Produced in a numbered run of 448 units to celebrate Pininfarina's 70th anniversary, the 550 Barchetta is an uncompromising open roadster rather than an everyday convertible. Against open grand tourers such as the Aston Martin DBS Volante, the Barchetta offers pure analogue drama with its cut-down windscreen and exposed rollover hoops. Researching Ferrari 550 maintenance confirms that preserving this blue-chip collector car requires strict adherence to classic V12 maintenance protocols.
Under the sculpted bonnet sits the magnificent 485 hp Tipo F133 V12, paired with a rear-mounted 6-speed open-gate manual gearbox. Crucially, this generation employs timing belts rather than chains; mandatory cambelt replacement must be completed every 3 years or 50,000 km without fail. Because many Barchettas lead static lives in collections, engine oil seals, coolant hoses, radiator cores and fuel lines require systematic inspection to prevent catastrophic leaks upon waking.
