Coachbuilding house Niels van Roij Design continues progress on its open-top Testarossa commission, giving an even closer look at what the finished product will be. An update was posted to their Facebook Page HERE.
We’ve covered this open-top Testarossa before HERE, and even more recently were reminded that a similar conversion was offered by Ernst Berg Systems (EBS) back in 1985. How this “targa” style conversion differs remains to be seen.
Earlier drawings revealed by the firm appeared to show more of a hinged “Superamerica” style roof. These more recent images seem to show a split roof – not a T-top, but similarly cut.
Whatever the case, the project is nearing completion, and based on other work we’ve seen by Niels van Roij Design, we’re eager to see the final product.
Typically in our series of Remasters, we tend to focus on firms performing limited series production of similar cars built to a largely similar formula. This allows these companies to perfect the car for the most part, which is where clients come in to commission a specification tailored to their desires. With Niels van Roij Design, the idea of bespoke goes quite a bit further for a truly bespoke result.
In this case, that result is a 1987 Ferrari Testarossa whose owner wants more of an open-top motoring experience. Sure, that owner could seek out one of the rare Testarossa Spyders out there. While Ferrari and Pininfarina may have produced one or two here or there, Straman converted Spyders and the like do exist out there somewhere. However, this client wanted something a bit more unique, an idea that’s more Targa and perhaps more structurally rigid… perhaps. And, while they could go the route of a lift-out Targa style roof like the Ferrari 308/328 GTS, it appears the quirky hinged glass application of the 575 Superamerica has been identified as an even more luxurious design befitting the V12-powered Testarossa.
Okay, they likely won’t call it Superamerica. Ferrari, the same company that allegedly gave Pininfarina fits when James Glickenhaus commissioned a neo P4 body conversion for his Enzo, probably would have issues. Still… it’s a rad idea and we’re watching it with great interest.
Niels van Roij has a project page on their own website where they’ve been sharing photos of the Testarossa job so far, and that can be found HERE. They’ve also been sharing images on social media, and recently shared the sketches also seen in this story that depict this “Superamerica” style top design (again, that label is our assessment and not their use).
This particular job was reportedly commissioned by a British expat who currently resides in Andorra.
Niels van Roij Design has been performing coach built transformations for a long time. Remember that Tesla Model S station wagon that popped up a few years back? That was van Roij. So too was a Ferrari 575 Maranello-based shooting brake “bread van” inspired by a similarly configured Ferrari 250 GTO back in the day.
What: 2005 Ferrari 575 Superamerica Color: Azzurro California (azzurrocalifornia; metallic uni; 524 / 666010; Ferrari) Chassis #: ZFFGT61AX50142963 Mileage: 4,025 Price Estimate: $375,000 – $425,000 CarFax: Inquire with Auction House Window Sticker: N/A Location: Broad Arrow Auction at The Amelia, Amelia Island, FL Auction Link:Link
Why We Love It:
Based on the 575 Maranello, Ferrari created a truly unique open-air version from 2005-2006 called the Superamerica. Uniquely, the Ferrari factory deployed a backwards rotating roof made from a single piece of electro chromatic glass. Flipping about 180 degrees on the axis perched near the top of the B-pillar, it came to rest on the top of the rear deck lid when fully opened. That aforementioned B-pillar was actually a reinforced buttress on each side, while the rear window operated as deflector when the top was down.
Just 559 cars were built, with this one built for the North American market in 2005. Even for such a rare car, it is an even more rare specification of Azzurro California over Blu Scuro leather and optional contrast stitching in Grigio Chiaro. Other options include Scuderia Ferrari fender shields, electric seats, High Power Hi-Fi audio system with six-disc CD changer. It also got the GTC Handling Package that came with 19-inch five-spoke split-rim magnesium wheels from Speedline, stiffer springs front and rear, and integrated roll bar, sports exhaust and carbon ceramic brakes with red brake calipers.
Originally registered in Quebec, the car then moved to Oahu Hawaii, Florida and California before its most recent home in Ohio.
The car is one of many cars to be sold at the Broad Arrow sale planned at The Amelia. Interested parties should inquire with Broad Arrow or attend the sale during The Amelia weekend.
