Thanks guys. I'm hardly a "collector", so it really doesn't matter much to me. All I know is that when they first came out I thought it was one of the most beautiful cars I'd ever laid my eyes on. Now that I can afford it..............I revisited it! And I still think its one of the most beautiful cars I've ever laid my eyes on. Practicality be damned! I have "practical" cars......I don't want my Ferraris to be that.
EXACTLY!! Just like the new F149..........look at the drumbing its getting over on the 149 like/dislike section? I think it looks wonderful.........for what it is.
Kuzi,Did u get the email I sent you with a pic of a nice tonneau cover? Your Barchetta looks great! If I snag one I will ask you about the handling tweaks you made BarchettaBart
Yes I did....thank you. I'm going to have one custom made similar to this at a custom convertible top builder. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Cool...I took my daughter to look at a red one today...which I like a lot.She told me silver (like my 550 ) or blue or black would be acceptable....kids!!!
Did it have the Fiorano Handling Package? See if you can drive one of each. Mine has it and in "sport" mode it is noticeably tighter through the twisties. And lowered 12mm the car just sits "right".
Kuzi, I didn't know yours had the FHP....thats wonderful ! I'm glad the Mrs is enjoying it...thats always a bonus when the better half gets into it as well (did that sound right ? )
The car was designed from the start as an "open" car. Like the cars of old, and I read that it was meant to be sort of a tribute to those cars. Have you ever noticed how the convertible top looks and works on an early 166. Exactly. These cars are not really meant to have a top at all. It is after all, an open car.
Before I begin, let me add to my previous post, that is where the name Barchetta originates. Now, as to the windshield. In the book "Ferrari 550 barchetta pininfarina" published by Bruno Alfieri it mentions the lowering. On page 32 and again on page 42 it mentions that the windshiels is lowered 10cm. It is somewhat vague in exactly how that was accomplished however. It has been my belief that the glass is shorter rather than reclined further. The black top half of the frame is meant to further the lower look and certainly accomplishes that. I seem to recall reading elsewhere, but can't cite the source, that the windshield is shorter by 4" or approximately 10cm. We have somewhat of a head to head comparison in the picture found at post #30.
Kuzi, lovin the new car. Always been a big fan of the 550, open or closed. Good choice on the cockpit cover, a very handy tool. BTW, you must be a deadly bball shot or those flowers around the basket would be in bad shape!!!
Kuzi, I purchased a one piece carbon fiber hardtop for my Barchetta. It take less than two minutes to install or take the top off but does require two people and you cannot take it with you while out on a drive. It looks fine but on the side angle looks weird because the rims are so small. I will install 19 inch Hamann rim/tires this week and have the top on and send you a picture to see how you like it. If it still looks awkward, the top is going for good.
If you can pm me your email, I will email you the pictures this coming week. I will put the top on with the stock rims and also with the aftermarket rims and send you both pictures. Again, the top is not bad looking and actually looks great and it is super easy to put on and off, but at a certain angle it kind of looks like a guy with a super big head because of the 18 inch stock rims/tires. If it looks descent, you might want to consider purchasing an aftermarket top for your Barchetta. There are several vendors that make these top. If you had a silver Barchetta, I would let you borrow mine to see how you like it since I do not have use for it all of the time. You are welcomed to use it, you will have a two toned silver/red Barchetta.
Kuzi, I have emailed you the few pictures of my Barchetta with the top on with the stock rims. I also emailed you the top from the original seller who owned a red Barchetta. Sorry, I do not know how to post pictures on this site but you are welcomed to release and post the pictures so others can see what it looks like. I will send you more pictures tomorrow once I get to my main residence in Illinois where the car is. I also have an appointment with the service shop where they will install the Hamann 19x10 fronts and 10x13 rears. Hope this helped you in deciding whether a hardtop is for you or not. Mine is available since I do not drive the car too much.
Gustan asked me to post some pics he sent me of his Barchetta and the "hard" top that he acquired for it. Originally red and then painted silver to match his car. Not my cup of tea, but it shows one of the attempts to make the Barchetta more user friendly. For me......no top required. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
All speculation of course, but I don't think the Barchetta has the same natural beauty as the 288 Icon.
