Ferrari 812 Competizione A

The 599-car targa version

The 812 Competizione A pairs the Competizione's 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 with a removable carbon-fibre targa top. Output is 830 PS, about 819 bhp, and 692 Nm, with 0-100 km/h in 2.85 seconds and a top speed above 340 km/h. Ferrari allocated 599 cars to this body style, separate from the 999 coupes.

This is a desk-researched ownership guide. We have not driven this model for this article. The A is not an 812 GTS with a different badge. Its roof is a removable panel rather than a powered hardtop, and its lower flying buttresses and visible roll bars give it a distinct body inspection.

Removable targa panel and shaped stowage

The carbon-fibre roof panel stows in a compartment shaped like the panel itself. Inspect the panel, seals, latches and stowage area with the seller's permission. Check for secure fitting, even panel gaps and any contact marks or damage. Do not treat it as a motorised roof or expect a 14-second electric cycle.

Ask who normally removes and refits the panel and whether the correct procedure is documented. A specialist should inspect any damaged seal, latch or alignment issue rather than forcing the panel into position. Water marks or wind noise reported by the owner should be investigated rather than dismissed.

Inspect the shaped stowage compartment for contact, loose trim and correct retention. The flying buttresses, roll bars and surrounding bodywork should be checked for damage or poor repairs. Roof-off and roof-on configurations both matter to the inspection.

Engine, lithium-ion battery and service evidence

The V12 reaches 9,500 rpm and uses the Competizione's revised internals, including titanium connecting rods. Observe a cold start and warmed-up condition with oil, coolant and diagnostic checks. Do not transfer every early-812 ownership anecdote to this later engine; assess the actual car and its records.

Ferrari's official page identifies a lithium-ion battery and lightweight cockpit materials. Ask about battery replacement, charging equipment and storage practice. Inspect the charging connection and any warning history. Electrical symptoms should be diagnosed rather than attributed automatically to a battery without testing.

Request annual service invoices, software records and the remaining dates of maintenance or warranty coverage. Modifications should be disclosed. A complete invoice should identify the work and parts rather than simply state that the car was serviced.

Photograph the roof fitted and stowed during the inspection. This creates a useful record of panel condition and contact points, and helps distinguish a factory component from an unrecorded replacement.

Independent steering, Cup 2 R tyres and brakes

The Competizione A uses independent steering on all four wheels, PCV 3.0 and SSC 7.0. Have the steering and dynamic systems checked with Ferrari diagnostic equipment and an appropriate specialist evaluation. Do not judge their condition through an unplanned limit test.

Inspect dampers, suspension, geometry and the underbody. Cup 2 R tyres and correct 20-inch wheel fitment should be verified on every corner. Compare tyre age and wear with measured alignment, and ask for circuit-use and inspection records where relevant.

Carbon-ceramic brakes require measured disc and pad condition and a fluid history. PistonHeads identifies a brake-fluid-reservoir-cap recall in the 812 family. Confirm the campaigns applicable to this VIN through Ferrari's recall process rather than assuming completion.

The active aero components, splitter, undertrays and rear bodywork should be inspected for contact and correct repairs. Front lift and parking equipment should be tested where fitted.

Cabin, battery access and original equipment

Test the fuel gauge, USB ports, charging functions, audio, cameras and seat controls. Inspect battery access and charging equipment without disturbing trim or roof components. Any recurring warning should have a diagnostic record.

Seat-lifter operation, headroom and support should be assessed in person. Check bolsters, stitching, dashboard vents, luggage trim and rattles. Lightweight cabin materials and visible carbon components should be linked to the build record.

Match the targa panel, wheels, seats and cabin options to the factory documentation. Later modifications and replacement parts should be listed separately from original equipment. Original parts supplied with the car should be included in the handover file.

Targa-panel handover needs to be explicit. Confirm that the removable carbon-fibre panel, its shaped stowage compartment and any factory handling instructions are present and belong with the car. Photograph the panel fitted and stowed, then inspect its contact points and seals for marks or poor alignment. Ask who normally fits it and whether any trim or latch work has been required. Do not infer damage from the fact that the roof is removable, but do not accept an untested fit either. The inspection should record whether the specialist could examine both configurations and whether the panel was included in the sale documentation.

Independent inspection and separate production identity

A Ferrari specialist should inspect the roof panel and stowage, engine, diagnostics, steering, brakes, underbody and records. The report should state what was measured and which areas could not be accessed. Both roof configurations should be assessed where practical.

The 599-car allocation applies only to the Competizione A. Do not combine it with the coupe's 999 cars or describe a single total for this catalogue entry. The VIN, factory equipment and service history establish the individual car's identity.

Sources and limitations

We have not driven this model for this article. Ferrari's official Competizione A page supplies the targa roof, engine, battery and chassis identity, while the PistonHeads 812 guide supplies the production and ownership evidence. Ferrari's recall page explains how to check open campaigns with the full 17-digit VIN. This guide makes no claim about transaction prices, future value or universal reliability. VIN-based campaign checks and an independent Ferrari inspection remain necessary.