For nearly a quarter century, following the end of 365 GTB/4 Daytona production in 1973, Ferrari’s lineup was conspicuously absent of a front-engine, two-seat, V-12 sports coupe. Though the long-lived 512 line of mid-engine, flat-12 machines were brilliant in their own right, enthusiasts lamented the lack of a flagship Ferrari in the prototypical mold, and it was this fertile atmosphere that facilitated a glorious return to form in the sharklike profile of 1996’s Ferrari 550 Maranello.

Beneath aggressive but graceful aluminum Pininfarina bodywork, the 550’s tubular space-frame chassis was home to equally elegant engineering, with highlights including four-wheel double-wishbones and a rear-mounted transaxle for 50/50 weight distribution. Undoubtedly central to the experience, however, was a dry sump, quad-cam, 48-valve V-12; internally coded tipo F133 A/C, this 5.5-liter unit produced 485 hp at 7,000 rpm, just 500 revs shy of redlining.

Retained by its original owner until earlier this year, and benefiting from a recent major service, which included fitment of a new timing belt and water pump, this example displayed just over 21,000 miles when catalogued, and is accompanied by its original factory books and tools. Widely lauded as an instant classic upon debut, the 550’s undeniable appeal has only increased over the decades, and this Maranello’s striking and rare color combination of Giallo Modena (Modena Yellow) over Nero (Black) hides with contrasting yellow piping further elevates its merit.