1997 Ferrari 550 Maranello Coupé

• Left-hand drive
• Present ownership since 2022
• circa 94,980 kilometres (59,020 miles) recorded

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.

The vendors purchased this left-hand drive Maranello in 2022, since when it has seen little use. The previous owner was UK-based and had purchased the Ferrari in 2016, it is believed from the preceding owner in Germany. The car had been kept in a protective bubble by the previous owner and the vendors have kept it under cover since acquisition. The battery has just been replaced and the current odometer reading is 94,980 kilometres (59,020 miles). Accompanying paperwork includes some service history dating back to 1997; expired MoT certificates; and a comprehensive list of parts purchased during the car's lifetime. Offered with a current MoT certificate and a V5C registration document.