Following in the vaunted footsteps of Ferrari’s 288 GTO, F40, and F50, the Enzo marked a bold new step into the 21st century for the fabled Italian manufacturer when it was released at the 2002 Paris Motor Show. Beneath otherworldly bodywork penned by Pininfarina’s Ken Okuyama lay the cutting-edge Tipo F140B 6.0-liter V-12 engine mated to a specially developed six-speed automated manual gearbox, endowing the Enzo with blistering performance worthy of the company founder’s name. Just 399 examples were slated to be built, with one additional Enzo created for Pope John Paul II in 2004.
Intending to bring as much Formula 1 technology into the Enzo as possible, Ferrari packed the model with space-age materials and innovative solutions to reduce weight and improve performance. The chassis tub was made of carbon fiber and Nomex honeycomb, tipping the scales at just 200 pounds. Its bodywork was perfected in Pinfinarina’s wind tunnel and comprised panels woven from carbon fiber and Kevlar. The aforementioned V-12—Ferrari’s largest engine since the 712 Cam-Am of the 1970s—was bristling with competition-derived components such as Nikasil-lined cylinder walls, titanium connecting rods, and a telescopic intake manifold designed to boost torque. Power was rated at 651 horsepower and 485 pound-feet of torque. The engine proved to be a legendary example of engineering from this ear of Ferrari, cementing its significance by powering Maranello’s final naturally aspirated, non-hybrid V-12 hypercar.
While the vast majority of Enzos were finished in Rosso Corsa (more than 70% of all cars built), a handful of examples were painted in other colors upon request, with Giallo Modena, Nero Pastello, and Rosso Scuderia proving popular options. Among the rarer shades was Argento Nürburgring 101/C, a color that would find its way onto just nine examples, or less than 2% of production. Looking deeper into the specifications of those nine cars, it is believed that only one Enzo—chassis 132662— also received an interior trimmed in Cuoio leather, with the majority of the other cars trimmed in Nero or Rosso leather.
Delivered new to Japan, this Enzo, chassis number 132662, has remained largely out of sight for much of its life, having never been registered for use on the road. As a result, this striking example is presented today in factory-fresh condition, quite literally still ‘in the wrapper’, with just 227 kilometers (141 miles) on its odometer—virtually all of those miles coming from factory testing prior to delivery. The car still has much of its factory protective packaging intact, including plastic on the door sills, tape wrapped around the ignition key, and even plastic covering on the brake and gas pedals. Importantly, it is accompanied by its original owner’s manuals, car cover, spare key (still enclosed in a Ziploc bag alongside the manuals), and factory three-piece fitted luggage set which has never been unwrapped.
More than 20 years after its introduction, the Enzo is rightly considered to be one of the greatest Ferraris of the 21st century. Beautifully proportioned and strikingly attractive, the model is one of Maranello’s prettiest and most purposeful modern hypercars. And though every Ferrari Enzo remains hugely collectible, it is those rare examples factory finished in colors other than the usual reds, yellows, or blacks that command the greatest attention.
Elegantly optioned in timeless Argento Nürburgring over Cuoio chassis 132662 is one of these much sought-after and perennially desirable cars. Considering its remarkable condition, still wearing much of its factory protective wrapping, this Argento Nurburgring example is the ultimate prize for collectors valuing both rarity and originality.
This vehicle will be offered via Sotheby’s Sealed Auction on rmsothebys.com from March 15-17. Contact a car specialist with any questions.
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