The Ferrari 550 GTZ Barchetta was a limited-production roadster based on the 550 Maranello. It was created by Zagato, an Italian design house and coachbuilder, in collaboration with Ferrari.
The project began in 2000 when Franco Gozzoli, the then-CEO of Zagato, approached Ferrari's CEO, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, with a proposal to create a limited-edition Barchetta. The idea was met with enthusiasm by both companies, and work commenced shortly after.
The 550 GTZ Barchetta retained the same V12 engine as the 550 Maranello, producing 485 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 460 Nm of torque. The transmission remained a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic.
Aerodynamics played a significant role in the design process, with Zagato working to optimize airflow around the vehicle. A series of wind tunnel tests and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis helped shape the profile.
The exterior features characteristic Zagato lines, including a long hood, short rear deck, and distinctive fin at the rear. The interior was updated to feature Alcantara seats with embroidered Ferrari logos, aluminum pedals, and a reworked steering wheel.
Production began in 2002 and concluded in 2003, with just eight units created. Each car carried a unique identification number and a personalized plaque on the dashboard.
