When the traditional front-engined 365 GTB/4 Daytona was replaced by the mid-engined Berlinetta Boxer, Ferrari's top-of-the-line 12-cylinder 2-seater model had used a mid-mounted 180° V12 flat engine. The Berlinetta Boxer had later been developed into the Testarossa, whose last evolution was the 1994 F512 M. Under the presidency of Luca Montezemolo, the F512 M replacement was developed as a traditional front-engined V12 grand tourer.
After 30 months of development, the Ferrari 550 Maranello was presented in July 1996 at the Nürburgring racing circuit in Germany. The model name referred to the 5.5-litre engine displacement and to the town of Maranello, home to the Ferrari headquarters. Pininfarina executed both the exterior and interior design. Frame and main engine components were shared with the 2+2 Ferrari 456, although at 98.4 in the 550's wheelbase was 3.9 in shorter. In total, 3,083 units of the 550 Maranello were produced.
This example is a rare combination of black/black, has the standard 6-sp manual gearbox and only 40,500 original miles. Originally a Texas car, it has always garaged and has a very recent major service (lubrication, seals, belts, etc.) completed. It has new tires and the wheels are excellent. The interior is nice with only the usual wear and tear for a car of this mileage, including some minor shrinkage of the dash and rear tray. It does have a cracked windscreen and minor scratches and chips, otherwise no history of crash damage and is a nice daily driver. The car drives very well, is reliable and comes with service records and a clean CarFax. This car is located in Denver CO and is priced to sell. It is available for inspection and/or test drive by contacting Dominic Dobson at dominic@devnet1.com/dobson.