Rare Silver Ferrari 550 Barchetta (w/ startup)

A rare silver 2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta from the car collection of David Lee, one of 448 550 Barchettas built, arriving at the RPM Exotic Car Event at Hing Wa Lee Plaza.

I remember for the longest time I was unable to catch a 550 Barchetta even though I had seen several examples of its successor, the 575 Superamerica. I guess that shouldn't be too surprising; beside the fact that the Superamerica was built in larger quantities, it's also more practical thanks to the nifty little flipping hardtop that can shield you from the elements. On the other hand, the Barchetta is, well, a Barchetta - designed as an open car and meant to be kept as an open car. There's technically a softtop included, but thanks to the heavily raked windshield and cartoonishly big roll hoops, that top looks so ugly you're better off just holding up your Versace umbrella while driving. Oh, and make sure you don't go above 70 mph - with the top in place, Ferrari considers it unsafe.

But of course, since when did we spoiled Southern Californians have to worry much about rain anyway? Use the Barchetta in its intended open configuration, and it's certainly something special. This was Ferrari's first open-top car with a V12 up front since the Daytona Spider. And what if there's actually rain in the forecast? Well, if you own a Barchetta, chances are you'll have at least a few more weather-resistant Ferraris in your garage to choose from.

This car's spec may be conservative, but it's certainly classy. Unfortunately, David Lee, whose collection has included at least a few dozen other Ferraris, eventually chose to let the car go. I don't know where it is now or who owns it, but if you want to enjoy the sound and power of a Ferrari V12 with wind in your hair but also want to avoid the attention you'll get with Rosso Corsa, this is a perfect car for you.

Would you have sold this car if it were in your collection? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!