1999 Ferrari 550 Maranello Coupé

• Rare right-hand drive example
• Present ownership since 2015
• Garage stored since acquisition

"The Maranello needs no excuses: it is right-minded, a return to traditional values, albeit values and standards that tower high above those set by the Daytona when it shuffled off to extinction a quarter of a century ago." – Car magazine.

With the introduction of the 550 Maranello in 1997, Ferrari returned to its tradition of building front-engined V12 sports cars, resurrecting a line that had remained dormant since the demise of the 365GTB/4 'Daytona' in 1974. The heart of any Ferrari is its engine, and the 550 Maranello's 48-valve, 5.5-litre V12 developed 485bhp at 7,000rpm, some 100-or-so horsepower more than the Daytona's. Ferrari had discovered long ago that providing optimum balance in a front-engined sports car necessitated the use of a rear transaxle, and the Maranello's came with six speeds. The power train was housed in a tubular steel chassis, to which was attached aluminium coachwork, while the all-independent suspension incorporated dual-mode (normal/sports) damping, switch-selectable by the driver, which was complemented by speed-sensitive power-assisted steering.

Styled by Pininfarina like its illustrious 'Daytona' predecessor, the 550 Maranello was similarly proportioned, adopting the classical combination of long bonnet, small cabin and truncated tail. The body's aerodynamics were developed in the wind tunnel, where hours of testing ensured that the minimum of drag was combined with constant downforce regardless of set up, an important consideration in a 200mph road car. Styling details such as the bonnet air scoop and hot air outlets behind the front wheelarches recalled the great competizione Ferraris of the past, in particular the immortal 250 GTO, while the tail incorporated Ferrari's characteristic twin circular lights. Interior highlights included perforated aluminium pedals, a polished aluminium gear lever, embossed shields to the headrests, and Daytona-style leather trim.

One of only 457 right-hand drive examples of a total production of 3083, the beautiful Ferrari supercar offered here was first registered on 3rd March 1999 and has had three former keepers. It was ordered via Ferrari UK and their dealer Glenvarigill, Edinburgh. The car was ordered in Rosso Corsa with Crema hide and Bordeaux carpets. Owned by our vendor since November 2015. Since acquisition by our vendor the Ferrari has been garage stored and not used. Servicing will be required before the car returns to the road. Accompanying paperwork consists of an owner's handbook, a V5C document and DVLA MoT history. The current odometer reading is circa 44,239 miles.