Chassis No. ZFFZS49A510123302

Twenty-three years after the discontinuation of the revered Ferrari 365 GTB/4 “Daytona” in the mid 1970s, tifosi rejoiced at the return of the front-mounted V12 and rear-mounted manual transaxle format in a new Ferrari flagship. The 550 Maranello, named for the 5.5-liter displacement of its V12 and the city from which it hailed, was more than a surprising return to tradition; it was also a drastic improvement over its mid-engine predecessor. With a more comfortable seating position, ample luggage space, and better visibility, not only was the 550 more practical than the F512 M it replaced, but it was also faster and better handling thanks to adjustable dampers and speed-sensitive power steering. The 550's centerpiece, a 485 horsepower, 48-valve V12, set benchmarks for modern supercars, including a production-car speed record set by Car and Driver of a 190.132 mph average speed over a 100 mile distance.

The signature detail of any proper Ferrari GT car was present in the form of a metal "gate" that guided the shift lever into its six forward gears. While Ferrari had already introduced the F1-style paddle-shifted transmission in the F355, the 550 Maranello continued to offer the glorious “click-clack” sound of the gate colliding with the gearstick when performing a perfectly timed shift. Its successor, the 575M, would also be available with a manual transmission but was most often specified without, making the manual-only 550 truly the last of its breed. Representing the best of the classic Ferrari layout – a sublime front-engine V12, rear-wheel drive, coupled with ideal GT usability – the 550 Maranello offers an analog driving experience unavailable in any modern Ferrari produced since.

This spectacular example of a Ferrari 550 Maranello is a U.S.-market car built during the final year of production. Finished in the always desirable livery of Rosso Corsa over Beige and Nero leather, the original window sticker lists a bevy of desirable options that complete its beautiful specification. These include modular five-spoke wheels housing red brake calipers, Daytona-style seats with contrasting red piping, and diamond-stitched “style 250GT” leather headliner and rear shelf. The generously optioned Ferrari was sold to its first and only private owner via The Collection in Coral Gables, Florida showing 66 delivery miles at the time. The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report shows that the 550 was serviced by the delivery dealer on three occasions in the early 2000s, showing 964 miles by January 2003. Over the following two decades, the Ferrari would only travel some 311 additional miles by September 2023. At that time, given the Ferrari's tremendously low original mileage, it was entrusted to Ferrari of Newport Beach, California for a comprehensive engine-out service which involved replacing the timing belt, a full fluid change, and a four-wheel alignment at a cost of over $34,000.

With 1,278 original miles on the odometer at the time of cataloging, this 550 Maranello epitomizes the term “time-capsule example.” Its gleaming Rosso Corsa paintwork presents much as it did in the showroom over two decades ago, complemented by its modular alloy wheels in similarly pristine condition. Inside, the Connolly hides remarkably still emit the unmistakable scent of “new-car smell,” and the interior buttons and switches do not suffer from the all-too-common “sticky buttons” issue on Ferraris of the late 1990s and early 2000s. As one would expect with a car of such low mileage, all of the factory accessories are present, and in some cases, are still wrapped in plastic. These include its window sticker, books in their leather folio, tool kit, tire inflator, and car cover.

A representative example of Maranello's celebrated gated manual, front-engine V12 grand touring formula, this 2001 Ferrari 550 Maranello must certainly be one the best-preserved examples of the model in existence.