Unveiled by former Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo at the 2010 Paris Salon, the SA Aperta evoked the spirit of its 550 Barchetta Pininfarina and 575-based Superamerica predecessors. It arrived as a limited-edition, open-top variant of the front-engined V-12 grand tourer in the contemporary Ferrari range. However, this was by some way the rarest of the three models. Compared to 448 examples of the Barchetta Pininfarina and the 559-strong run of Superamericas, stated production of the SA Aperta stretched to a mere 80 units. All were sold to prized clients ahead of the car’s public announcement. Moreover, such a small number had added significance for the SA Aperta was also a celebration of the 80th anniversary of long-time Ferrari collaborator and famed Turin design house Pininfarina, with the “SA” nomenclature paying tribute to father-and-son duo Sergio and Andrea Pininfarina.

While, at its core, the SA Aperta was a convertible version of the more compliant 599 GTB, its drivetrain was taken from the aggressive, track-honed 599 GTO—a car so capable that it lapped the Fiorano test facility a full second quicker than the flagship Enzo thoroughbred. As a result, the 65-degree, naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V-12 delivered 661 horsepower to the rear wheels. Slickly shifting through the six-speed F1-style gearbox achieved a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of only 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h. The engine then exhales through an exhaust system based on that used by the circuit-only 599XX. The SA Aperta also sat 100 millimetres lowers than the standard 599 GTB and gained a thicker rear anti-roll bar and revised active dampers. Key styling differences over the GTB, aside from the absence of a fixed roof, included the more steeply raked windscreen, body-coloured rear bumper, enlarged front cooling vents, plus the extended rear deck lid dominated by the two aerodynamic fins.

The example offered here was specified with Nero Stellato paintwork. Its stealthy exterior configuration is enhanced by complementing Nero callipers for the carbon-ceramic brake discs that sit behind lightweight, smoked 20-inch wheels, which are in turn completed by carbon fibre centre caps. Similarly, the wing-mounted Scuderia shields are finished in carbon fibre rather than the more usual yellow hue and the aftermarket taillights are tinted. Whereas many SA Aperta were ordered with a lighter metallic silver finish for the mirrors, A-pillars, and rear buttresses, again this car sports a darker tone.

To continue the theme, the interior is trimmed in Nero leather while the steering wheel (topped by LED shift lights), centre tunnel, and upper dashboard are finished in carbon fibre. Adding a flash of colour is the Rosso piping that borders the seats, rollover hoops, outlines the floormats, and splits the fascia, plus the red stitching for the Cavallino logos and SA Aperta script embroidered into the headrests. Likewise, the tachometer was specified in contrasting red. Just below the instrument binnacle sits a plaque commemorating Ferrari’s 31 Formula 1 World Championships—a tally that combines the Scuderia’s record-holding 16 Constructors’ crowns and 15 Drivers’ titles.

Significantly, this car benefits from the expensive and seldom-seen option of a carbon fibre hardtop roof. It is believed that just 14 SA Apertas were equipped with this feature from the factory. This accompanies the sale, along with the more occasional fabric roof setup, a tool and tyre kit, a car cover, plus the owner’s guides and Warranty Card in their folio.

This SA Aperta was ordered new to the Middle East. Its pre-delivery inspection was completed by official marque dealer Al Tayer Motors in Dubai on 2 July 2011 before the car was collected by its first owner five days later. The Ferrari initially resided as part of a prominent supercar collection in the United Arab Emirates.

Stamps in the Warranty Card record early returns to Al Tayer Motors in July 2012 (2,224 kilometres) and June 2013 (2,872 kilometres) for annual maintenance. The car later moved to Spain, with a more recent January 2023 entry noting that Ferrari concessionaire Santogal Automóviles of Madrid performed a service when the SA Aperta showed 3,874 kilometres. At the time of cataloguing, the odometer displayed a modest total of 3,950 kilometres.

The SA Aperta stands as one of the rarest Ferrari models of the modern era. Offering a blend of open-top driving excitement, a harder-edged and atmospheric V-12 engine, plus the more compliant chassis from the 599 GTB makes for an incredibly enticing proposition. Naturally, this means that the 80 stated examples built are extremely coveted by enthusiasts. This car, which is desirably supplied with its carbon fibre roof, is sure to attract great interest in Abu Dhabi.