Ferraris can sometimes be troublesome, as at least one publication with an executive-driven long-term model that spends more time in the shop than on the road can attest. Thus, it was not terribly surprising that after a morning of flawless test runs, the new 2005 Ferrari Superamerica's slick retractable carbon-fiber and electrochromic glass top failed to work before hundreds of assembled reporters at the vehicle's "unofficial" introduction at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show. Fortunately, Ferrari officials had a sense of humor about the snafu, and the assembled press began drinking tasty Italian wine and soon stopped noticing the problem.

Limited-production Ferraris are nothing new, and with interest waning in the 575M Maranello as loyal buyers wait for the upcoming 600 Imola replacement, the Italian supercar builder has created the Superamerica to spark some interest in the outgoing car.

Penned by Pininfarina and equipped with a unique targa-style, electrochromic glass-panel convertible roof engineered by Leonardo Fioravanti, the Superamerica's driver can select from five different levels of roof tint to control the amount of light entering the cabin. For open-air motoring, the panel slides back, rotates, and stows within view above the rear deck within 10 seconds...when it works. Ferrari calls the roof Revochromic, which makes us think of mirrored sunglasses.

A 540-horsepower, 5.7-liter V12 engine channeling 434 lb.-ft. of torque to the rear wheels powers the Ferrari Superamerica. The massive motor is hooked up to a six-speed manual or an F1-style sequential manual gearbox, and acceleration to 60 mph takes just 4.1 seconds on the way to a 199-mph top speed, according to Ferrari.

Riding on 19-inch modular alloy wheels wearing 255/35 front and 305/30 rear Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires, the Ferrari Superamerica can be outfitted with an optional GTC package that includes carbon-ceramic brakes, painted brake calipers, a sport suspension, and a sport-tuned exhaust system.

Reportedly, fewer than 500 are to be built for around $300,000 apiece. If you want a rare Ferrari, the Superamerica might not be a bad choice. Especially if someone in the family has a degree in electrical engineering.

By Christian J. Wardlaw