Today we are not surprised to see a car with the body in a matte tone, but almost twenty years ago it was all an eccentricity. So was seeing a Ferrari dyed a shade other than its iconic red, but there was someone with such influence that he managed to make one of his sports cars in matt black in Maranello: specifically, a Ferrari Enzo. And now it’s for sale.
On October 15, 2004, a Ferrari Enzo finished in Nero Opaco (matt black, in Spanish) left the Maranello production lines: that unit was the first to wear that tone on its body and the only Ferrari Enzo to leave the factory with that finish. Since then, the color has become a popular choice for more modern models.
someone very influential
To convince Ferrari to make a Ferrari Enzo in matt black, you have to have some influence: I suppose that when you have a famous collection of Maranello models, you can also afford this type of license. That unit was an express request of the Bolkiah family: yes, that of the Sultan of Brunei.
They further requested that the cabin was upholstered in ‘Nero’ leather (black), the same tone chosen for the mats. The instrument panel was red and stood out, adding a touch of color to the interior of the Ferrari Enzo.
a special model
The Ferrari Enzo (named after the founder of the brand) was a special model in itself: its run was limited to 400 units powered by a 6.0-liter naturally aspirated V12 that developed 651 horsepower and had 657 Nm of maximum torque. His dance partner was a dual-clutch automatic transmission that sent that power to the rear wheels.
On an aesthetic level, the Ferrari Enzo departed from the Ferrari F40 and the Ferrari F50. Ken Okuyama, legendary Pininfarina designer, designed for him distinctive lines that were reproduced in a body made in carbon fiber.
up for auction
with so only 5,730 kilometers on its odometer, He spent his early life at the London residence of the Brunei Royal Family. It was then transferred to the Asia-Pacific region and recently underwent a complete aesthetic restoration: various elements were replaced, such as the front and rear headlights, as well as the glass surface of the rear hood. And, in addition, they have repainted it in the original Nero Opaco finish.
A job that has cost more than 110,000 euros and is signed by Carrozzeria Zanasi, the official paint shop of the Italian brand. The only Ferrari Enzo that can boast of having a matte black bodywork is now for sale… despite the fact that the paint is not original.
The experts do not believe that this will affect the bidding that will take place at the auction organized by RM Sotheby’s: it remains A car with royal provenance, low mileage and unique condition. Also, it’s a Ferrari Enzo. All these factors should lead to a generous offer that could reach seven figures.
Images: R. M. Sotheby’s
