PROVENANCE
David Lifkin, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California (acquired new on April 2011)
Private Collector (acquired from the above circa 2012)
Private Collector, Ohio (acquired from the above)
Current Owner (acquired from the above)

THIS CAR
Carrozzeria Pininfarina’s crest and script have adorned countless Ferrari models since 1952, when the company was commissioned to produce coachwork for the 212 Inter. Since that time, the only production Ferraris not designed by Pininfarina have been the 1973 Dino 308 GT4 and 2013 LaFerrari.

To pay tribute to one of the longest-running and most successful pairings in the automotive industry, Ferrari introduced the limited-production 599 SA Aperta at the 2010 Paris Auto Show. Designed by Pininfarina, the SA Aperta would contain many styling cues from the 540 Superfast Aperta, a one-off model based on the 599 GTB and built for an American collector in 2009 under Ferrari’s Portfolio custom-design program. The “SA” stands for company principal Sergio Pininfarina and his late son, Andrea, while Aperta means “open” in Italian. In a nod to the design company’s 80th year since its founding in Cambiano, Italy, only 80 units of the exclusive model were produced, making it among the rarest production Ferraris of all time.

The SA Aperta maintained the aggressive looks of the closed-top car on which it is based, but both the windscreen and ride height were lowered, helping to create an even sleeker silhouette. The rearward flying-buttress-sail panels of the berlinetta that helped direct air and generate downforce were retained but reshaped, as they were considered vital both aerodynamically and aesthetically. Rather than a folding soft top or electrically operated hideaway roof, the SA Aperta sported a lightweight panel that lifted off to reveal twin integrated roll hoops whose profile closely emulated that of the seat headrests. A carbon fiber roof panel was optional, as it was intended that this model be enjoyed open.

Unlike the one-off that influenced it aesthetically, the 599 SA Aperta was more closely related to the 599 GTO under the skin. A reworked version of the six-liter V-12 employed in the GTO – essentially lifted from the track-only 599XX and derived from the Enzo supercar – could be found under the hood, producing 670 hp at 8,250 rpm and 457 lbs./ft of torque. Tying it to Ferrari’s F1-style sequential electronic gearbox made lightning quick 60-millisecond upshifts and 120-millisecond downshifts possible. The GTO would also lend its massive Brembo carbon ceramic brakes and magnetorheological dampers, which could be adjusted on demand with a twist of the manettino – a steering wheel-mounted switch that also controlled stability-control intervention and transmission shift speed. The Aperta delivered 0–60 mph in a breathtaking 3.3 seconds, and a top speed of 208 mph was quoted, the same as the GTO.

The car offered here was delivered to its first owner, David Lifkin of Carmelby- the-Sea, California, by Ferrari San Francisco in April 2011, and was passed to a private collector the next year. Finished in simply spectacular Grigio Titanio (Gray Metallic) over Nero leather with red stitching, and thought by a previousowner to be the only one in this color combination, this example seemingly was endowed with every available factory extra.

The interior features full power and heated carbon fiber sports seats, further use of polished carbon fiber on much of the inside trim, Bose audio, front and rear parking sensors, and a navigation system. On the outside, this car is set apart by Scuderia Ferrari cloisonné fender shields, carbon ceramic brakes with red calipers, and five-spoke alloy wheels finished in titanium. Additionally, a carbon fiber roof panel – a $50,000 option when new – was specified. Illustrating extra care, the entire front end, including bumper, fenders, and mirrors, were wrapped in a protective clear bra before it left the selling dealer.

Presenting in stunning condition with just 2,524 miles showing at the time of cataloguing, this SA Aperta is certified by Ferrari Classiche and is accompanied by a CARFAX Vehicle History Report. The current owner, a fastidious collector, has had service and detailing work recently performed in order to bring the car to an even higher level.

With impeccable credentials, and retaining its original delivery accessories including books, tool kit, covers, as well as the Classiche Red Book, this is an opportunity to purchase a modern-day and extremely exclusive Ferrari.