Ferrari 812 Competizione A: The Ultimate Open-Top V12 Experience

Ferrari’s 812 Competizione A («Aperta») is the exclusive open-top variant of the track-focused 812 Competizione, combining extreme V12 performance with the exhilaration of roofless driving. As one of the most powerful front-engine Ferraris ever built, the 812 Competizione A is a limited-production masterpiece, crafted for collectors and enthusiasts who demand the pinnacle of naturally aspirated performance.

With only 599 units produced, this highly coveted supercar blends cutting-edge aerodynamics, track-inspired engineering, and an open-air driving sensation, making it one of the most desirable Ferraris of the modern era.

Aerodynamic Excellence & Open-Top Engineering

Ferrari has meticulously engineered the 812 Competizione A to retain the structural rigidity and aerodynamic efficiency of its coupe counterpart while introducing unique design elements tailored for open-top performance.

Key Exterior Features:

• Retractable Carbon Fiber Roof
  • Two lightweight removable roof panels, storable in the trunk.
  • Enhances structural integrity while allowing for an open-air driving experience.
• Advanced Aerodynamic Enhancements
  • A redesigned rear buttress structure improves airflow management.
  • Bonnet air vents and a revised front splitter channel airflow efficiently.
  • Side vortex generators and a larger rear diffuser increase downforce.
• Lightweight Construction
  • Extensive carbon fiber use in the body panels, diffuser, and interior.
  • Titanium conrods and lightweight engine internals reduce mass for better performance.
• Active Aerodynamics
  • Front brake cooling ducts prevent overheating during track use.
  • New rear aerodynamic profile compensates for the lack of a fixed roof, maintaining stability at high speeds.

The 812 Competizione A is not just an open-top version of the coupe—it is an aerodynamically optimized masterpiece, designed to deliver exhilarating open-air performance without compromising downforce and handling precision.

Powertrain & Performance: The Ultimate V12 Roadster

At the heart of the 812 Competizione A lies the most powerful naturally aspirated V12 engine Ferrari has ever produced. It delivers an electrifying combination of speed, precision, and an unmatched exhaust note, especially with the roof removed.

Engine Specifications:

• 6.5-Liter Naturally Aspirated V12
• Output: 830 hp (610 kW) @ 9,250 rpm
• Torque: 692 Nm (510 lb-ft) @ 7,000 rpm
• Rev Limit: 9,500 rpm (highest-revving Ferrari V12 ever)
• Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (F1 DCT)

Performance Figures:

• 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 2.85 seconds
• 0-200 km/h (0-124 mph): 7.5 seconds
• Top Speed: >340 km/h (211 mph)
• Weight: 1,487 kg (3,277 lbs), slightly heavier than the coupe

With instant throttle response and a spine-tingling exhaust note, the 812 Competizione A delivers an unparalleled open-top driving experience, allowing drivers to fully enjoy the roar of Ferrari’s final pure V12 engine.

Chassis & Driving Dynamics: Engineering Precision

The 812 Competizione A is equipped with Ferrari’s latest chassis and handling technologies, ensuring pinpoint precision and confidence-inspiring stability, even at high speeds.

Key Handling Features:

• Independent Four-Wheel Steering (Virtual Short Wheelbase 3.0)
  • Enhances agility at low speeds while improving stability on straights.
• Side Slip Control 7.0 (SSC 7.0)
  • Advanced traction and stability system for controlled drifts and precision cornering.
• Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R Tires
  • Specially designed for the 812 Competizione, offering superior grip.
• Upgraded Carbon-Ceramic Brakes
  • Optimized for track performance, reducing brake fade under extreme conditions.

With flawless balance and race-inspired engineering, the 812 Competizione A is as rewarding to drive on the road as it is on the track.

Interior: A Minimalist, Driver-Focused Cockpit

The 812 Competizione A maintains Ferrari’s philosophy of driver-first ergonomics, with a cabin designed for pure performance driving.

Interior Highlights:

• Lightweight Carbon Fiber & Alcantara Finishes
  • Reduces weight while enhancing aesthetic appeal.
• Digital Instrument Cluster
  • Provides real-time performance data and telemetry insights.
• Racing Bucket Seats
  • Offer superior support during aggressive cornering.
• Minimal Infotainment
  • No touchscreen system—driving engagement is the priority.

With no distractions and race-inspired aesthetics, the 812 Competizione A places the driver at the center of an unfiltered, high-performance experience.

Price & Market Value

Given its limited production and historical significance, the 812 Competizione A is one of the most valuable and sought-after Ferraris on the market.

• Base Price: €578,000 ($700,000)
• Current Market Value: $2.5M+, with some units selling for over $3M.
• Investment Potential: Exceptional, as Ferrari’s last pure V12 open-top supercar.

The 812 Competizione A is already a highly prized collector’s item, with resale values soaring well above its original MSRP.

VALLTRO ANALYSIS: Should You Buy the Ferrari 812 Competizione A?

The 812 Competizione A is one of the last naturally aspirated V12 Ferraris, making it a milestone in the brand’s history. But is it the right purchase for you?

Pros:

✅ Most Powerful Open-Top Ferrari V12: 830 hp of pure naturally aspirated power.
✅ Exhilarating Roofless Driving Experience: Unmatched V12 symphony with the roof removed.
✅ Limited Production: Only 599 units, ensuring extreme exclusivity.
✅ Investment Potential: Values have already tripled, making it a highly profitable asset.
✅ Track-Level Performance: Advanced aerodynamics and handling technology ensure precision and control.

Cons:

❌ Extremely Hard to Acquire: All units were allocated to Ferrari’s top VIP clients before release.
❌ High Market Prices: If not an original buyer, expect to pay over $2.5M.
❌ Less Practical Than the Coupe: Slightly heavier and less rigid due to the removable roof.

Final Verdict: A True Collector’s Masterpiece

The Ferrari 812 Competizione A is more than just a car—it’s a piece of automotive history. As one of the final naturally aspirated Ferrari V12 roadsters, it embodies everything that makes Ferrari legendary: raw power, exquisite design, and open-top exhilaration.

VALLTRO RECOMMENDATION:
➡️ If you can secure one, buy it without hesitation—it’s a guaranteed future classic.
➡️ If you want the same performance with more structural rigidity, the coupe (812 Competizione) is the better choice.

With electrification on the horizon, this may be the last time we see a pure, naturally aspirated Ferrari V12 roadster—and that alone makes it worth every penny.

About The Author