The 550 Maranello's combination of its stylish Pininfarina lines andfront-mounted 12-cylinder engine meant that this car had the potential to become an instant classic, following in the footsteps of its forebear, the 365 GTB/4 DaytonaWith modern styling cues, a 5.5-litre V12 engine producing around 485bhp and a reported top speed of 199mph, the 550 Maranello was a serious motor carA less frenetic power delivery, the six-speed manual box and excellent weight distribution were all factors in the 550 becoming the perfectEuropean Grand TourerOn offerfrom aprivatecollection with all cars professionally storedandregularly maintainedUK-supplied and finished in Grigio Titanio Metallic paint with aBordeaux Red hide interiorWith its full book pack,majorservice (belts, water-pumps etc.) in 2017 with no mileagesinceJust 49,685miles indicated. Offering fantastic value at our guide price for a proper V12 with that special manual gearboxYou can now book a one-to-one appointment (up to one hour) to view this lot at our central location of Stoneleigh Park (CV8 2LG) Monday to Friday, from Thursday 29th October until Thursday 12th November (inclusive). Please contact Joe Watts on 07779 082707/ [email protected] secure your appointment or to discuss the car in more detail.The health & safety of both our customers and team remainthe utmost priority, we are therefore operating to strict COVID-19 guidelines and full instructions for arrival and inspection protocols will be given when making your appointment.Firmly placed in Ferrari's history as one of their finest modern era big GTs, the 550 Maranello's combination of elegant lines and legendary front mounted 12-cylinder engine, meant that these cars had the potential to become instant classics.Following in the footsteps and sharing the DNA of the 365 GTB/4 'Daytona', the 550 Maranello is inevitability compared to its forbear. However, few front-engined Ferraris have quite justified that comparison quite like the 550 Maranello. Styled by Pininfarina, like its illustrious predecessor, the 550 Maranello was similarly proportioned, adopting the classical combination of long bonnet, small cabin, and truncated tail. Classic Ferrari styling cues include a bonnet air scoop and hot air outlets behind the front wheel-arches recalling the great 'Competizione' Ferraris of the past, whilst the rear incorporates Ferrari's characteristic twin circular lights.The heart of any Ferrari is its engine, and the 550 Maranello's 48-valve, 5.5-litre V12 developed 485bhp at 7,000rpm. 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. The six-speed manual gearbox complements a slightly more even torque curve ensuring that the power delivery was a little less frenetic, whilst excellent weight distribution and delightful road manners make the 550 Maranello a truly refined driving machine, whilst still capable of almost 200 mph.With styling that is ageing particularly well, a high-quality cabin, generous storage, and an enormous 100-litre-plus fuel tank, the 550 Maranello really is the consummate 'European Grand Tourer' in the true Ferrari mould. In 2004, EVO magazine published a 'Greatest Driver's Cars' feature that set the 550 Maranello against the Porsche 911 GT3, Honda NSX-R and Pagani Zonda C12S. The Ferrari won. EVO stated As with all great cars, there's no one facet that dominates the experience. Yes, the engine is mighty, but the chassis is its equal. There's never been a supercar that's so exploitable and so rounded in its capabilities.The car offered here is a UK-supplied, RHD 1997 Ferrari 550 Maranello fitted with amanual gearbox. In the striking combination of Grigio Titanio Metallic paint and Bordeaux Red leather, this car is a fine example. Delivered new by and initially owned by Graypaul Ferrari of Loughborough in Leicestershire, it was serviced bythem up until just over 19,000 miles. At 28,391 it received a cam-belt service with Ferrari specialists Kent High Performance Cars of Maidstone, then another cam-belt service at 36,073 miles and a further one(with new brake master-cylinder, water pump, pads & discs, brake fluid service, new thermocouple ECU and A/C re-gas) at 49,618 miles (costing 4,873.18). With only a handful of miles covered since then, it is being offered from a private collection whereall the cars are professionally stored and regularly maintained. Having been in storage for a little while, some minor TLC might be required to a few areas of the interior, but this is a real chance to add value with just some basic tidying-up.Front-engined V12 manual Ferraris continue to have the renaissance they richly deserve and this beautiful 550 Maranello, whilst being competitively guided, opens the door into a very exclusive club. Now ready to be enjoyed by a new owner, this is one not to be missed.1997 Ferrari 550 Maranellohttps://youtu.be/yinRMKaNRIIfalse