1997 Ferrari 550 Maranello

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 stowage 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 1997 Ferrari 550 Maranello in right-hand drive and with a manual gear-box. In the striking combination of Argento Nurburgring Silver paint and Bordeaux Red leather, this car is a fine example. Delivered new to Maranello Sales Ltd. of Egham in Surrey, the car is accompanied by a comprehensive service history. The original servicing schedule booklet, which forms part of a complete book-pack housed in a Ferrari leather-bound wallet, shows a full complement of stamps. These service stamps are from main dealers and for the last ten years - the period of time for which our conscientious vendor has owned the car - are from the very reputable marque specialist Neal Lucas Sports Cars of Camberley. Neal's close and regular association with this car has meant it has always been well-maintained, with required parts or servicing suggested on a proactive basis over the years, meaning the car is in fine health and performs particular strongly. A recent comprehensive service, including cam-belts, was carried out in February 2016 at 52,478 miles. All of this work is backed up by a large file of invoices and a complete series of old MoT certificates, helping validate the current mileage of 55,600.

The car has been enjoyed and driven, as these GT cars were designed to do, but has been fastidiously maintained and garaged by our vendor for the last ten years. 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.