• Known history
• Comfortable, reliable GT with exceptional performance
• Cambelt changed in August 2018, four new tyres

Ferrari took its time before deciding to adopt a mid-engined layout for its most powerful berlinettas, but the manufacturer finally did so after the Daytona with the Berlinetta Boxer. This was followed by the Testarossa family, but after the 512 TR and 512 M the marque reverted to the front-mounted V12, a layout dear to the Italian firm. Elegantly styled by Pininfarina, the 550 Maranello, unveiled in 1996, was equipped with a 5.5-litre V12, as denoted by its name. The engine was derived from that used in the 456 GT, but with an extra 43bhp, bringing the total power output to 485bhp. Its technical specification allowed it to comfortably exceed 300kph (186mph), while its passengers enjoyed modern standards of comfort. For two years running, in 2000 and 2001, the V12 received the prize in the over-4-litre class in the International Engine of the Year awards.

The Ferrari 550 Maranello which we are offering for sale was delivered new in Lausanne by the Beau-Rivage Ferrari dealership on 3 June 1998, as the full set of original manuals confirms. It was regularly serviced, first at the Garage de l’Athénée (André Chevalley), a Ferrari specialist, and then at Carugati Automobiles, another marque specialist in Geneva. It was then sold to its second owner, still in Switzerland, and maintained by the official Ferrari dealer Symbol Automobile at Martran; it was by then showing a recorded mileage of 34,477km (21,423 miles). It was registered in France by its third owner, who had it serviced in Switzerland, once again by a Ferrari and Maserati specialist, the Foltek garage near Zurich. In 2016, Philippe Meunier, a certified expert from Franconville, valued the car at 145,000 €, and obtained an official identification certificate from the factory. Its odometer is now reading just under 46,900km (29,140 miles) and the car is in good overall condition. The leather trim has been very well preserved, with the option of quilted leather on the headlining and rear parcel shelf. On test, we found the engine to be operating normally. A general service was carried out at the end of August, including the replacement of the cambelt and all four tyres.