The Villa d’Este Concorso d'Eleganza had some special cars but none more special than the one off Ferrari Superamerica 45. The new Ferrari creation was commissioned by a gentleman enthusiast from New York. Ferrari stated that they would only consider the project as he is a very loyal customer with great taste. The same gentleman also commissioned another Ferrari to create the 612 Kappa, based on a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti.
This request was partly to help celebrate the 45th anniversary of the owner buying his first ever Ferrari. Sketches of what he wanted were done and Maranello obliged with pleasure.
The Pininfarina Ferrari Superamerica 45 was placed along the shore of Lake Como at the Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza to compete in the “Concept Cars and Prototypes” category of 2011. Although in the end the category was won by the newly launched V12 Aston Martin Zagato celebrating its world debut at the Villa d’Este on the same weekend.
This totally unique Superamerica 45 includes extras such as a rotating hard-top made of carbon fibre, an aluminium a-pillar, chrome front grill and new wing mirrors. The boot is entirely new to house the roof when open, and is now in carbon-fibre with a design optimised to reduce drag and increase rear downforce. The Superamerica 45 uses the 670bhp engine from the 599 GTO, with a top speed in the region of 208mph.
The car has a special blue paint job to match an original 1961 Ferrari 400 Superamerica. The paint work is distinct as its lower exterior is a slightly darker shade to the top half. The diamond-cut wheels also have this darker tone. Inside and on the roof there is dark blue carbon fibre trim which works well with the Cuoio leather trim. The car also has the latest-generation touch-screen infotainment system.
Ferrari fans were treated to a viewing of the car on the Sunday at the Concorso d’Eleganza and most agree that this car is a unique mix of many of the previous Ferraris in the past few years and much more – 10 out of 10!
