5474cc V12
6 speed Manual
Front Engined Rear Wheel Drive
Hydraulic Discs
478 bhp 419 ft-lb
Exterior Rosso Corsa Interior Tan
The Ferrari 550 Maranello is a Grand Touring car, returning to Ferrari’s old formula of a front engined V12 2 seat coupe, last seen in 1973 with the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona, after which, a series of mid-engined 12 cylinders filled that niche in the market. As with most Ferraris, the body is by Pininfarina, built on a frame and drivetrain shared with the Ferrari 456 2+2, but a shorter wheelbase. In 2001, the Ferrari 550 was replaced with the upgraded Ferrari 575M Maranello, which was nearly identical in appearance, but had a larger engine, and brakes, but unlike the 550 Maranello, which was only available with a 6 speed manual, most examples were fitted with Ferrari’s paddle-shifting F1 Gearbox, with the 6 speed as an option. This car is a largely original example that has been fitted since new with factory optioned modular wheels and the Fiorano handling package, which features red calipers, slightly lowered, stiffer suspension, and software upgrades to the steering and suspension control systems.
I’m the third owner of the car with a known ownership history in Southern California before I brought the car to Oregon. The car had been very well looked after in previous ownership though had some of the minor cosmetic issues that these cars develop over time, most of which have been addressed. Although the 550 is Ferrari’s entry into the Grand Touring car market, rather than being a true sports car, it is still a fairly pure driver’s car with very little emphasis on the creature comforts that many of its contemporaries had, especially in its price range, It does have air conditioning and a radio, but doesn’t have tilt steering, cruise control, or many of the other comfort features which add weight and detract from performance. Despite this, it could easily be used as a daily driven car and is an excellent choice for long distance driving.
