Having re-established the front-engine layout with the sensational 456, Ferrari launched an even more spectacular supercar, the 550 Maranello, in 1996. The world’s press gathered at the Nürburgring to see the unveiling of the car that replaced the F512M. Most did not believe that a front-engine V-12 could out perform a mid-engine sports car. They were wrong. The 550 Maranello proved quicker and far more practical.

Top speed was listed by the factory as 199 mph. There was a time in Ferrari’s history when this would have been unthinkable and unacceptable, as it was just 1 mph short of that exclusive group of road going cars that top 200 mph. The 550 Maranello was far more sophisticated than that. Ferrari’s discerning customers demanded not just out and out performance, but also driveability, luxury, and comfort.

The luxury was there, as you would expect. Full leather, air conditioning, and electric seats, windows, and mirrors, along with that familiar Ferrari feel, were all included. Also included was a metal gearshift gate with a metal balled lever, drilled pedals, and a beautifully designed dash. Incredible performance, of course, also prevailed. The 550 would achieve 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds, 100 mph in 10.2 seconds, and 150 mph in 23.5 seconds, pulling hard all the way to 199 mph. With a drag coefficient of just Cd 0.33, its aerodynamics were more than impressive when compared to its predecessor. The aerodynamic efficiency helped the car establish new production car speed records.

The 550 Maranello presented here, chassis number 120641, was delivered on 26 January 2001. The car is finished in the traditional colours of Rosso Corsa over a creme leather interior. It is currently showing just 14,632 kilometres on the clock, which are believed to be original. The car has red-painted Brembo brake callipers and is in pristine condition, as you would expect for a car with such little mileage.

The 550 Maranello was more pleasant to be in, more refined, and more comfortable than its predecessor, the 512. At the Nürburgring launch, Grand Prix legend Niki Lauda was on hand to drive members of the press corps on fast laps around the circuit, which he unsentimentally calls “the grill room”. Lauda commented, “You can forget the 512. No comparison. This is the first modern Ferrari, and the first I would really want to own”.