Why the 2017 LaFerrari Aperta Is the Most Exquisite Limited-Edition Ferrari

When Ferrari unveiled the LaFerrari Aperta, it had to live up to a remarkable legacy. The Aperta is the convertible version of the already revered LaFerrari, but with a few clever tweaks to preserve its character. The aim: deliver nearly identical performance while offering the thrill of open-air driving.

Ferrari built just 210 units of the Aperta, making it extraordinarily rare. All the cars were effectively allocated ahead of time to invited clients. In fact, the public unveiling happened at the Paris Motor Show in 2016. Over the years, the Aperta has become one of those halo models that defines Ferrari’s modern apex.

We saw this iconic and very rare 2017 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta at the 2025 Concours of Elegance held at Hampton Court Palace. This car was one of many that grabbed my attention, you can see much more Concours of Elegance content here, and videos on our YouTube Concours of Elegance playlist.

Powertrain & Performance

Under the skin, Ferrari retained the hybrid system from the LaFerrari coupé. That means a 6,262 cc naturally aspirated V12 (developing 800 PS) paired with an electric motor (120 kW / 163 PS), yielding a combined output of about 963 PS (≈ 950 bhp). Torque from the hybrid system pushes the total to well over 900 Nm.

Ferrari claims a top speed exceeding 350 km/h (217 mph+), and 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in under 3 seconds. For a convertible that hasn’t sacrificed rigidity – and with aerodynamic optimisations intended to preserve the coupé’s drag coefficient – those numbers are impressive.

Ferrari’s engineers reinforced the chassis and adapted the aerodynamics to retain stiffness and drag resistance comparable to the hard-top version.

Design & Styling

Visually, the Aperta carries over much of the LaFerrari’s sharp, sculpted form. The major changes are structural: the removal of a fixed roof requires extra bracing, plus subtle tweaks to airflow management. Ferrari retained the door mechanism, though when fully open the doors adopt slightly different angles than on the coupé.

Aerodynamically, the Aperta maintains active aero elements and clever airflow channels. Engineers sought to preserve the drag coefficient of the coupé even with the roof off.

The name “Aperta” (Italian for “open”) harks back to past Ferrari models with open-top editions.

Driving Experience & Character

Driving the Aperta is about controlled intensity. The hybrid system delivers electric boost seamlessly, filling torque holes and sharpening throttle response at low revs. The V12 often sits at the fore, but the hybrid assist gives it extra punch when needed.

On a sweeping country road, the car feels planted. The stiffness of the chassis and aerodynamic efficiency ensure the absence of roof doesn’t detract from composure. At higher speeds, the airflow management helps reduce turbulence over the cockpit.

Yet, it’s not without compromise. The weight of extra structural reinforcements and hybrid hardware adds mass. Some critics argue that the Aperta weighs more than claimed or that real-world performance trails the bold figures. Nonetheless, for owners, the balance between raw performance and the emotional appeal of open-top speed is compelling.

A Collector’s Trophy

Because of its limited run and position at the top of Ferrari’s modern output, the Aperta is an asset. Even new, brokers quoted a base figure around €3.5 million (£3 million) (before taxes) in 2017. Auctions of the final unit fetched figures in the range of USD 10 million (£7.4 million).

In the UK market especially, compliance, import costs, and servicing demands make ownership reserved for very few. But for the rare buyer who can manage it, few cars deliver exclusivity and emotional connection at that level.

Conclusion

The 2017 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta is one of the finest chapters in Ferrari’s modern era. It melds open-top emotion, technical sophistication, and blistering performance in an ultra-exclusive package.

Do you think the Aperta’s performance holds up to the numbers claimed – or is it more about the statement? Would you ever choose the Aperta over the coupé for your collection? Share your thoughts or questions below.

Sign for our newsletter to be notified about our competitions, and you could win, in the future, a complimentary pair of tickets to this wonderful show.

Do also follow us on YouTube, give us a like and follow us on our social media channels, we are on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, and TikTok.

Please follow and like us: