fact, I think it will become one of the all time great Ferrari cars.
(For a driving review of the 575 Superamerica – please see motor trend article here).
Let us look at some more pictures of this masterpiece of a car. I love it in light blue.
Notice the outside fuel cap that is placed above the rear wheel. Even the door handle is a peace of art.
(Credit: Danielzizka).
Another dream shot of the 575 Superamerica is this one seen in London.
(Credit: Antoine Beck).
The 575 Superamerica even looks good in black – a color I normally don’t like.
(Credit: Kerocarsphotography).
With the open roof concept, the car feels equally at home in the South of France (seen in Monaco).
(Credit: Romainlapeyrephotography).
A very cool top down view (taken with a drone) of a black 575 Superamerica.
(Credit: lbilimited).
For those interested in the 400 Superamerica see post here and for the 400 Superamerica convertible see post here.
*When I started this post in May 2018 this year, the highest price paid for a 575M Superamerica manual was $800k in 2015. Just recently in July of this year one broke the $1m mark (selling for €860k which is circa $1m). My prediction proved accurate that a 575 M Superamerica would break the $1m barrier.
** (Credit: Supercars.net)
