The History of the 2018 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta

The Ferrari LaFerrari is an incredibly significant car in Ferrari‘s history. Working with the University of Modena, and combining research from the Millechili Project and testing from the FXX track machine, the marque produced its fastest and most powerful road-legal model to date. Due to the rarity and pedigree of this future classic, it is one of the most sought-after cars of its time, with its values rising well above its original list price.

Launched to mark the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the company, the LaFerrari Aperta is a convertible, but it looks virtually identical to the coupé version. It uses the same 789bhp 6262cc 48v V12 coupled with a 120kW electric motor for a total output of more than 950bhp and a maximum torque peak of 664lb ft.

The LaFerrari Aperta comes with a removable single-piece hardtop roof, which meant some structural changes were made to the chassis to maintain the car’s rigidity. Modifications were also made to cooling and airflow to keep passengers comfortable and match the aerodynamic efficiency of the coupé. The only other significant difference is the door-rotation system; when fully open, the Aperta’s doors are at a slightly different angle than in the coupé version. Amazingly, Ferrari managed to maintain the exact same performance as the coupé, meaning the Aperta is capable of 0-62mph in 2.4 seconds and a 217mph top speed, making it the brand’s first convertible halo car since the F50.

Chassis no. 235057 (above) is one of 210 LaFerrari Apertas produced, which included 200 customer cars, nine examples that Ferrari kept for itself as factory models, and one car that was auctioned off for the Save The Children charity. I took these pictures at Concours of Elegance 2020 and learned that this is one of just 17 UK-delivered cars – and Nigel Allen is the first of those owners.

The Aperta was delivered new in Rosso Corsa with livery comprising silver ‘dream’ lines and a black Alcantara interior piped in red. This car has a polished carbonfibre hardtop in addition to its get-you-home ‘fabric soft-top, as well as FXX-K-style wheels. Designed for Ferrari’s most passionate clients, this limited-edition special-series model is at the peak of the supercar category.

ENGINE

6.3-litre V12 coupled with a 120kW electric motor and HY-KERS, 950bhp

CONFIGURATION

Mid-engine, seven-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission, rear-wheel drive, double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, carbon-ceramic brakes all round