Over its illustrious 75-year history, Ferrari has continuously sought to perfect the retractable roof, creating some of the most iconic convertibles, or spiders, in automotive history.
Enzo Ferrari’s passion for open-top cars dates back to the brand’s inception. The very first Ferrari, the 125 S of 1947, was a roofless racing barchetta, following the tradition of open-top racers from the 1920s and ’30s.
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Ferrari’s journey through the decades saw innovative advancements in retractable roof mechanisms. The 1972 Dino 246 GTS introduced removable roof panels, while the F355 Spider in 1995 featured the first electronically-operated soft top.
The 2008 Ferrari California marked the debut of a fully retractable folding metal roof. The latest evolution is seen in the 12Cilindri, which boasts a hardtop that retracts in just 15 seconds.
Looking back to the late 1940s, Ferrari’s first true spider was the 166 Inter convertible, a derivative of the 166 sports racing models. The 166 Inter cabriolet, crafted by coachbuilder Stabilimenti Farina in 1948, was Ferrari’s first vehicle with a retractable fabric roof, with only three units ever made, making it an exceptionally rare model.
Fast forward to 1969, the Ferrari 365 GTS epitomized elegance and performance. Designed by Pininfarina, it featured a muscular V12 engine, reaching speeds up to 245 km/h. Its manually-operated folding roof with a clip-on protective cover showcased a blend of timeless beauty and practical design. Limited to just 20 units, the 365 GTS remains a coveted classic.
In 1977, the Ferrari 308 GTS debuted at the Frankfurt Salon. Developed with Pininfarina, it featured a removable fiberglass roof panel that could be stored behind the seats. Powered by a 2926cc V8 engine producing 255 cv, the 308 GTS reached a top speed of 252 km/h. With 3,219 units produced, it became one of Ferrari’s most popular models.
The 1995 F355 Spider, another masterpiece by Pininfarina, benefitted from extensive wind tunnel testing, resulting in sleek, aerodynamic lines. It was the first Ferrari with an electronically-operated semi-automatic soft top, which opened in around 30 seconds. Its 3496cc V8 engine provided the same thrilling performance as the F355 Berlinetta.
The Roma Spider, introduced in 2023, marks Ferrari’s return to soft tops. Featuring a folding fabric roof that opens in under 14 seconds, it maintains the elegant lines of its coupé counterpart. Powered by a 3855cc turbocharged V8 with 620 cv, the Roma Spider blends modern performance with vintage glamour reminiscent of the 1960s and ’70s.
From the 125 S of 1947 to the contemporary 12Cilindri Spider, Ferrari’s legacy of open-top motoring continues to evoke excitement. The latest 12Cilindri Spider, with its 830 cv V12 engine and rapid retractable roof, ensures that the thrill of driving a Ferrari convertible is as exhilarating as ever.
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