2023 Ferrari 812 Competizione A

Introduced alongside the 812 Competizione in 2021, the Ferrari 812 Competizione A (Aperta) was conceived as the open, targa-bodied expression of Maranello’s most extreme front-engined V-12 platform. Limited to just 599 examples, it combined the performance focus of the closed Competizione with the added drama of open-air motoring, placing greater emphasis on the sound, immediacy, and theater of its naturally aspirated 12-cylinder engine. ‌ At its heart was a substantially revised version of the 812 Superfast’s naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V-12. Producing 830 PS at 9,250 rpm and with a 9,500 rpm redline, the engine incorporated redesigned connecting rods, pistons, crankshaft, cylinder heads, valvetrain, intake system, and other internal components. Titanium connecting rods reduced mass, while diamond-like carbon coatings and a lighter crankshaft helped minimize friction and rotational inertia. Ferrari characterized the resulting power delivery as progressive and seemingly boundless, an apt description for an engine designed to continue building speed and intensity all the way to its extraordinary redline. ‌ Power was delivered through a recalibrated seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox capable of shifting 5% faster than that of the 812 Superfast. The Competizione family also introduced Ferrari’s Virtual Short Wheelbase 3.0 system, allowing the rear wheels to steer independently rather than simply moving together. Integrated with Side Slip Control 7.0 and a host of other electronic systems, the arrangement was intended to give the large front-engined Ferrari greater agility, precision, and stability. Ferrari quoted 0–100 km/h in 2.85 seconds and a maximum speed exceeding 340 km/h. ‌ Yet the Competizione A was far more than a Competizione with its roof removed. Its open configuration required a substantial reworking of the car’s aerodynamics. The coupe’s distinctive vortex generators, positioned where a conventional rear window would normally be found, could not be used on the A. In their place, Ferrari developed an aerodynamic bridge between the flying buttresses that redirected airflow toward the rear spoiler and effectively restored rear downforce to the same level as the closed Competizione. Ferrari also incorporated a flap into the windscreen header and carefully controlled airflow around the side windows and rear buttresses to reduce turbulence and pressure inside the cockpit with the roof removed. ‌ The result was a car with a character and visual identity distinctly its own. Writing for Road & Track in November 2021, Travis Okulski was particularly taken with the open model’s appearance, describing the Competizione A as “even better looking; low and chopped, like a classic speedster.” ‌ With its removable roof, sophisticated aerodynamics, independently steered rear wheels, and one of the most highly developed naturally aspirated V-12 engines Ferrari ever placed in a road car, the 812 Competizione A represented a particularly evocative interpretation of the marque’s front-engine 12-cylinder tradition. ‌ Completed in 2023, this 812 Competizione A was delivered in July of that year to its current collector owner. Its accompanying Ferrari Classiche Yellow Book confirms the striking original combination of Grigio Ferro Metallizzato (Iron Grey Metallic) over an Alcantara Nero (Black) interior. ‌ The factory personalization plaque reveals a carefully considered specification that contrasts the understated exterior color with vivid Giallo Fly (Fly Yellow) details. A transverse yellow livery accents the bodywork, complemented by yellow brake calipers, a yellow rev counter, yellow safety belts, and Nuovo Giallo stitching for the Cavallino emblems on the headrests. Large-size Daytona racing seats further emphasize the car’s sporting character, while diamond-polished forged wheels complete the exterior presentation. ‌ Carbon fibre was specified extensively throughout the car, including the air box and engine covers, rear diffuser, front air vents, under-door covers, inner door handles, instrument cover, dashboard inserts, upper center console, and removable hardtop. Other desirable equipment includes the front-axle lift system, passenger display, front and rear parking cameras, adaptive headlights, Apple CarPlay, HomeLink, heat-insulating windscreen, high-power Hi-Fi system, and a fire extinguisher. ‌ Showing just 303 km at the time of cataloguing, this Competizione A remains lightly used and has been retained by its original collector owner since new. Accompanied by its Ferrari Classiche Yellow Book, it offers a rare opportunity to acquire one of the marque’s most exclusive modern open V-12 models in a distinctive and carefully considered specification.