Photo: Bring a trailer/autoevolution
If we could go back in time to September 2019 (and oh my god, we wish we could) and witness the launch of the Ferrari 812 GTS again, we would probably still be amazed by what the Italian automaker has achieved.
Five years ago, this was the pinnacle of open-top grand touring, and guess what, it's still up there with the best today. There are few things in the world more satisfying than having the wind in your hair and the roar of a naturally aspirated V12 in your ears.
This is a beautiful car from any angle, and once you're done drooling over its design, you can watch it defy the laws of physics in a way that only a flagship Ferrari can. Think of it this way: you can put the top down in 14 seconds, hit 60 mph in less than 3 seconds, and run a quarter mile in 10.5 seconds.
Perhaps the most surprising fact about the 812 GTS is that it weighs 165 lb (75 kg) more than the Superfast, yet offers the same performance, which is not usually the case when it comes to convertibles and coupes.
Anyway, now that we’ve gotten the formalities out of the way, let’s talk about this specific 2023 812 GTS, optioned through the Ferrari Atelier program in New York and delivered to its former owner via Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale. I say former owner because this Italian exotic recently sold for $591,000, just $2,000 less than its original MSRP.
In terms of looks, the first thing that catches the eye is the Extra Range Rosso Corsa Metallic paint job, with an over-the-top Nero stripe. The car also features airbrushed Scuderia Ferrari fender flares, carbon fiber elements (rear diffuser, bumper panels, side sill covers), adaptive headlights, black exhaust tips, plus a set of 20-inch matte black wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and yellow-painted Brembo calipers.
It also features a four-wheel steering system, magnetorheological suspension and a suspension lift system.
Photo: Bring a trailer
Meanwhile, the interior includes heated and electrically adjustable Black leather seats with Red contrast stitching, carbon fibre trim, satellite navigation, dual-zone automatic climate control, passenger side display, machined aluminium pedals, branded floor mats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with a flat-bottom design, carbon fibre inserts and integrated LED gearshift lights.
As you can see in the photo gallery, the digital odometer only shows 530 miles, which means it hasn't been fully “broken in” yet.
Last but not least, let’s talk performance. Under that massive hood sits a 6.5-liter V12 engine, factory-rated at 785 horsepower and 530 lb-ft of torque. It all goes to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that can shift gears about 10 times faster than you can blink.