What is a Berlinetta?

A berlinetta is a sports coupe with a low profile that most often has two seats, but sometimes includes 2+2 cars with four seats. Berlinetta is an Italian word meaning “little saloon,” and the term made attained prominence in automotive circles in the 1950s in large part because of Ferrari and its 225 S sports racing car, but the term has since been used by other supercar makers such as Alfa Romeo and Maserati. 

Berlinetta Definition

While berlinetta is an Italian word for “little saloon,” it’s also the diminutive form of berlina, which means “sedan.” This of course makes sense, as Ferrari does not produce sedans. The linguistic alteration thus indicates fewer doors — and, in the case of a Prancing Horse, world-class performance.

In French, this style of vehicle is referred to as a berlinette. 

Berlinetta Characteristics

In the Ferrari lineup, a Berlinetta is a two-seat car with a closed cockpit, while Spider models are convertibles. The F12berlinetta is an iconic example of the former, while the F8 Spider is one of the latest examples of the latter.

Berlinettas emphasize both performance and comfort, offering drivers the best of both worlds. The legendary F12berlinetta, for instance, was the most aerodynamic series-production Ferrari and boasted the highest-performance front-engine naturally aspirated 6.3L V12 in the Prancing Horse lineup at the time of its release, while its interior is appointed with sumptuous Italian leather, cutting-edge tech features, and impressive interior volume. It’s a vehicle that combines track-burning performance with generous creature comforts.

Purchase a Berlinetta With Continental AutoSports

Whether you want a berlinetta or a grand tourer, there’s a Prancing Horse out there to put a smile on every driver’s face. You can inquire about buying one when you contact Continental AutoSports. We call Chicagoland home, but we frequently serve customers in St. Louis and Indianapolis, as well as enthusiasts throughout the United States.