What if you’re already deep within Ferrari’s inner circle? You’ve got the Purosangue for daily duties, an SF90 for cruising down the boulevard and the occasional trackday, and maybe even a few classics tucked away. But now you’re chasing something rarer and perhaps something historically significant. A Ferrari so rare that even most collectors have never seen one in person. Well, you should be looking at the highly-exclusive Ferrari 599 SA Aperta and this particular example from 2011 with just 1,820 miles on the odometer and a Ferrari Classiche Certification is on the market now, making it a unicorn of the highest order.
Reveled at the 2010 Paris International Motor Show, Ferrari only built 80 units of the SA Aperta. Now to provide some context, Ferrari built 400 Enzos and 710 La Ferraris. This makes the SA Aperta incredibly rare and it was conceived to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Carrozzeria Pininfarina, the iconic Italian design house that shaped nearly every Ferrari since 1952.
The “SA” initials pay tribute to Sergio and Andrea Pininfarina, and “Aperta” (Italian for “open”) signals that this is a roofless 599 GTO. This car capped a golden era marking one of the final collaborations between Ferrari and Pininfarina, and set the tone for Ferrari’s future use of the “Aperta” designation.
While this is a roofless 599 GTO in theory, it’s not a 1:1 conversion. Yes, the SA Aperta shares its 6.0-liter naturally aspirated V12 with the GTO coupe, pushing out 661 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque, but owing to its open-top layout, it featured bespoke chassis tuning and unique coachwork. Speaking of weight, the SA is about ~36 pounds heavier than the 599 GTB Fiorano.
As for that engine, it has its roots in the Enzo’s F140 V12 and development lineage from the track-bred 599XX, revving to 8,400 rpm and delivering one of the most scintillating exhaust notes of the modern era. It’s paired to Ferrari’s F1 6-speed automated manual, 60 mph comes up in 3.5 seconds (placing it between the 599 GTO, 3.3 seconds, and 599 GTB, 3.7 seconds) and the top speed is rated at 202 mph.
Visually, the SA Aperta somehow manages to carry a hint of elegance, despite the aggressive bodywork. Riding 10 mm (0.39 inch) lower than the 599 GTB, it lacks the aggressive vents on the hood and bodywork of the GTO, and yet it’s more muscular than the standard GTB Fiorano. The A-pillars, C-pillars, and mirrors are all carbon fiber, but finished in contrasting satin aluminum, they also serve to strengthen the chassis and deliver a two-tone look that plays beautifully against its Rosso Corsa paint. A design and functional highlight are the aerodynamic fins that integrate into the roll bars.
This particular car even features body-colored diffusers and a unique chrome-tinged wheel finish, both specific to the Aperta. Inside, it’s a tasteful blend of GT luxury and motorsport edge. The water-resistant Nero leather interior is accented with carbon fiber trim, Daytona-style bucket seats, and Ferrari’s classic red central rev counter. There’s a limited-edition plaque denoting its production number, and yes, Ferrari included a full 4-piece fitted luggage set, complete with a suit bag, because naturally.
Being a convertible, the SA Aperta comes standard with a manually fitted soft top, designed more as a weather emergency measure than a daily-use roof. It can handle speeds up to 130 but is best enjoyed stowed. Only a handful, rumored to be around 10 to 15 units, were delivered with the optional three-piece carbon-fiber hardtop.
Today, the 599 SA Aperta stands as one of the most coveted modern Ferraris. Owners rarely let them go, and when one surfaces, it causes a stir. Often mistaken for a California by the untrained eye, the Aperta is anything but ordinary. True Ferrari aficionados know just how special this car is, a car that is so much more than just a roofless GTO, built in extremely limited numbers and now, one of these unicorns can be yours.. Click the link below to learn more.
Images Source: Ferrari Silicon Valley
