The Ferrari 550 Maranello is a front-engined V12 2-seat grand tourer, built by Ferrari from 1996 to 2002. The 550 Maranello marked Ferrari's return to a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout for its 2-seater 12-cylinder model, 23 years after the 365 GTB/4 Daytona had been replaced by the mid-engined Berlinetta Boxer.
After a 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-litres total engine displacement in decilitres and to the town of Maranello, home to the Ferrari headquarters and factory. 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 2002 the 550 was replaced by the 575M Maranello, not an all-new model but rather an all-around improved version of the car, fitted with a larger 5.75-litre engine. In total 3,083 units of the 550 Maranello were produced.
The 550 used a front-engine, rear-wheel drive transaxle layout, with the 6-speed gearbox located at the rear axle together with the limited slip differential. The chassis tubular steel space frame, to which the aluminium body panels were soldered. The Pininfarina-designed body had a drag coefficient of 0.33. Suspension was of the double wishbone type with coaxial coil spring and damper units on all four corners, and anti-roll bars front and rear. The steering was rack and pinion with variable power assist. The vented disc brakes were 13.0" at the front and 12.2" at the rear. Magnesium alloy was used for the 18-inch wheels. Electronic driver aid systems included anti-slip regulation, which could be adjusted on two levels or switched off completely, and four-way anti-lock braking system.
The engine is a naturally aspirated 65° V12 with 4 valves per cylinder, dual overhead cams and a variable length intake manifold. It displaced 334.0 cu in and produced 478 hp at 7,000 rpm and 419 lb·ft at 5,000 rpm. Bore and stroke measure 88 mm and 75 mm. The 550 Maranello had a top speed of 199 mph, and could accelerate from a standstill to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds.
This example is finished in the classic silver/black and has only 15,120 miles. A recent full service, including timing belts, has been completed and it has been fitted with brand new Bridgestone tires and the shocks and hydraulics were rebuilt as well. Glass, chrome and paint are excellent and the car is equipped with the well-loved gated Ferrari 6-Speed manual gearbox. It is in great overall mechanical condition, with small interior details needing some TLC, but recently detailed and comes with a complete set of original Ferrari books. This is one of the ultimate modern-era V-12 Grand Touring Ferrari's and is a fantastic addition to a discriminating collection.