2017 Ferrari 488 Spider

Given the incredible success of the 488 GTB (Gran Turismo Berlinetta), it was only natural Ferrari would introduce an open-top variant. Along came the 488 GTS (Gran Turismo Spider), the Maranello-based carmaker’s most powerful ever mid-rear-engined V8 sports car to feature the patented hard top along with the highest level of technological innovation and with cutting-edge design.

Breaking new ground, Ferrari was the first manufacturer to introduce the RHT (Retractable Hard Top) on a car of this particular architecture. Ensuring lower weight (-25 kilograms / -55 pounds) and better cockpit comfort compared to the classic fabric soft-top, just like all previous Spider versions of Ferrari’s models, this car was aimed squarely at customers seeking open-air motoring pleasure in a high-performance sports with an unmistakable Ferrari engine sound.

Every area of the car had been designed to set new technological benchmarks for the sector: from the aluminum spaceframe chassis and bodyshell to the new turbo-charged V8, aerodynamics that reconcile the need for greater downforce with reduced drag along with specific cabin air flow demands of an open-top car, and vehicle dynamics that render it fast, agile and instantly responsive. 

Both 488 variants were designed by the Ferrari Styling Center. At the front of the 488, an air intake was divided in two by a splitter. Its wide front spoiler featured a double profile to improve the thermal efficiency of the radiators placed on the sides. However, with the 488 Spider, the car looked more like a targa-top vehicle due to its raised shoulders on the engine compartment’s sides, which Ferrari needed to cover the safety arches. Two big air intakes were placed behind the doors for better cooling and to feed the two twin-scroll turbochargers. The rear round taillights and the two exhausts were other specific features of the sports car.

The 488 Spider made its world premiere at the 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show, beneath its engine cover throbbing a 3.9-liter turbocharged V8 that previously debuted on the 488 GTB. The turbo V8 has a unique character, delivering increasing levels of power right across the rev range, completely eliminating the traditional turbo lag with a throttle response time of just 0.8 seconds, thanks not merely to components such as the turbos, but also to a sophisticated production process made possible by Maranello’s leading-edge facilities which are shared with the Scuderia to foster the transfer of racing technologies to the road cars.

Despite weighing just 110 pounds (50 kilograms) more than its hardtop sibling – a highly impressive feat for an open-top car – it retained an equal 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration of 3.0 seconds, with only a slightly slower top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h). And, in line with Ferrari tradition, the 488 Spider has its own distinctive soundtrack, created using solutions such as exhaust headers with longer, equal-length piping and a flat-plane crankshaft, further enhanced by an in-depth study of harmonic and tonality at different engine speeds. Seductive but never invasive with the top down, both volume and clarity increase as the engine instantly responds to the accelerator pedal and revs rise, reinforcing the sensation of massive performance. 

The 2017 Ferrari 488 Spider offered here through SBX Cars is finished in iconic Rosso Corsa over Cuoio leather, with color-coordinated safety belts, leather tunnel, steering wheel, and dash pad, the latter featuring a yellow rev counter. The upholstery is stitched in contrasting Rosso and features the iconic Cavallino stitched on the headrests. Additional options include the sporty Scuderia Ferrari fender shields and yellow-painted brake calipers, both of which add a dash of flair to the stunning red finish. 

Having covered just 3,633 miles (about 5,847 kilometers) from new, the 488 was purchased by its now second owner in 2021, when the odometer read approximately 410 miles (about 660 kilometers). In the hands of its second owner, the Ferrari has been slightly modified, with the addition of a skid plate, PPF to the vehicle’s front end, and the color of the brake calipers changed from their original red to yellow. 

Impeccably maintained, the car was most recently serviced in November 2023 at Ferrari of Miami, at which time it received an annual service, in addition to a coolant system service, power steering fluid replacement, wiper blade replacement, and a new battery, at total cost of $12,654. Accompanied in the sale are two sets of keys, as well as the Ferrari car cover, and steering wheel cover.

Undoubtedly, this is among the most attractive and finest 488 Spiders available today and would make a wonderful addition to anyone’s collection. A luxury convertible that can genuinely achieve over 200 mph, its next owner will enjoy driving it at the speeds for which it was designed.