From the private collection of Patrick Gosling
1997 Ferrari 550 Maranello Coupé
Registration no. M55 ORH
Chassis no. ZFFZR49C000108106

'The Maranello needs no excuses: it is right-minded, a return to traditional values, albeit values and standards that tower high above those set by the Daytona when it shuffled off to extinction a quarter of a century ago.' – Car magazine.

With the introduction of the 550 Maranello in 1997, Ferrari returned to its tradition of building front-engined V12 sports cars, resurrecting a line that had remained dormant since the demise of the 365 GTB/4 'Daytona' in 1974. The heart of any Ferrari is its engine, and the 550 Maranello's 48-valve, 5.5-litre V12 developed 485bhp at 7,000rpm, some 100-or-so horsepower more than the Daytona's. Ferrari had discovered long ago that providing optimum balance in a front-engined sports car necessitated the use of a rear transaxle, and the Maranello's came with six speeds. The power train was housed in a tubular steel chassis, to which was attached aluminium coachwork, while the all-independent suspension incorporated dual-mode (normal/sports) damping, switch-selectable by the driver, which was complemented by speed-sensitive power-assisted steering.

Styled by Pininfarina like its illustrious 'Daytona' predecessor, the 550 Maranello was similarly proportioned, adopting the classical combination of long bonnet, small cabin and truncated tail. The body's aerodynamics were developed in the wind tunnel, where hours of testing ensured that the minimum of drag was combined with constant downforce regardless of set up, an important consideration in a 200mph road car. Styling details such as the bonnet air scoop and hot air outlets behind the front wheelarches recalled the great competizione Ferraris of the past, in particular the immortal 250 GTO, while the tail incorporated Ferrari's characteristic twin circular lights.

First registered on 17th April 1997, this particular Ferrari 550 Maranello is offered from the private collection of renowned automotive photographer Patrick Gosling, who worked closely with Scuderia Ferrari in the early 2000s. The car was purchased by Patrick after experiencing some thrilling 'Hot Laps' being driven by both Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello in a similar 550 Maranello around Ferrari's Fiorano test track.

Finished in Grigio Titanium with Bordeaux leather interior, 'M55 ORH' features the optional Lusso quilted rear parcel shelf, two Tracker systems, and a Tubi exhaust. Patrick has owned the car since November 2014 (it was registered to a friend in 2014 and he took over registration in November 2015). It has been cared for by Autofficina, serviced and MoT'd annually while benefiting from various running improvements: door hinges, headlamp rubbers, recently re-trimmed dashboard, etc. The car was featured in the Ferrari Owners Club magazine in June 2017. Professionally stored by Bespoke Handling in Sussex for the past couple of years, it will have been serviced and MoT'd immediately prior to the sale.

The Ferrari comes with comprehensive service records and receipts from Grimaldi, KHPC, Neil Lucas and a few others. Also included in the sale is the original tool kit in its leather case; all original books in their leather wallet; and both key fobs: red and black.