Ferrari is navigating a period of significant transition, simultaneously launching a new face for its front-engined sports cars while, elsewhere, the brand’s most iconic modern lineage is set for a historic auction. The new arrival, the Ferrari Roma Spider, seeks to replace a stalwart, while a near-unobtainable collection of hypercars reminds the world of the legacy that built the company.
The New V8 Convertible
After the mid-engined coupés from Ferrari predictably spawn convertible versions, the front-engined V8 Roma, launched in 2020, was met with silence. This made some sense; the Roma was positioned as the driver-focused coupé alternative to the Ferrari Portofino. It boasted a sharper suspension tune and a design that favoured subtle elegance over aggressive aesthetics.
That strategy, however, has now changed with the arrival of the Ferrari Roma Spider. This new model effectively makes the Portofino redundant, and it comes as no surprise that the latter is slated to be discontinued.
A Return to the Soft-Top
The most significant change for the Roma Spider is the departure from the bulky, heavy, folding metal hard-top used by the Portofino. Ferrari has instead returned to a traditional canvas hood. This move is possible because modern soft-tops are far removed from the leaky fabric of 1970s sports cars. The Roma’s eight-layer roof includes a glass rear window and operates in a mere 13.5 seconds at speeds up to 37mph.
Despite the lighter roof material, the Spider has gained 84kg over the coupé due to necessary structural strengthening in the sills, rear structure, and A-pillars. Surprisingly, this makes it 11kg heavier than the Portofino M it replaces. Aesthetically, however, the designers have succeeded; the Spider retains the stunning beauty of the coupé, with a roofline that cleverly avoids any visual compromises. While the car remains a superb sports car with minimal turbulence, the flat-plane V8 is noted to lack some charisma, and the updated haptic steering wheel buttons continue to be a point of frustration.
The Maranello Legacy on the Block
While the Roma represents the modern, elegant face of Ferrari, a different aspect of the brand’s identity is about to make headlines. A staggering collection of Ferrari’s most revered supercars is being prepared for auction, offering a rare glimpse at the complete saga.
This collection originates from the garage of Phil Bachman, an American collector. The lineage begins with the car that started it all: the 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO. Conceived for Group B rallying, this 400hp, 2.8-litre biturbo V8-powered car effectively created the Prancing Horse supercar family. The example being sold has covered just over 2,000 km.
The Complete Hypercar Family
Following the 288 GTO is a 1992 Ferrari F40, one of 60 in US specification, which evolved the GTO’s mechanicals under an iconic, lightweight body. The family line continues with the Ferrari F50, a US-spec model with a scarcely believable 403 km on the clock, which swapped turbocharging for an iconic, naturally-aspirated 4.7-litre V12.
Next is the Ferrari Enzo, named for the founder, presented in Bachman’s preferred yellow and having covered just over 1,000 km. The Enzo brought F1 technology to the road with its 660hp V12. The list culminates with the LaFerrari, Maranello’s first electrified hypercar. Its V12 engine is paired with two electric motors to produce a combined 963hp. For collectors who prefer open-top driving, the LaFerrari Aperta will also be auctioned. Both have covered less than 1,000 km. Finally, for the ultimate expression of track performance, a Ferrari FXX—the most extreme evolution of the Enzo, with an 800hp V12 and dedicated exclusively to the circuit—is also included in this once-in-a-lifetime sale.
