1998 Ferrari 550 Maranello Coupé

• Extensive service history
• Fiorano handling kit
• Brake and wheel upgrades
• 42,124 miles from new

With the introduction of the 550 Maranello in 1997, Ferrari had returned to its tradition of building front-engined V12 sports cars, resurrecting a line that had remained dormant since the demise of the 365 GTB/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.

Finished in the classic combination of Rosso Corsa with Crema leather interior, this right-hand drive example has covered 42,142 miles from new and comes with a significant collection of bills and service history. This car is notable for having some highly desirable upgrades in the form of the Fiorano handling pack (fitted 2010); brake upgrade kit (2012); and split-rim wheel upgrade (2013). New ECUs have been fitted, the wheels split and refurbished, 'sticky' switches dealt with and ceramic coating applied, all of which was carried out in 2023. Described by our vendor as in generally excellent condition, the car comes with a V5C document; MoT to April 2025; and the aforementioned comprehensive service history with various specialists dating back to April 1998 at 1,652 miles (PJ Evans). The most recent service was carried out by Karl Fisher Auto in March 2023 at 41,330 miles.