Looking to reinvigorate its 12-cylinder offerings and give a nod to its illustrious past, Ferrari introduced the 550 Maranello to great acclaim in 1996.

The factory had been without a two-seat, front-engined V-12 coupe since the Daytona, and the 550 Maranello was lauded as a wonderful, if overdue, successor to that iconic model.

With grand touring once again a popular activity of Ferrari clientele, the 550 Maranello’s spectacular performance, spacious trunk, and rear parcel shelf that could carry enough luggage for two on a weekend road trip fit the bill perfectly.

Like the Daytona, the 550 Maranello’s success warranted the production of a limited-edition variant.

First displayed at the 2000 Paris Motor Show, the 550 Barchetta was designed by Pininfarina.

With only a rudimentary soft-top for emergency use when caught in the rain, it featured a shorter, more aggressively raked windshield, two-piece alloy wheels, racing seats, and a restyled rear deck that led to a trunk surprisingl...