5,548cc DOHC V12 Engine
Electronic Fuel Injection
485bhp at 7,000rpm
6-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Cross Drilled Disc Brakes with Red Calipers
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
* The spiritual successor to the legendary 365GTB/4 Daytona
* Classic Rosso Corsa over Black color scheme
* Regularly and carefully maintained, as recorded in the service manual
* Cambelt service completed on July 2024
* Under 14,300 kilometers (8,885 miles) from new
THE 550 MARANELLO
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-liter 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 aluminum 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 hood, 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 hood air scoop and hot air outlets behind the front wheelarches recalled the great competizione Ferraris of the past, in particular the immortal 250GTO, while the tail incorporated Ferrari's characteristic twin circular lights.
In 2004, Evo magazine published a 'Greatest Driver's Cars' feature that pitted the 550 Maranello against the Porsche 911 GT3, Honda NSX-R and Pagani Zonda C12S. The Ferrari won. "As with all great cars, there's no one facet that dominates the experience," declared the respected British motoring journal. "Yes, the engine is mighty, but the chassis is its equal. There's never been a supercar that's so exploitable and so rounded in its capabilities."
THE CAR OFFERED
This sublimely elegant and understated 550 Maranello, was commissioned in the classic scheme of Rosso Corsa over black leather. The Ferrari was delivered to its first owner in France on January 16, 1998, and spend the first eight years and 7,900 kilometers of its life in scenic France. From about 2013 until 2015 the sleek coupe blitzed about the green roads of Switzerland. Following its brief Swiss ownership, the car made the trek over to the UK around 2016 until about 2024 before making the long journey over to the United States.
The car has received regular maintenance throughout its life, as evidenced by the service booklet showing consistent servicing despite the very low mileage. This 550M will be accompanied by many of its recent service invoices. The current mileage at the time of photography shows just under 14,300 kilometers (8,885 miles). The last service was performed in July 2024 where it received new cambelts. Cosmetically, the interior and exterior are very well presented and detailed.
Showing very much as it left the factory, save for the low mileage and just a touch of wear, the only addition is the upgraded stereo head unit in the dash. This fantastic GT Ferrari, with its front mounted V12 full of torque, continues to be one of the greatest modern touring cars to come out of Maranello, so fitting as they named this legendary car after the city it was assembled in.
A great car to enjoy, this spiritual successor to the legendary Daytona is swiftly becoming an icon in its own right and would make a welcome addition to any garage!