http://www.***************.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4160 I found this on another forum, and I just don't understand why you would chop a 550 to a convert rather than just get the Barchetta. Seems like a shame. Oh well. Craig
Maybe because the 550 barchetta is beyond ultra rare ... It's not even an ugly job ... I'd be curious to see it with the top up though ...
is that a trick question? here's why you might want to cut a 550: (A) the barchetta top is a joke. it's fully manual. you get out of the car and snap it into place. and you can't drive fast with it on. (B) the factory offers no 12 cylinder convertible option (456, 550, 575M, 612). (C) the aftermarket tops are automatic (as automatic as a 355 top, if not fully automatic). (D) for about the same cost as a 550 Barchetta, you can buy TWO used 550 Maranellos and have one round-shipped to Pavesi in Milan to be cut. then you end up with a coupe and a droptop to suit your ever-changing moods. to the best of my knowledge, straman never cut a 550. i'm not even sure i buy the rumors that he cut a couple 456s - i thought he was out of the game off on his boat by then. but anyway.... doody.
I thought that Straman cut at least 2 550's and did so before the Barchetta came out. I remember seeing one at WWoC at the time.
I guess I wasn't thinking about the fact that they were made before the Barchetta. I guess I have not seen a really good convesion from coupe to convert that didn't leak/whistle and whatnot. I guess I still don't see the point, but it is a matter of opinion I guess. Craig
I am with Doody on this one. Plus, have you seen one with the top up! Most convertible don't share the same smooth lines as their coupe siblings but, the 550 B kinda looks like the rear of the top is way too far up and gives the car a weird stance! I don't like it with top up, however, it looks very nice w/o the top!
Barchetta is ugly and a joke ... a cut 550 will be worth more than a Barchetta very shortly as the price of the Barchetta keep falling like a very, very heavy lead rock. Designer should be castrated IMO ... just stupid. Pete
we have gotten confirmation from FNA that a prototype does in fact exist. however, the data that's come back through official channels is that the car has NOT yet been approved to be put into production. the data coming back through back channels seems to suggest that is HAS been approved. my understanding is that there'll be more information on this relatively shortly - like - sometime in june. fwiw, doody.
If your going to drive it, Id prefer the chop job...the only piece Id want from a barchetta (which should come with touring seats, btw!) is the low windshield pillar..looks nice...the full top is critical, and the barchetta top is horrible looking when up..and under 80 mph..the top allowable speed.
I would GLADLY submit my 550 to Parvesi or Straman for a conversion if we knew they were doing it right. --Dan