Oh, to be a wealthy real estate mogul with a Ferrari-collecting penchant spanning 45 years… That’s the skinny behind the Italian brand’s latest drop-top creation.
The Superamerica 45 is a once-off creation commissioned by New York collector and real estate boss Peter Kalikow to celebrate the 45th anniversary of his first Ferrari purchase. Blending elements of the 599-based SA Aperta – an open-top concept that emerged at last year’s Paris Motor Show – and the now-discontinued 575 Superamerica, the Superamerica 45 features a new take on the latter’s one-piece rotating roof. Unlike the 575’s glass item, this version of the roof is hewn from carbon-fibre and features an incorporated rear window. The new roof is also distinguished by a carbon-fibre boot cover under which it is stowed, whereas the Aperta utilised a canvas cover that would really suit only light use.
Aesthetically, the Superamerica 45 features rear buttresses inspired by those on the Aperta but finished in Blu Antille paint – a colour that echoes that of Kalikow’s 1961 400 Superamerica cabriolet – as opposed to the concept car’s metallic finish. Colour-coded alloy wheels, double air vents on the front wings and a contrasting dark blue finish for the side skirts, splitter and rear diffuser complete the transformation. The blue motif is continued in the cabin with dark blue carbon-fibre trim adorning the facia and Cuoio tan leather covering the seats.
By describing the Superamerica 45 as a “unique once-off model”, Ferrari has effectively quashed any suggestion that a limited-production run is on the cards. It is, however, odd that the firm would so publically display two open-top 599s without any intention of offering a production model, so watch this space…